This song was written by myself and my good friend Nigel Hanson, over 25 years ago. 

It is a setting (obviously!) of the 23rd Psalm, which has always held an important place in my heart.

I learnt today (8/8/13) that it received a commendation in the UK Song writing competition. I always new this song has something. I have also done a TTBB arrangement of it, which I think deserves an airing too.

The 23rd Psalm written by Colin Apple and Nigel Hanson

This setting of the Lord's Prayer was a semi-finalist in the 2013 UK songwriting competition. It was written by myself and song writing partner of old, Nigel Hanson. His exquisite voice is on the recording.

The Lords Prayer written by Colin Apple and Nigel Hanson

'He Hath Made Everything Beautiful' is composed for soprano (or tenor) soloist, double 
choir, orchestra and organ. The orchestral element of the recording was put together using 
synthesizers and sampled sounds. By overdubbing different vocal takes I have been able to 
simulate a choral effect, although major priority was not given to this. Some of the vocal 
lines have yet to be recorded (particularly the bass parts). This recording, however, should 
give a sufficiently good idea as to the final intended outcome.

This piece uses a sublime text from Ecclesiastes. It was chosen for the way it questions 
our linear view of time and makes us think about the magical nature of the present 
moment.


He Hath Made Everything Beautiful

This track forms part of a collection of pieces written for a play by Philip Ayckbourn (son of the well known Sir Alan Ayckbourn, no less), which is a brilliant comic farce set in Marrakech called 'The Essence of Love'. The play is touring the South England during the Summer months of 2010.

Marrakech

This is a further track composed for the play 'The Essence of Love' by Philip Ayckbourn which is touring theaters in Southern England

Infatuation

This is a further track written for the play 'The Essence of Love'. The scene depicts a young woman who has been given a love potion who has become infatuated with an older man. She has no problem winning has attention with an impromptu belly dance.

What's this, a belly dance?

Another track written for the play 'The Essence of Love'. This one uses a sample of an oud, which has it's routes in the East, while the harmonies and instrumentation that surround it are very much more from my own inspirational storehouse.

Musing on Spicy Things

A further track written for 'The Essence of Love', a play by colleague Philip Ayckbourn.

Beautification

A short but heated track from the sexually charged play 'The Essence of Love'. Setting: Marrakech; Characters: four emotionally charged Brits, looking for love. 

Mediterranean Moog

This is the title track written for the play of the same name. I have now included all of the longer tracks written for this dramatic presentation. 

The Essence of Love

This is a setting of Shakespeare's words from The Tempest. It was used as part of a production of the play. Here, my wife Michelle sings.


Come Unto These Yellow Sands

This was written to form part of a 'showreel' for TV and Radio producers. It is written for orchestra with significant parts for harp, piano and ethnic flute. It's name is connected to the fact that the piece employs a number of short motivic ideas which are used in a minimalist 'patchwork' style.

Kaleidoscope

This piece was initially written to accompany parts of a play called "A Thorn in Midsummer" by Philip Ayckbourn. It is a contemporary piece set in Wiltshire, England and has an ancient paganistic idea running through it. There is disquiet amongst the characters whose relationship difficulties are acute and someone has come back to set a right a wrong that was done to him in childhood.

To the Earth 1

While this piece has strong celtic and Irish overtones, the composition and arrangement are firmly rooted in the 21st century. I hope you enjoy the rumbustious ending.

To the Earth 2

This piece is used as the opening sequence in a play by the same name by Philip Ayckbourn. It depicts a young man entering a farm house with revenge in his heart. He returns to his old home, bitter with the memories of mistreatment, but no-one recognizes who he is, not until a harrowing climax where he reveals his identity. It is a hot summer's day and for the moment at least he is alone.

A Thorn in Midsummer

This song was written in response to a request from my good friend, Steve, to write a song for his wife. They have been together for many years but finally this year they decided to tie the knot!. They are a beautiful example of a couple who have stuck together through many difficulties and remained solidly committed to each other. The words are written by Steve and pay tribute to his wife Dawn.

When I sang the song to them I'm pleased to report that it went down a treat with the audience.

Song for Dawn

I hope you enjoy delving into some of my tunes. 

While I studied music and composition at Bristol University I do not feel fettered to the idea that what i produce should be 'high brow'. On the contrary, I want the music to appeal to as many people as possible while at the same time, hopefully, touching them on deep levels.

I can write in many different genres and embrace different styles. I am often told that there is an exquisite heart felt quality to what I produce and I think it is this unique 'feelingfulness' that I aspire to bring through in all of my work.

I hope you enjoy what I have put up on soundcloud and feel free to make comments.

I am available for many kinds of compositional/arranging work, so please do not hesitate to contact me if there is a musical need.


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