Offaly musician tops iTunes charts

 Offaly musician Paul Skelton was celebrating last week when his collection of dance and trance classics, Goosebumps, hit the number one spot on both the Irish and UK iTunes dance charts.

Goosebumps soared as high as number four on the overall Irish iTunes chart, with only the late George Michael, Pink, and one of the new NOW compilations standing between him and the top spot.

Paul has also released material under the moniker Piablo in the past, and such is his mastery of the ivories, that his nickname is Elton Skelton.

His Goosebumps collection isn't the first time Paul's gift has stilled the nation's heart, either. Earlier this year, upon the passing of Robert Miles, Paul uploaded his version of the Miles classic Children, by way of a personal tribute. And the response was immediate with the simple video of Paul performing the piece at his own piano at home being viewed over six million times.

Needless to say, Chillren is one of the numbers featured on Goosebumps as well as tunes such as Adagio For Strings', Komodo, and Out Of The Blue. 

Brian Sheil, who produced and mixed the album, commented on Facebook about how Goosebumps' was a slight departure for him.

"Both personally and production wise." Brian continued, "Paul came to me with the idea of recording him playing piano dance and trance classics, but in a stripped-back, ambient, chillout style, which I thought was a class idea because it was different, but also a piano-driven album was an idea I had for a while, but without any idea how to execute it. [So] the sessions were different for me. Mixing it was very different. Trying not to over-produce it and keeping it very simple was difficult. [But] I'm delighted for Paul to finally get this recognition of his talent that he truly deserves." 

Modest Paul was eager to praise Brian for his input into the project.

"I really just want to take this opportunity to again thank everybody who has supported me. [It] means a lot. I want to especially thank Brian for all his hard work and professionalism, and his expertise in producing, mixing, and mastering this album. Because without him, well, it wouldn't have happened."

Goosebumps, by Paul Skelton is out now and available from selected stockists, and from Paul himself via his Facebook page.