Last updated: May 2013
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| The first sight. A day in December 2008 |
The First Sight & First Meet
I had the first Libera and Luminosa albums back in 2003 but I hadn't kept tabs. It was at the end of 2008 when I randomly rediscovered Libera through Youtube. I was watching a bunch of videos, then a particular smiley boy repeatedly caught my eyes. A sight of him in "O Come All Ye Faithful" passed by so fast but his impression was so strong that I actually paused the video and watched it over and over again to catch a glimpse of him. After a videos, I was able to match that boy with a name. Then like the first snow of that winter, Josh Madine became a little part of my world.
I had the first Libera and Luminosa albums back in 2003 but I hadn't kept tabs. It was at the end of 2008 when I randomly rediscovered Libera through Youtube. I was watching a bunch of videos, then a particular smiley boy repeatedly caught my eyes. A sight of him in "O Come All Ye Faithful" passed by so fast but his impression was so strong that I actually paused the video and watched it over and over again to catch a glimpse of him. After a videos, I was able to match that boy with a name. Then like the first snow of that winter, Josh Madine became a little part of my world.
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| The first meet. A day in April 2009 |
In April 2009, I had a pleasure of meeting the 14-year-old Josh at a Libera concert in Los Angeles. He soloed "Love and Mercy", "Secret", "I Am The Day", "You Were There", and "Going Home" that night. Words cannot describe how surreal it was to hear his treble voice live. It was like a dream and a night that I will certainly remember for a long time. You can read my concert reviews here and here.
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| From Lullabye |
Traditionally Libera members leave the choir when they turn about fifteen, so I had started to believe that the 15-year-old Josh's Libera days will come to an end soon. He had evaporated my speculation with a beautiful solo in Time (Jan, 2010). His voice had gone a tone deeper but it still had that trademark sweetness. His alto-solo in Faithful Heart was another lovely surprise when Peace released. His power of assurance played through the song once more and I felt like he was putting his faith on me to be a better person... or I'd be sorry for letting him down.
In live concerts, Josh was slowly but certainly passing down more solos to the next leaders of Libera. Then for the first time, a current member of Libera addressed a speech about voice changes. It had started in April 2010 when Josh communicated with fans about the voice change and that his time as a boy soprano is almost come to an end. I was particularly impressed by his mature approach to this "sensitive" subject and I appreciate him for it.
Just before his 16th birthday in October 2010, Peace Deluxe was released and one of the bonus tracks was "Lullabye", soloed by Josh. The underlining message was so beautiful and considerate that I thought Robert Prizeman picked the perfect soloist. Josh once again ensured the listeners that all boys will eventually grow up and depart from Libera, but the memories of their childhood will live forever with their music. The whole song felt like a gentle embrace of a million rays of sunshine. It didn't matter whether it was for a goodbye or a see-you-later because he has done so much already in Libera and I could not ask more from him.
While Lullabye was widely believed it to be Josh's last solo at that time, the long awaited Christmas Album was released a year later in October 2011, just before his 17th birthday. The album included a very special track, "Coventry Carol", which is the final recorded solo track of the 16-year-old Josh. His rich and solemn tenor voice adorned the hauntingly beautiful song. It was the first time in Libera music to use a tenor voice to sing the main melody line and trebles to sing the supporting harmonies. You bet I was proud of him. :)
Seventeen and Eighteen
Once again to everyone's pleasant surprise, the 17-year-old Josh soloed Veni Emmanuel at the Christmas concerts in the Philippines (October 2011) and the UK (November 2011). In early 2012, Josh and other ex-Libera members formed a comedy quintet called the Loose Moose Show. He is not only a great singer but also a great actor and a comedian! As of August 2012, he holds the oldest active Libera member record which I don't think to be broken in a long while. In Channel Island concerts (August 2012), he soloed Faithful Heart on the stage and played the piano on Ave Verum off the stage. That Faithful Heart became the last live solo of Josh and I cannot think of a better song than this. In the later half of 2012, finding his name listed under the staffs section (as 'keyboards' or 'musician') became a new trend and a treat. After turning the big 18, the adult Josh continued to perform on stage as well as playing the piano in his white Libera robes throughout the rest of 2012.
