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Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
Last post Sat, May 10 2008, 4:30 PM by Sparkle. 69 replies.
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 Mon, Mar 24 2008, 12:17 PM |
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sicklizard
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Joined on 04-25-2005
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The soggy part of England
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Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
GEOFF SEWELL'S SOLO ALBUM - BELEIVE 
GEOFF SEWELL, the charismatic creator and founding member of the world’s first opera band, Amici forever, is set to release his dynamic, long-awaited solo album. The album - called BELIEVE - will be in stores in Australia on April 11 and in New Zealand on April 14 – the day his beautiful daughter Sienna turns five. This is a very symbolic day, as Sienna is the reason his life changed so dramatically two years ago when she was diagnosed with autism. He has spent that time focusing on his young family and the things that matter most to him in life. His music is one of them. BELIEVE is a compilation of songs that he loves plus one very special one, written by his wife and business partner Simone called Sienna’s Song. Proceeds of this song will go to families afflicted by autism. “The songs are personal, inspirational, classic and fun. They are a collection of great songs that have inspired me on my journey so far,” Geoff says. The New Zealand born tenor, based in London, has been singing professionally for 11 years. The album reflects his international recording history and performing experience around the world, as well as his deep affection for his homeland. It has been a labour of love for Geoff, a consummate professional who settles for nothing but the absolute best. Geoff recorded the orchestra in Prague and the choir in London. The album is produced by Nick Patrick, widely considered the ‘master’ of classical crossover music. Patrick has worked with artists like Russell Watson, Katherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra, and says Geoff has a remarkable talent. The album is a little bit pop, a little bit opera.... but it’s one hundred percent Geoff Sewell. The good looking and charming Kiwi is excited, “It’s a dream come true for me. Not that long ago, I was a chartered accountant working in a bank and I longed to be a professional singer. Now, a few years on, I am actually doing it, and this time on my own!” says Geoff. For those people not in New Zealand or Australia it will be possible to buy his album online and download tracks at www.geoffsewell.co.uk Source: OS
Your attitude determines your altitude in life
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| Mon, Mar 24 2008, 2:52 PM |
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patcaz
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Joined on 12-29-2003
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Isle of Wight, UK
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
What absolutely wonderful news, we have all been waiting (very) patiently and now we just have a few more days to wait. Sienna's Song - what a treat I am sure this will be - a guaranteed box of tissues moment no doubt. Good Luck to Geoff, Simone, Sienna and Olivia I am sure that sales will go through the roof.
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| Mon, Mar 24 2008, 9:11 PM |
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LuxeShirl
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Joined on 01-29-2007
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Covington, Ga, USA
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Posts 400
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
I can't wait - I'm really excited. Even though I'll have to order it online!
Shirl
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| Wed, Mar 26 2008, 5:22 AM |
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Paola
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Joined on 05-05-2004
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Melbourne, Australia
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
Fantastic! Congratulations and my best wishes for its success. (and for once us Aussies dont have to wait til last!!! )
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| Wed, Mar 26 2008, 9:03 AM |
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FLOWER
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Joined on 04-01-2004
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Sydney, Australia
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
Oh the excitement of it all .... I can hardly contain myself!! Good luck Geoff!
 ~Lily~ First Sydney Ammiratore and "A Usual Suspect" "If music be the food of love, play on"
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| Wed, Mar 26 2008, 11:20 AM |
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sicklizard
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Joined on 04-25-2005
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The soggy part of England
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Posts 2,109
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
It is indeed very exciting and we're all bouncing off the walls in anticipation of the launch now! Keep posted for more news, updates, reports and maybe a few treats too! 
Your attitude determines your altitude in life
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| Sat, Mar 29 2008, 6:56 PM |
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Paola
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Joined on 05-05-2004
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Melbourne, Australia
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
Great album cover also - I hope the album is a great success. Congratulations Geoff and Simone.
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| Sat, Apr 12 2008, 2:52 AM |
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ceedee
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Joined on 01-26-2007
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Sydney
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
It's here it's great bring on the tissues
Ceedee alive well and always kicking
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| Sat, Apr 12 2008, 7:40 PM |
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Paola
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Joined on 05-05-2004
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Melbourne, Australia
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
I will hopefully be buying it today - just had a listen to the songs you've posted on your Myspace - absolutely wonderful - congratulations!!
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| Sat, Apr 12 2008, 11:06 PM |
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timetraveller
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Joined on 04-24-2004
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Coastal Victoria Australia
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
Will try to get a copy next week when I go to Melbourne for Kobe's Birthday bash. Best of luck and every success Geoff (and Simone) And I hope all of Our Amici have incredible success pursuing their personal career goals as Geoff has done.
