It has been a long road for Alan Roche, 73 of Capalaba, but a road worth singing about.
So making The Long Road the title of his first CD was an obvious choice and inspired by one of the tracks Down the Road, by Troy Cassar-Daley and Don Walker.
Alan said he decided to create a CD of 10 songs, inspired by involvement in the Redland City Choir and particularly conductor Anita Taylor since 2014.
He said this involvement and subsequent learning to read music had given him confidence, once shattered as a youth.
“In 1966, with dreams of stardom, I entered a pub talent quest,” he said.
“The judges were not impressed and did not hold back in their criticism. My confidence was shattered and I could not sing publicly for many years.”
Alan said he had also been helped by fellow choir members Athol Huth and Jim Pollock and could now sing harmonies.
“I’ve had lessons with Anita and I thought ‘why not try?’. This has been a labour of love,” he said.
The Long Road was recorded at the Sparrow Sound Studio in Birkdale helped by Steve Sparrow who provided instrumental backing and sound engineering, Anita Taylor who played keyboard and viola and back up vocalist Kate West.
Songs include Sing, All of Me, Who’s Sorry Now, Right Now, I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her and Blue Moon.
Alan said the songs reflected his life’s experience, as a sergeant in the army (1972 to 1993) and then working with Ace Driving School.
Proceeds of the sale of the CD support the choir’s charitable arm and Parkinson’s Queensland Inc.
“That’s part of the journey. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2019 and work with the Redlands Parkinson Support group.”
The CD retails for $20 and can be purchased by phoning Alan on 0437 877 905 or [email protected].
