Aled Jones was recently in Australia promoting his brand new duet album One Voice- a unique concept, as the album is a collection of songs with Aled dueting with his none other than his younger self! We caught up with Aled in Sydney to talk about the album, the chance discovery of these youthful recordings and his upcoming Australian tour this October.
Aled explains it all happened at home with his parents in Wales over a glass of wine and reminiscing about his past albums, where his father happened to mention there was an album that was never released. And there it was- upstairs in an airing cupboard “sandwiched between Spiderman pants” and gathering dust for 30 years. Upon listening to the recordings Aled discovered that it was really some of his best singing. Being fifteen and a half it was at a time where his voice was really powerful and he immediately felt “like I should do something with it”. A year later he was “in” the studio with his younger self and the moment both voices sung together it “just jelled”. And so was born album number 31!
We also talked about Aled’s unique career progression. Determined to not rest on “Little Aled’s laurels” he has made himself, self-described, a “jack of all trades but master of none” (although we would dispute the latter!). As well as continuing on with a very successful singing career, Aled is also now a familiar face on television- including Songs of Praise and hosting the very much beloved Escape to the Country.
Aled also chatted to us about working with the Australia’s “true star” Dame Joan Sutherland– the only time he had to audition for a part, and reflecting back on the significance of THAT SONG Walking in the Air. We were also treated to a fun story about his short stint as a seiyu (or voice actor) in Japan, and even got a exclusive demonstration of his Japanese Hansel and Gretel!
Finally Aled gave us all the details of the exciting plans for the Australian “One Voice” tour later this October in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Our number one question though? How is he going to duet LIVE with “little Aled”?
Big Aled’s answer?
“You’ll have to come along and find out”.
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One Voice is available now from the Decca Records label. Details about the national tour this October are available here livenation.com.au
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