Album Notes

WORLDSONG (http:/www.worldsong.co.uk) is a 60-strong mixed voice choir from Coventry, UK who sing unaccompanied harmony songs from across the globe. Celebrating the richness and variety of the human voice, WorldSong’s acappella singing gives expression to sumptuous harmonies from many different cultural traditions.

This live CD contains recordings from 2004 – 2007 which were made on a variety of equipment in several different venues, so the sound quality varies from song to song. We have done very little editing so you will sometimes hear audience noises, passing cars, church bells, coughing and some applause! We have tried to capture the most spirited and compelling performances from all our concerts during this period.

Led by musical director CHRIS ROWBURY, WorldSong specialises in traditional songs from Eastern Europe, Africa, America, Britain and beyond, with harmonies drawn from centuries-old oral traditions. From their love of harmony singing and desire to explore different singing styles and genres, WorldSong have built up a repertoire of more than 170 songs from a wide range of cultures and traditions. Singing in three and four part harmony, and always in the original language of the country of origin, WorldSong have been delighting audiences since 1997. All our songs are researched, collected and often arranged by Chris Rowbury who teaches them by ear in the traditional way.

The choir is run on the principle that everyone can sing and that nobody should be excluded from music. This means that there are no auditions, the choir is open to anyone who loves singing, and nobody needs to be able to read music as all songs are taught by ear. Many of the people who join the choir have never sung outside their bathroom, but we also have more experienced singers who have sung with other choirs.

Our musical director Chris Rowbury has 25 years experience of teaching and running workshops in singing, voice and theatre. He has worked all over the world as a teacher, director and performer. In addition to WorldSong, Chris also runs two singing groups in Stamford, Lincolnshire, as well as working as a freelance workshop leader and performer. He is a member of the Natural Voice Practitioners’ Network (http://www.naturalvoice.net) and shares with them the belief that everybody can sing regardless of experience or background.