With a new record company deal, an album due for release and a UK tour underway, Alexander O'Neal shows absolutely no sign of slowing down.

Alex first came to prominence in the mid-1980s with hits both here and in America. It was 1985 when he first made it into the charts with the song Saturday Love with Cherelle.

Now he hopes his latest album, Saga Of Married Man, will help duplicate his hit making days.

"It's a great feeling being back in England, getting ready to tour and promote the new album," he said..

"We spent about eight months working on the album and I'm really pleased with it.

"We've got a great product here and I can't wait for people to hear it."

Three-times married and with eight children, Alexander is in the perfect position to write songs about relationships.

"It's all about having your ups and downs in a marriage. There's a big message in this album all you have to do is look for it."

Alexander got his first break in the music business thanks to producers Jam and Lewis. Already working as a singer ,Alexander knew he was destined for the big time.

"I knew I was going to make it, there was no doubt in my mind I would make it.

"Jay and Lewis had just moved to Los Angeles when they came to one of my performances in Minneapolis. They told me if they got a foot in the door in LA they would do everything they could to get me a recording contract."

"I'm naturally musical without being a musician. I can't play any instrument, my voice is my instrument. All musical instruments are based on the voice anyway.

"So when I write a song, I sing the melody to a piano player who will then transcribe it. Then I add the hook, then the lyrics and that's it.

"I don't sit down and think today I'm going to write a love song it just depends on what comes out but during my career I have only written three songs and I'm proud of them."

Alexander's brand of soul has always gone down well in the UK and he is now signed to Wandsworth-based Eagle Records.

"It was producer Bobby Z who worked out the deal with the company and everything has been great. They've been very supportive and have got great enthusiasm for the music and what we're trying to achieve."

And now the star is thinking of moving to the UK.

"My manager and I are going see what's about. I'm not sure where we're going to start looking but it will probably be in north London.

"I don't know if I will settle here full time, but I'm certainly not about to give up my US passport."

By Gareth Foreman

February 14, 2002 13:38