Whilst a majority of the Surrey squad have fled the cold wet English winter, heading for the warmer climate of the southern hemisphere, their captain Mark Butcher is strumming and singing away in a recording studio in Shepherds Bush.

Butcher spent the beginning of last January partnering Sarah Brightman in the BBC prime time singing show, Just the Two of Us. The pair made it through to the final evening to eventually come third. In the months following the show, the Surrey skipper performed regularly in well-renowned West End nightspots and at the close of the 2007 season began writing more of his own music.

He is now working an intense two week period in a recording studio in Shepherds Bush.

Speaking to Surrey TV about the opportunity to record his debut album, Butcher said:

“I’m really excited about it as it is something I have always dreamed of doing. To be able to go in and record ten or 11 songs, nearly all of my own work, is a really good opportunity.”

“The guy producing it is called Matt Taylor, who I met half way through last summer. He’s a fantastic guitar player and has become a good friend. He offered to produce it (the album) with a couple of other guys who have played in bands like Jamiroquai.”

Although he is extremely busy with his music, Butcher is also working very hard at his fitness. He was in at the Brit Oval earlier in the week with the other members of the squad, who have not travelled abroad, for fitness testing.

He commented to Surrey TV:

“It was nice to see everyone. In the winters you see very little of each other once the end of September comes along, so when you finally meet up in early January and get the feeling that the season is around the corner, it’s a good feeling.”

You can see the remainder of Butcher’s interview on Surrey TV.

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