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| Sun, Apr 13 2008, 2:23 PM |
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sicklizard
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Joined on 04-25-2005
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The soggy part of England
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Posts 2,109
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Re: Geoff Sewell's Solo Album - BELIEVE!
Glad to hear you're enjoying the album Ceedee, I'm thinking of buying shares in tissue sales though!! Hope you're all managing to get copies and enjoying - it's New Zealand turn for launch tomorrow (14th) which is also Sienna's 5th birthday of course! By the way, as Paola mentioned, there are two sample songs from the album up on Geoff's Myspace page now, which you can listen to by clicking HERE You can also read two beautiful articles about "Sienna's Song" on Geoff's news page at ClassicalX by clicking HERE
Your attitude determines your altitude in life
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| Wed, Apr 16 2008, 3:35 AM |
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sicklizard
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Joined on 04-25-2005
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The soggy part of England
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Articles about Sienna's Song
Songs For Sienna
Geoff Sewell had rock star good looks, a towering voice and music business clout. But he's recently parked his own ambitions to create a better life for his 5 year old autistic daughter. He talks to Belinda Henley about life with Sienna and getting back to the music.
At first glance, Geoff Sewell's life looks charmed. He's happily married to Victoria University sweetheart Simone (from Thames), has two beautiful daughters, runs a multi-million-dollar international business and has a voice that makes women go weak at the knees. He's also, quite possibly, one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. But scratch the surface and you quickly learn Sewell's zest and unabashed positivism is a direct result of the difficulties life has thrown at him. The 35 year old lives by the mantra, "Life is a daring adventure or nothing". Hawke's Bay born and raised (He was Havelock North head prefect), Sewell was working as a chartered accountant, when the tragic asthmatic death of his 22 year old sister Julie prompted a life re-evaluation. Out went the 9-to-5 balance-sheet slog and in came the determination to follow his one true dream: music. Singing practice wasn't the favourite pastime of the former boy soprano, but a mix of passion and sheer hard work saw him accepted into the prestigious Boston Conservatory of Music. And after finishing his US studies he moved to London in 1997 where he and wife Simone, gathered together a "troupe of singing waiters" - Tenors Incognito. The singers were actually young West End tenors and divas who between musical study, performance and waiting on tables while they waited for fame, were hired out to entertain at functions, parties and concerts. The impresario business took off evolving into Incognito Artists, now multi-million-dollar performance marketing company with offices in London, Edinburgh, New York and Auckland. Simultaneously Geoff and Simone spotted a gap in the classical crossover market. Recruiting four good-looking, classically-trained singers to partner with Geoff they formed the worlds first "pop opera" band, Amici Forever, which lead to intensive international touring and million-selling chart topping albums. But at the height of the Amici frenzy, on November 22 2005 - Sewell has the dreaded date burned in his brain - the couples eldest daughter, Sienna, was diagnosed as autistic. "We didn't know too much about the condition, and touring constantly with the band we didn't have much contact with other children. We took Sienna to the doctor to check some behavioural issues and poor speech development - and got the bombshell," he reveals. Told that stability, family support and routine was all-important in helping an autistic child, in January 2006, Geoff quit Amici Forever. He surrendered all ownership rights to the hugely successful concept group to throw everything at caring for Sienna. "We heard 80 per cent of marriages break up after an autism diagnosis, we didn't want that to be us," Sewell says. The last two years have not been easy, but the payback has been dramatic. The family has spent £180,000 on biomedical therapists, specialists and supplements. the couple, with professional help, run a gruelling 33-hours a week schedule of ABA (applied behavioural analysis) therapy with Sienna - and the results, says Sewell, have been "revelatory. We've seen benefits in so many ways. She's a completely different child. With a strict diet, culled of all wheat, dairy, and processed foods, and a regime of nutritional supplements she's happier, reading, writing, engaging and her tantrums are almost gone" Sewell confesses he too is healthier since embarking on a complete reinvention. "Our heads are in a better place." Throughout Sienna's treatment he kept singing - "my absolute passion" - at select Incognito gigs, for special clients including, Princes William and Harry, Cliff Richard, The Beckhams and Richard Branson. And, all the while as he watched his daughter progress he nursed a background ache to return to recording and do a solo album. "Doing the solo thing is far more conducive to family life because the kids [including 2 year-old Olivia] and Simone can travel with me and I can dictate just where I want to go," Sewell explains. His debut solo album Believe - named for "the journey our family has been on" - was recorded at the Shine studios in the fields