Described as a “match made in heaven”, Father Chris Skinner has teamed up with Christchurch-based soprano Janice Bateman, to release an album, “Reason to Believe”.
New Zealand female artist of the year in 2011, Janice’s debut album ‘Here I Am’, knocked Justin Bieber out of a chart position he’d held for 10 weeks.
Chris, who recorded his first album in 1990, sees his music as an integral part of his priesthood, and in 2012 he opened for Carole King and Barry Gibb at the Mission Concert.
“I wasn’t sure about being involved in the project given my vocation, style and previous recordings. I am more at ease with the behind the scenes approach.” says Fr Chris.
“This particular project is a bit more out there, but Brian assured me he would keep all that in mind.”
He is thrilled that two of his own compositions form part of this album.
A series of coincidences brought the Janice and Chris together.
In 2011, Brian Martin, from the Hawke’s Bay, was in New York. He woke in the early hours and remembered that the Breakers had played the final of the Trans-Tasman NBL basketball championship. Interested in knowing the outcome, through the internet he tuned into NZ radio for the final score.
While waiting he heard Jim Sutton reviewing the first album of artist Janice Bateman.
Brian thought that her voice came through with such quality and clarity that he was inspired to send her an email. That was the beginning of’ ‘Reason to Believe’.
On returning to New Zealand Brian introduced Fr Chris and Janice and they looked at the possibility their working together.
An album of duets and solos, “Reason to Believe” will be released on November 1 and in stores in time for Christmas.