Precious Wishes Going For A Song
One of the stars of TV’s McPhail & Gadsby April Phillips has released her debut album in a bid to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New
Zealand .
The Wellington based actress/singer/playwright was so moved by the work of the charity which grants the wishes of
children with life-threatening illnesses that she resolved to use her talent to create an album of jazz music and donate
100% of the proceeds to the Foundation.
How Did It All Come About?
After the success of her award-winning show “Blue Eyes” at Circa Theatre last year, April was encouraged to record an
album. She wanted a better reason than profit or self-promotion and she had been considering for sometime what she might
do to promote a children’s charity.
Although its nothing new for singers to lend their voices to a good cause (think Band Aid or even the new Kiwi album
“Triumph” currently supporting the Breast Cancer Research Trust), there is usually a wealthy international artist or
recording company behind it. April has self-funded this professional recording for the sole purpose of raising money on
a national scale.
Although self-funded, there has been no compromise on quality and professionalism. The recording was carried out at the
Massey Conservatorium of Music and Matrix Digital Studios in Wellington . It was engineered and mastered by Phil Adams
of Matrix Digital.
One of the most exciting aspects of the album is that it features some of the finest jazz musicians in the country.
Johnny Lippiett on sax, Norman Meehan on Piano, Keyboards and Organ, Lance Philip on drums, James Cameron on double bass
and Phillips’ musician husband Murray Thompson plays guitar on one of the tracks.
April says “ Johnny Lippiett plays a scorching sax on this album. He is one of the hottest musicians around and
unfortunately he’s heading back to his home base in England at the end of the year. He’s already experienced
international success and he’s headed for even bigger and better things. I am so lucky that Johnny and the others have
lent their wonderful talent to this recording”.
The album is an intimate recording of well-loved jazz standards, the exception being one contemporary Eagles love
ballad. Sincerely and lovingly performed, these songs evoke romance and tenderness.
Who is April Phillips
April was one of the stars of TV’s McPhail & Gadsby in the late ‘90s. Her other TV credits include TV’s “Duggan”, “First Impressions” and “Cover Story”. She has
been a regular comedienne with acclaimed troupe “Hens Teeth”. She is also the award-winning writer and producer of her
own plays.
April gained worldwide attention at the age of 17 when she appeared opposite HRH The Prince Edward in a production of
“Charley’s Aunt”.
What is the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Zealand ?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Zealand strives to grant the one cherished wish of each child between the ages of 3
and 18 years who has a life-threatening illness. Having a wish come true is magic for a child, especially a child who is
ill. For the family, it is a time to create special memories to cherish forever.
The goal of the Foundation is to provide memories of joy and laughter and to take the child out of a difficult and
painful experience if only for a short time.
A wish can be as grand as a child’s imagination can dream.
“It means so much to these special and brave children to have a wish come true. Whether its having an early birthday
party, meeting a much loved celebrity, or even going off to Australia to have a walk-on part in their favourite TV show
(yes, they did this for one little girl). Every person who purchases a copy of the album is helping to make a child’s
wish come true, and that’s a wonderful thing.” April
Initially, the album can be ordered on April’s website http://www.aprilphillips.com, but it may become available in stores if demand is great enough.
For more information about April Phillips or to hear a sample of the album, visit http://www.aprilphillips.com