WEST DEVON tenor Tyrone Piper has released his first album, which will be available in shops from the new year and available online.
Last year he won Atlantic FM radio station's talent contest, as a result of which he met music producer Gareth Young, with whom he has recorded the album, entitled 'Amato.' Gareth, from Bere Alston, is renowned for his work with The Sugar Babes and All Saints.
The title 'Amato' is taken from the Italian for loved, the closest translation Tyrone could find to the word cherished. It reflects his memory of a dear departed friend.
Tyrone, with the help of accompanist David Williams and Gareth, has styled a selection of songs from the popular and classical genres for the album, using orchestration provided by the London Telefilmonic Orchestra, better known for television themes such as Foyle's War and Midsomer Murders.
It includes a cover of the song 'Chasing Cars', his rendition of the little-known Roy Orbison number 'Walk On', 'Nessun Dorma', 'Che Gelida Manina' and 'She's Always a Woman'.
'The idea was to keep the album simple and honest, paying attention to the meaning and emotion of each song, not to the commercial expectations of the industry.' said Tyrone.
Tyrone said he has had 'loads of orders' from the USA and also from Australia via the internet.
In 2007 Tyrone was one of 15 singers from throughout Europe chosen to take part in master classes organised by The New Devon Opera Company, where he has learned from tenor Jose Cura. For the last five years he has also studied at Dartington College with Ian Comboy, former teacher of tenor Paul Potts.
The album is available online at http://www.tyronepiper.com">www.tyronepiper.com. Soft Touch embroidery shop in Pannier Market Road in Tavistock has copies for sale and Tyrone is also selling them in Tavistock Market on Thursdays and Fridays.