Beyond the White Robes
Josh had the most successful and seamless transition from a chorister to a staff member. In 2013 Spring Tour, he did not wear the signature Libera white robes - instead, he played keyboards and piano throughout the concert among other musicians. Although he is no longer singing on the stage with the rest of Libera, he is still playing a significant part of their music as a musician. No doubt it was a great treat for me! You can read my concert review here.
Album Appearances and Solos
Visions (2005)
Angel Voices (2006)
- I Vow To Thee My Country (with Michael Horncastle and Ed Day)
Angel Voices: Libera in Concert (2007)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
New Dawn (2008)
- Secret
- Air (with Tom Cully, Liam Connery and Ed Day)
- Love and Mercy (with Tom Cully)
- Never Be Alone (with Tom Cully and Joe Snelling)
Eternal: The Best of Libera (2008)
- How Can I Keep From Singing
- Heaven Remix (with Liam Connery)
Peace (2010)
- Time (with Ben Philipp)
- Faithful Heart (with Stefan Leadbeater and Sam Moriarty)
Peace Delux (2010)
- Lullabye
The Christmas Album (2011)
- Coventry Carol (with Ralph Skan and Stefan Leadbeater)
Concerts, Public Appearances, Solos and Other Roles
2005
Mar. Norwood Concert
Apr. Korea Concerts (3 shows)
Apr. Japan Concerts (2 shows)
Oct. Japan Concerts (3 shows)
2006
Feb. Ice Wall Promo
2007
Mar. Norwood Concert
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Apr. Japan Concerts (3 shows)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Apr. Korea Concerts (2 shows)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
May. Arundel Concert
- Sacris Solemnis (with Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Ave Verum (with Liam Connery, Tom Cully, and Ed Day)
May. Leiden Concerts (2 shows)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Jun. Harrogate Concert
- Sacris Solemnis (with Tom Cully)
- Going Home (with Tom Cully and Ben Philipp)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Ave Verum (with Liam Connery, Tom Cully, and Ed Day)
Dec. Kennedy Center Honors
2008
Apr. USA Concerts (5 shows)
- Love and Mercy (with Tom Cully)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Apr. Concert of Hope
- Far Away (with Tom Cully)
May. London Concert
- Far Away (with Tom Cully)
- Love and Mercy (with Tom Cully)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Jul. Torquay Concert
- Far Away (with Tom Cully)
- Love and Mercy (with Tom Cully)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
2009
Jan. Nobody To Watch Over Me Promo
Apr. Japan Concerts (3 shows)
- Love and Mercy
- Secret
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Sakura (with Flynn Marks, Ben Philipp, Ed Day, and Stefan Leadbeater)
- You Were There
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp)
Apr. USA Concerts (2 shows)
- Love and Mercy
- Secret
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Sakura (with Flynn Marks, Ben Philipp, Ed Day, and Stefan Leadbeater)
- You Were There
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp)
May. Arundel Concert
- Love and Mercy
- Secret
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Sakura (with Flynn Marks, Ben Philipp, Ed Day, and Stefan Leadbeater)
- You Were There
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp)
Jul. Ireland Concert
- You Were There
- Love and Mercy
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Aug. Northern Ireland Concerts (2 shows)
- Sakura (with Flynn Marks, Ben Philipp, Ed Day, and Stefan Leadbeater)
- You Were There
