A GROUP of Wirral primary school children will get a taste of chart success this week after appearing on a hit album.

Bidston Avenue's school choir feature on four tracks on the new album by Wirral musician, Bill Ryder-Jones, which was released on Friday to glowing reviews. 

Iechyd Da is the former Coral guitarist's fifth solo album and was recorded at Bill's Yawn studios in West Kirby where he has recently been producing the likes of Mick Head, Gerry Love and Saint Saviour.

Back in December 2022, Bill’s manager contacted the choir’s musical director, Amy Chalmers, asking if they would like to take part.

Ten children then learned the songs and headed to Bidston Observatory to record them.

"They had a fabulous time," said Amy. "They were delighted to meet Bill and some of them even had The Coral albums for him to sign at the end of the session. 

"The school received a kind donation from Bill’s record label, Domino, towards school funds in return for their participation, as well as a copy of the album on vinyl which will be proudly displayed in school."

Wirral Globe: Bidston Observatory where the choir from Bidston Avenue Primary School recorded their parts for Bill Ryder-Jones' new album Bidston Observatory where the choir from Bidston Avenue Primary School recorded their parts for Bill Ryder-Jones' new album (Image: Bidston Avenue Primary School)

Bill's first new record in five years, Iechyd Da, has been described as the 40-year-old's  "most ambitious LP to date".

“It’s my most produced record,” said Bill. “It’s basically me carrying on with myself again, but this time around I’m a bit more competent as a producer.”

Wirral Globe: Iechyd Da by Bill Ryder-Jones Iechyd Da by Bill Ryder-Jones (Image: Domino)

“I just thought I'd throw the kitchen sink in and get some kids as well,” he said of the decision to use the children from Bidston Avenue. “It was such a sweet day with them - quite moving. It's quite funny when kids sing because you can tell they're just tapped into the energy and not the sound."

The name of the album means good health in Welsh; “Over the years my music has lost a bit of its hope I reckon,” added Bill.

“It was important for me to make a record that had more hope in it. Even by my standards the last few years have been rocky, but I’ve chosen to soundtrack it with more positive music, you know?”