Simon Casey will launch his new album, On Song, as part of the Samaritans Christmas Concert in the Franciscan Friary, Athlone, on Thursday night, 11 December. The Offaly man will perform with the Army Band during this special celebration night taking place in the church beside the banks of the Shannon.

This is the first album release since 2007 for the former You’re a Star contestant, who has released a string of singles in the last few years. It also marks a new milestone, as the 15-track collection is full of big ballads and inspiring tunes from a wide range of genres, including show-stopping musical hits, rock anthems and choral classics.

“These songs have all meant something to me over the years and they get a great reaction when I perform them, so I wanted to share them with my fans,” he says.

“I have felt for a long time that I needed to do an album like this. I am very pleased with how it has transpired and I want to thank Joe Egan in Clara who produced it for me.

“This album allows me to showcase a whole variety of songs. I am fortunate that I love music from so many genres and that always allows you great scope. Some of my previous singles, like Another Day Gone, have been in the country vein. Good music will always be good music, no matter what the genre.”

Songs featuring on the album include All I Ask of You, You Raise Me Up and Lilac Wine.

Simon is also delighted to have included two live tracks recorded at a gig he did in St Colmcille’s Church in Kells, Co Meath.

He performs Declan O’Rourke’s Galileo and the Leonard Cohen favourite Hallelujah, which got 280,000 hits on YouTube.

“It’s easy to produce a good sound when you record in a studio. I wanted to give people a listen to our live sound and I think it fits in perfectly with the rest of the album.”

Simon, who is in big demand for weddings and others shows, hopes to return to the theatre circuit with some intimate shows in the coming months. He was part of the Reeling in the 60s shows with the Swarbriggs and others, that toured the country during the summer.

“I really enjoyed the atmosphere of those shows and got a special buzz from the rapport with the audiences, who loved what we were doing.”

Simon’s decision to launch his new album at the Samaritans Christmas Concert is seen by many as a most generous gesture in support of an organisation that does so much good work and is blessed with the most caring of volunteers.

“The annual Samaritans Christmas Concert is a special night in Athlone. I love performing in the Friary Church. The sense of reverence, respect and devotion is palpable. The people of the region are tremendously supportive and there is always a capacity audience. It is such a privilege to perform there.

“I will be singing songs from the album with the Army Band of the Second Brigade. I first performed with the Army Band at the same venue five years ago. The guests on the night include the Moate Community School All Island Choir champions, fresh from their amazing victory in Belfast. We were all so thrilled for them here in Offaly and Westmeath. The Athlone Pipe Band will also feature on the night. Cathal Murray from RTÉ will compere the concert which gets underway at 8pm,” says Simon.

On Song will be available to purchase on the night of the launch, with proceeds from the sales going to The Samaritans. It will also be available in selected stores and for download from iTunes on the week of the launch. More information on www.simoncasey.ie

* Tickets for the Christmas concert and album launch are available from the Friary office in Athlone and possibly at the door on the night.