Busy Aled's walking on air of success

Oct 2 2002 By Helen Harper, Bangor And Anglesey Mail

WITH a new album released later this month, things couldn't be better for Aled Jones.

Aled, who comes originally from Llandegfan, came to the attention of the public when he was just 12 years old and is best remembered for his rendition of W alking in the Air.

Today, he is as busy as ever,presenting BBC 1's Songs of Praise, and has just signed a five album deal with Universal Classics, which is the home of Bryn Terfel and Russell Watson.

N o w, at the age of 31, and a father to sevenmonthold Emelia, Aled took time from his busy schedule to talk to the Mail.

"I love presenting Songs of Praise, I've been doing it for two years now. It takes five days to make one programme so you really get to know an area. I've just come back from the Falklands for a programme on Remembrance Sunday,soI really get to see the world," he said.

Aled is currently preparing to record his first live show in 14 years, when he appears at St David's Hall in Cardiff on October 4.

The show, entitled Aled and Friends is being presented in association with the Noah's Ark Appeal, and will be broadcast for a BBC Songs of Praise special on October 13, featuring Claire Sweeney, Julian Lloyd Webber, Bond, Roisin O'Reilly and the Llanelli Male Voice Choir.

The performance will also be a showcase for the new album, entitled Aled, which will be released on October 14.

In fact, Aled is particularly busy at the moment as he has just signed a contract to present the 7am to 9am slot on Classical FM.

He continued: "I start in mid-October and will be presenting it for the next two years. I will also be continuing with my 10am to 11am Sunday slot on BBC Radio Wales where I have interviewed the likes of Judi Dench.

"For the future, I want the album to be successful because I have put a lot of time into it, and I'm looking forwardtostarting with Classical FM. The album will be the first of five."

When asked if he would be holding a concert locally, he said: "We'll see. I come back to see my parents, so watch this space!"