of Wiltshire, from which top UK producer Nick Patrick has delivered award-winning albums for artists including Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye, Russell Watson and Hayley Westenra. Sewell spent a month recording the album, making a daily three hour commute from his West Hampstead home to the studio and back each evening, to ensure quality "Sienna time", Choosing the songs for the album was pretty easy, he says, they are, simply, his favourites - "really personal, warm, vibrant and fun, songs that have inspired me. There are songs from Elvis, Sinatra, big operatic numbers and lots in between." He's self-funded the album, recording the orchestra in Prague and a choir in London: "I've dropped a heck of a lot of money on the project, if I never sell one album, you know what, it's been an amazing experience. But do I want to sell millions? Absolutely." Back in new Zealand, late in the summer, a relaxed and happy Sewell gambolled on the Campbells Bay beach with his wife and children. He revealed plans to tour here soon, to maybe buy a house and to take Sienna, who turns five tomorrow, (April 14) to Disneyland for her birthday. He also spoke humbly of the overwhelming support the family had received from autism specialist, nutritionists and well wishers from new Zealand. "We have felt so much love and support from home. It's been a truly rewarding experience." So much so that Sewell recorded Sienna's Song, written by Simone, on Believe and royalties from that song will go to Autism Auckland to help local families struggling with the condition. Clearly, there's no keeping this good man down and, no matter what the adversity, Geoff Sewell is only just getting started: "When I consider the number of songs I've had to scrap for this album, " he says with a beaming smile, "there are definitely a lot more to come." Source: 'View magazine in the Herald on Sunday'
Sienna's song a lesson in hopeKiwi opera star Geoff Sewell says his autistic daughter has made a stunning improvement after a damning diagnosis by doctors and he is encouraging other parents not to despair. The London-based tenor, who left the successful opera group Amici Forever in 2006 when his then two-year-old daughter Sienna was diagnosed, has set up a foundation for Kiwi parents of autistic children and is donating part of the proceeds of his new solo album, Believe, to the cause. He and his wife, Simone Lanham, co-wrote "Sienna's Song" on the album and say it's about giving parents hope. Sewell said Sienna, who turns five tomorrow, had already been at school in the UK for six months and her progress was "awesome". When Sienna was diagnosed, doctors told Sewell and Lanham that it was unlikely she would ever be able to speak, go to school, get married or have children. Sewell says Sienna is speaking and learning, with the help of a one-on-one teacher aide in the classroom, and is making normal eye contact. Autism is a disorder of no known cause and people with it are often unable to communicate or interact socially with others. The couple has just returned from a three-day autism conference in Philadelphia and said world experts spoke of the importance of a gluten and dairy-free detoxing diet and use of a therapy known as applied behaviour analysis to understand and change a child's behaviour. They also met television star and former Playboy playmate Jenny McCarthy, who wrote a book about her son's autism. The conference also heard debate about suggested links between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The parents of Hannah Poling, a nine-year-old Atlanta girl, have won a case for compensation after authorities accepted their claim that vaccines contributed to the development of her autism. She was developing normally until she received a series of nine vaccines when she was 18 months old, after which she rapidly deteriorated. Autism affects about one in 150 New Zealand children and numbers are increasing although there is debate about whether the prevalence is increasing or just awareness and diagnosis. Source: Sunday Star Times
Your attitude determines your altitude in life
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| Wed, Apr 16 2008, 6:30 AM |
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FLOWER
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Joined on 04-01-2004
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Sydney, Australia
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Re: Articles about Sienna's Song
Thanks Jo .... it's great to hear so much good is happening now. Onwards and upwards with BELIEVE!
~Lily~ First Sydney Ammiratore and "A Usual Suspect" "If music be the food of love, play on"
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| Sat, Apr 19 2008, 1:39 AM |
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Paola
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Joined on 05-05-2004
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Melbourne, Australia
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Re: Articles about Sienna's Song
Bought the CD the other day but it took me a few days to get enough quiet time to listen to it without interuption! I do like it very much!!! I didnt look at any of the song list as I wanted to be surprised at every song - and I like every song on its own merit and the way Geoff has interpreted them. He has chosen well to show off all his voice range. My fave? I think maybe, for the moment, its "Torna A Surriento" - I especially like it when the other tenor joins in - it makes it really rich and adds complexity. Sienna's song is also beautiful and will touch any parent especially. (What is the music???) Actually I just like all of them! Well Done Geoff.
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