A singer of talent (From Penarth Times)

A singer of talent

A DISABLED Penarth singer who has wowed the world of opera for years has finally released a CD.

David Lloyd, of Windsor Terrace, who restarted his singing career a decade ago, has a recording out called "Songs, Old and New'.

He said: "The CD has opera on it as well as classic songs such as Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Memory'. I wanted to do an album which catered for more than just opera fans."

David's singing prowess is just one of his many talents. As a young man he hoped to become a sports star, but a knee injury at the age of 20 ended his career.

He then turned to teaching, but after retirement concentrated mainly on singing and writing. All the songs on the album were recorded at David's home, with Jean Randall at the piano, but this did not go without hitches.

David said: "I have what is known as a true bass voice which is very deep in sound. This caused problems for the studio recording because it affected the speakers. The sound recordist's earphones shook like a cartoon character's."

He added: "There is often a problem with my voice because it is such a true bass sound."

His voice is internationally recognised by leading critics and fellow singers.

John Steane, an international critic for such publications as Gramophone Magazine, said: "I enjoyed the depth, which is exceptional. These days it is unusual and the upper range is remarkable."

In Penarth David is a member of the Penarth Choir and performs around the area often for charity.

David has sung all over the world, including the operatic hotbeds of Italy and Spain. As an author he has penned a book called Hope Fulfilled about a world-renowned opera singer and his life.

The sequel is being finished at the moment.

'Songs Old and New' is available from Windsor Book Shop or directly from David on 02920 708277. CD's cost £6.99 and cassettes £4.99.