- Love and Mercy
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Oct. Philippine Concerts (2 shows)
- You Were There
- Love and Mercy (with Daniel Fontannaz)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
2010
Apr. Japan Concerts (2 shows)
- Time (with Ben Philipp)
Apr. Korea Concert
- Time (with Ben Philipp)
Apr. Philippines Concert (2 shows)
- Time (with Ben Philipp)
May. Arundel Concert
- Time (with Ben Philipp, supported by Ralph Skan)
Aug. USA Concerts (5 shows)
- Time (with Ben Philipp, supported by Ralph Skan and Alex Leggett)
Oct-Nov. UK Concerts (4 shows)
- Time (with Ben Philipp, supported by Ralph Skan and Alex Leggett)
2011
Jul-Aug. USA Concerts (6 shows)
- Eternal Light
- Te Lucis (with Ben Philipp, Sam Leggett, Alex Leggett, Tiarnan Branson)
- Glory to Thee (with Eoghan McCarthy)
Oct. Philippine Concerts (2 shows)
- Veni Emmanuel (with Ralph Skan)
Nov. London Concert
- Veni Emmanuel (with Ralph Skan)
2012
Aug. UK Concerts (4 shows)
- Faithful Heart (with Matthew Janesen)
- Piano on Ave Verum
Nov. Northern Ireland Concerts (2 shows)
- Piano on Ave Verum
Nov. London Concert
- Piano on Ave Verum
2013
Apr. Taiwan Concerts (5 shows)
- Keyboards on almost all songs
- Piano on Ave Verum and The Fountain
Apr. Korea Concerts (2 shows)
- Keyboards on almost all songs
- Piano on Ave Verum and The Fountain
May. Guildford Concert
- Keyboards on almost all songs
- Piano on Ave Verum and The Fountain
Aug. Armagh Concert
While Lullabye was widely believed it to be Josh's last solo at that time, the long awaited Christmas Album was released a year later in October 2011, just before his 17th birthday. The album included a very special track, "Coventry Carol", which is the final recorded solo track of the 16-year-old Josh. His rich and solemn tenor voice adorned the hauntingly beautiful song. It was the first time in Libera music to use a tenor voice to sing the main melody line and trebles to sing the supporting harmonies. You bet I was proud of him. :)
 |
| The last concert in his white robe (November 2012) |
Once again to everyone's pleasant surprise, the 17-year-old Josh soloed Veni Emmanuel at the Christmas concerts in the Philippines (October 2011) and the UK (November 2011). In early 2012, Josh and other ex-Libera members formed a comedy quintet called the Loose Moose Show. He is not only a great singer but also a great actor and a comedian! As of August 2012, he holds the oldest active Libera member record which I don't think to be broken in a long while. In Channel Island concerts (August 2012), he soloed Faithful Heart on the stage and played the piano on Ave Verum off the stage. That Faithful Heart became the last live solo of Josh and I cannot think of a better song than this. In the later half of 2012, finding his name listed under the staffs section (as 'keyboards' or 'musician') became a new trend and a treat. After turning the big 18, the adult Josh continued to perform on stage as well as playing the piano in his white Libera robes throughout the rest of 2012.
 |
| On Keyboards (May 2013) |
Josh had the most successful and seamless transition from a chorister to a staff member. In 2013 Spring Tour, he did not wear the signature Libera white robes - instead, he played keyboards and piano throughout the concert among other musicians. Although he is no longer singing on the stage with the rest of Libera, he is still playing a significant part of their music as a musician. No doubt it was a great treat for me! You can read my concert review here.
