The motivation for Andre Walker's upcoming album, In Heaven's Eyes, was self help. Walker, a retired public servant and husband to ailing wife, Grace, will release the album on July 26 during the festival of Anne and Joachim or Feast of Families to be held at his church, the RC Mary Immaculate Queen of the Universe in Bourg Malatresse.The festival is a fitting time to launch the album as Andre and Grace are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. In an interview on Tuesday, Andre explained that he has "talked and walked" his marriage vows of "in sickness and in health."In 2010, Grace had an heart attack and, as a diabetic, has suffered from many complications since then.
The bills for her medical care wiped out the couple's savings and prompted Andre to record an album in order to raise funds for her care. He recorded an album, To A Rose and was encouraged by the response and sales.Further encouragement sent him back to the studio to work on this second album. Andre chose to use singing as a fund-raising tool because music has been one way he and Grace have bonded. The couple has been singing together in church choirs since they got married."Celebrating our 50th anniversary is the first witness of the spirituality in our relationship. Most marriages these days end in divorce and its purely by the grace of the Almighty that we have made it this far," Walker said.
He also said CDs made for lasting memories. "If you have a barbecue or a party then it's just for that day but with a CD they can keep it and re-live the enjoyment."The 12-track album includes spiritual songs such Ave Maria, O Sole Mio, Down from his Glory and the title track In Heaven's Eyes.The title track is also of significance because Andre and Grace found solace in the song in 2010 by singing it together while she was recovering in hospital.Now, he hopes to share the comfort found in that song with others who might be having similar experiences."This is a different kind of music. This is the music of yesteryear for the people of yesteryear."I would like people of yesteryear to embrace and enjoy the peaceful and restful music. I think it's endearing and I've been encouraged by the response and in turn I want people to be encouraged by the music."
�2 In Heaven's Eyes can be downloaded on www.trinidadtunes.com. If you'd like to purchase the CD or attend the album launch contact: 675-4264, 683-9502 and 686-0276.