Music Projects recorded at Shabbey Road

Select a project below for an insight to the process of recording different types of music. We hope you find them interesting and enjoyable - we certainly did!

C.U.S.C.
Don't Walk in Front of Me
A Jewish choir as you've never heard them before!
This collaboration of the celebrated Cardiff Synagogue choir with South African choirmaster, Ivan Margolis and Al & Nigel's arrangements of traditional Hebrew music.

This produced a stunning album containing an exciting blend of musical influences from around the world.

Bassist Steve Richardson is featured on Chapman Stick - a unique instrument incorporating elements of both bass & guitar. It makes a wonderful ethnic sound for this track.

The first mix of this had Ivan jumping out of the chair as the quiet opening suddenly erupted into ear-blasting rhythm!

Orchestration: Al Steele
Drums: Ian Williams
Bass: Al Steele
Keyboards: Nigel Hart
Chapman Stick: Steve Richardson
The Shabbey Road Chamber Orchestra
(String Leader: Richard Mainwaring)

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Sarah Spencer
ONE DAY

I have never met American singer/songwriter Sarah Spencer. We talk, compose, and record, via e-mail, phone, and Fedex!

I think Sarah is one of the most talented writers and vocalists on the planet, so I felt honoured when she asked me to produce this song. She shows great originality in her writing.

A couple of times I was scratching my head trying to figure out her chords. I wanted to introduce a sort of gospel feeling , but also keep a sense of 'unfinished business' within the orchestration. Trying to communicate these ideas transatlantically, would prove to be difficult, especially the crossfade between two keys to finish. In the end I had to utter those immortal words.."trust me"!

On the strength of this song she was contacted by Steve Morse (The Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple) and they are now very close to a major record deal.
Oh, and when Sarah wrote this song she was 14 years old!!!

Composition: Sarah Spencer
Orchestration & Production: Al Steele
Drums & Drum Loop: Ian Williams
Bass, Guitars & Programming: Al Steele
Keyboards: Nigel Hart
Backing Vocals:
Lyn Ritchie, Tina Murphy and Al Steele
Lead Vocals & Middle 8 Harmony: Sarah Spencer
The Shabbey Road Chamber Orchestra
(String Leader: Richard Mainwaring)

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The Official WRU Album 2005
BREAD OF HEAVEN WALES FOREVER

Released as a celebratory single after Wales' historic Grand Slam Victory and featuring Welsh singer Paul Child, this was a labour of love for rugby fan Nigel. Every time Paul has been asked to sing the anthem at an international, Wales has won, so he was the ideal person to sing on the official WRU album which was recorded at Shabbey Road during October and released in time for the 2005 Autumn internationals. Nigel and Al orchestrated some classic Welsh songs and there were rumours about a hint of a Welsh accent creeping into Al's Aussie drawl by the end of the project!

Orchestration & Production: Nigel Hart
Drums: Paul Smith
Bass & Guitars: Al Steele
Keyboards: Nigel Hart
Cor Yr Hen Blwyf Male Voice Choir
Welsh TV Choir
Lead Vocals : Paul Child
The Shabbey Road Chamber Orchestra
(String Leader: Richard Mainwaring)

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