Album Appearances and Solos
Visions (2005)
Angel Voices (2006)
- I Vow To Thee My Country (with Michael Horncastle and Ed Day)
Angel Voices: Libera in Concert (2007)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
New Dawn (2008)
- Secret
- Air (with Tom Cully, Liam Connery and Ed Day)
- Love and Mercy (with Tom Cully)
- Never Be Alone (with Tom Cully and Joe Snelling)
Eternal: The Best of Libera (2008)
- How Can I Keep From Singing
- Heaven Remix (with Liam Connery)
Peace (2010)
- Time (with Ben Philipp)
- Faithful Heart (with Stefan Leadbeater and Sam Moriarty)
Peace Delux (2010)
- Lullabye
The Christmas Album (2011)
- Coventry Carol (with Ralph Skan and Stefan Leadbeater)
Concerts, Public Appearances, Solos and Other Roles
2005
Mar. Norwood Concert
Apr. Korea Concerts (3 shows)
Apr. Japan Concerts (2 shows)
Oct. Japan Concerts (3 shows)
2006
Feb. Ice Wall Promo
2007
Mar. Norwood Concert
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Apr. Japan Concerts (3 shows)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Apr. Korea Concerts (2 shows)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
May. Arundel Concert
- Sacris Solemnis (with Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Ave Verum (with Liam Connery, Tom Cully, and Ed Day)
May. Leiden Concerts (2 shows)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Jun. Harrogate Concert
- Sacris Solemnis (with Tom Cully)
- Going Home (with Tom Cully and Ben Philipp)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Ave Verum (with Liam Connery, Tom Cully, and Ed Day)
Dec. Kennedy Center Honors
2008
Apr. USA Concerts (5 shows)
- Love and Mercy (with Tom Cully)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Apr. Concert of Hope
- Far Away (with Tom Cully)
May. London Concert
- Far Away (with Tom Cully)
- Love and Mercy (with Tom Cully)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Jul. Torquay Concert
- Far Away (with Tom Cully)
- Love and Mercy (with Tom Cully)
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp and Tom Cully)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
2009
Jan. Nobody To Watch Over Me Promo
Apr. Japan Concerts (3 shows)
- Love and Mercy
- Secret
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Sakura (with Flynn Marks, Ben Philipp, Ed Day, and Stefan Leadbeater)
- You Were There
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp)
Apr. USA Concerts (2 shows)
- Love and Mercy
- Secret
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Sakura (with Flynn Marks, Ben Philipp, Ed Day, and Stefan Leadbeater)
- You Were There
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp)
May. Arundel Concert
- Love and Mercy
- Secret
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
- Sakura (with Flynn Marks, Ben Philipp, Ed Day, and Stefan Leadbeater)
- You Were There
- Going Home (with Ben Philipp)
Jul. Ireland Concert
- You Were There
- Love and Mercy
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Aug. Northern Ireland Concerts (2 shows)
- Sakura (with Flynn Marks, Ben Philipp, Ed Day, and Stefan Leadbeater)
- You Were There
- Love and Mercy
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
Oct. Philippine Concerts (2 shows)
- You Were There
- Love and Mercy (with Daniel Fontannaz)
- I Am The Day (with Sam Leggett)
2010
Apr. Japan Concerts (2 shows)
- Time (with Ben Philipp)
Apr. Korea Concert
- Time (with Ben Philipp)
Apr. Philippines Concert (2 shows)
- Time (with Ben Philipp)
May. Arundel Concert
- Time (with Ben Philipp, supported by Ralph Skan)
Aug. USA Concerts (5 shows)
- Time (with Ben Philipp, supported by Ralph Skan and Alex Leggett)
Oct-Nov. UK Concerts (4 shows)
- Time (with Ben Philipp, supported by Ralph Skan and Alex Leggett)
2011
Jul-Aug. USA Concerts (6 shows)
- Eternal Light
- Te Lucis (with Ben Philipp, Sam Leggett, Alex Leggett, Tiarnan Branson)
- Glory to Thee (with Eoghan McCarthy)
Oct. Philippine Concerts (2 shows)
- Veni Emmanuel (with Ralph Skan)
Nov. London Concert
- Veni Emmanuel (with Ralph Skan)
2012
Aug. UK Concerts (4 shows)
- Faithful Heart (with Matthew Janesen)
- Piano on Ave Verum
Nov. Northern Ireland Concerts (2 shows)
- Piano on Ave Verum
Nov. London Concert
- Piano on Ave Verum
2013
Apr. Taiwan Concerts (5 shows)
- Keyboards on almost all songs
- Piano on Ave Verum and The Fountain
Apr. Korea Concerts (2 shows)
- Keyboards on almost all songs
- Piano on Ave Verum and The Fountain
May. Guildford Concert
- Keyboards on almost all songs
- Piano on Ave Verum and The Fountain
Aug. Armagh Concert
