DESCRIPTION:
PeRFECT WORDS & MUSIC

Email: thepac@btinternet.com

This is the Billy Elliot Broadway Cast of 2010 recording of a song I wrote and first released 20 years ago. In the absence of an accompanying video, I have tagged onto it some snaps from my personal collection.

The UK press release now follows:

Exactly 20 years since it was released by Phil Murray, the song Another Geordie Christmas has been recorded by the Broadway Cast of Billy Elliot in the USA, for the charity Broadway Cares, Equity Fights Aids. Using a 14 piece orchestra and 24 professional singers, the production is a far cry from that originally recorded by Phil in his home studio at Hexham House in Tynemouth during 1990.

"I was recording an album called PLUS, when I decided to write a totally unrelated song about my memories of Family Christmases gone by. It was all about Christ's Church in North Shields, Grandmas, Granddads, Lindisfarne and Football. I had just returned to live in Tynemouth after many years away, so the feeling was strong and that sentiment came over in the song," said Phil. "the single, with its Christmas card cover, sold more than the album PLUS!"

Since 1988, this charity has raised over $195 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. Last year it awarded funds to some organisations in Durham, reflecting the Billie Elliot connection.

"I got a call out of the blue from the organiser, Eric Gunhus, one of the Billy Elliot cast members, asking if they could use the song," continued Phil, "and of course if I would donate all of the proceeds to charity. I agreed; what a great idea! Each show on Broadway contributes a relevant song to a Christmas CD, which then goes on sale purely for charity. Maybe we can get the West End production in London to cover the song for next Christmas?"

The work of Broadway Cares, Equity Fights Aids, can be seen at: http://www.broadwaycares.org

The CD can also be bought online at that address.

"Eric Gunhus and I worked on the lyrics for this new version, to make it more relevant to the American market, and of course the Billy Elliot show. Everyone is really pleased with the outcome."

Phil Murray, who also appeared in Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Spender with Jimmy Nail, has recently returned to the music business after 17 years writing books on the subject of human potential. He was also the Labour Party candidate for the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency in the 2005 general election. He moved to the United States and on his return to the United Kingdom, decided to live in Poole for family connection reasons. "Dad had a shop on the corner of Coburg Street and Tynemouth Road, in North Shields for many years, called Phil's General Dealers; I only wish I could have woven that into the new lyrics. Memories of Tynemouth High School, a packed open air salt water swimming pool with a water temperature of 49 degrees, pony rides on The Long Sands; maybe stories for another song!"