The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Young singer’s ‘tears of joy’ over collaboration
MUSIC: Late star’s guitarist performed alongside teenager for school show
A young Amy Winehouse fan said she cried with joy after getting the chance to perform alongside the late singer’s guitarist.
Livi Alana, from Perth, sang a cover of 2017 hit Tears Dry On Their Own as part of her school’s virtual end-of-year concert.
Musician Robin Banerjee, who played guitar on the Grammy Award-winning Back To Black album, was so impressed with the 13-year-old’s voice he agreed to collaborate with her.
A video of the performance, featuring a choir of some of Livi’s school friends, has been posted online as part of Bertha Park School’s spring concert.
Livi’s music teacher, Jason Blyth, contacted Robin to see if he would be interested in recording with her and sent him a clip of the S2 pupil performing a Harry Styles song.
The guitarist “agreed on the spot” after hearing the youngster sing.
He said: “It’s a really nice feeling to know that in these challenging times people are making music and if I can assist in the development and encouragement of our next generation in fulfilling their dreams of doing what they love then I’m delighted to be able to assist in that.
“I’m really impressed by Livi, her flexibility to pick one of the hardest Amy Winehouse songs there is and taking it on with real gusto.
“I totally see her enjoying singing for many years to come and becoming professional if she and her family chooses that option. The choir was amazing too, they smashed it.”
Livi said: “Even when I received the call saying I was going to be working with Robin Banerjee, I cried with happiness and that never happens.
“It means so much more because Amy is who I always looked up to the most and is my favourite artist without doubt. I would never have expected to be involved in a video with Robin… for him to notice my singing and my fellow schoolmates is just amazing.”
Throughout lockdown, Bertha Park
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I cried with happiness and that never happens. LIVI ALANA
High School has been showcasing its performers in what would have been its Spring Concert through virtual concerts on Youtube.
Also singing on the track are choir members Kirsty Duff, Ben Jarvis, Daniel Galloway, Rona Barber-stuart, Imogen Ferguson and Jess Northover.
Bertha Park head teacher Stuart Clyde said: “We are absolutely delighted that Livi has been given this opportunity. She has a wonderful talent and it is fabulous that she is able to showcase it with Robin’s help.
“The pupils in the school choir have been hugely supportive and contributed brilliantly to the finished recording. Jason Blyth, our head of music, co-ordinated the entire project, recording everyone virtually and piecing it all together during the school closures.
“It’s wonderful that something so joyful can come out of such a difficult time and we hope this gives Livi the exposure she needs to take her music to the next level.”