Aled Jones is acting as co-manager to a new choir boy trio who have just landed a £500,000 deal with Universal Classics. The three members of the group, to be known as The Choirboys, were recruited after being spotted performing in their respective school choirs. Each member is just 12 years old, and has spent most of his summer holiday working on a debut album, which apparently includes choral music like 'Ave Maria' and interpretations of more contemporary music like Eric Clapton's 'Tears In Heaven'.
Commenting on his latest signing, Universal Classics general manager Dickon Stainer told reporters: "Choir schools are a special world and they have been struggling to keep boys coming through the doors in the age of the PlayStation. We think this group will have a huge impact on people's perceptions of choristers and choir schools. We think they will reach the pop charts." Pop charts for the Choirboys? Quite possible. Credibility boost for the genre at large? Ambitious.
Either way, Jones will presumably be able to pass on much needed advice to the Choirboys as they combine chart topping success with school yard ridicule - Jones, of course, achieved his own fame and fortune as the teenage choir boy who provided the 'Walking In The Air' theme to that legendary, erm, British Gas commercial. On his role in managing the new choirboy pop sensation, Jones told reporters: "I'm advising them and being part of their team - I've been there and done it myself. They are really great, fun loving lads and enjoying all this, [but] I think they've enjoyed more having a haircut and a suit than the recording process. First of all I'd tell them to shy away from all that child stardom business: all that teeth and tap shoes. Keep it real, I think."