IF you want to learn about song-writing, you won't go far wrong if you have a little helping hand from a West End star who has worked with some giants of rock.
And so youngsters from a Cockett church's youth group were grateful when Steve Balsamo agreed to join them when they came up with the idea of creating a new song of worship.
The musician, who has worked with and performed alongside the likes of Elton John and Deep Purple's Jon Lord, gave the benefit of his experience to St Peter's Church Saturday Circle Youth Club.
Steve, who famously took the lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar in London's West End, said: "The project was all about the process of song-writing and how you put it together, but it also turned out brilliantly."
Working under Steve's guidance over the past few months, the youth club members decided on the theme of the song, wrote the lyrics and were involved in the vocals and instrumentals that can be heard on their CD, Born of the Son.
The lyrics tell of the creation of the world, while remembering that the world is ravaged by war, want and need.
A youth group spokesman said: "They had little idea whether their efforts would be successful and they could not have possibly imagined the exciting journey on which they were about to embark or that the final outcome would be so professional.
"But when Steve stepped in and offered to help and collaborate with the project and sing lead vocals, it gained significant momentum .
"We are extremely grateful to him for his invaluable help in what had been a wonderful experience and also for the support that St. Peter's Mission Committee had given in financing the project," said the spokesman.
Steve added: "I was approached by the vicar and his wife to see if I could help out, and I was keen to get involved.
"I enjoyed seeing how they reacted to the song-writing process, and working with them to record the song and get it recorded.
"In a way the song was secondary to the song-writing process, but we are all really happy with how it turned out."
The CD of the song and film can be bought via the Cockett Parish Website at www.cockettparish.org.uk, or through the church's Rev. Alex Pye.
Proceeds will go towards a number of local charities
