Joy the magic ingredient in choir’s live CD

Photo caption: New World Rhythm choir CD Co-ordinator Miki Venn-Brown and Musical Director Dani Jones cut the celebration cake for the new CD production, “Live at The J”. Photo: Richard BruinsmaBy Richard BruinsmaThere’s no denying the absolute joy in the faces of the many and varied members of the New World Rhythm choir as they perform together in their weekly practice.Some sing with their eyes closed, others with a relaxed smile, and still others with a look of determination as they work to ensure they get their part just right.It’s very much like one big family – a happy and united family – as they go through their various musical numbers, many of them incredibly complex, to create wonderful music with their voices together.That same joy, summoned quite naturally when they sing together, is one of the notable inclusions in their latest CD, “New World Rhythm - Live at The J”, which they launched unofficially in a mini party midway through one of their recent practice sessions.The CD – their second – was recorded at a live performance at The J, in Noosa, in November.“People like to hear us live, and when we perform live there is the joy in how we perform, and if you’re doing it individually, in a cold studio, it’s a lot different,” CD Co-ordinator and choir member Miki Venn-Brown said.The choir is guided by Musical Director Dani Jones, who is described as the backbone to the group.Their first CD was recorded in a studio so this time around they thought they’d try something different. The whole process was quicker and smoother and the final product very true. “It’s a performance choir – that’s why we do it – but knowing we’re going to record a CD gives us a little extra motivation,” Sue Ennis, the choir’s President, said.“The good thing for us is it gives us a common goal to strive for perfection.“We’re just a bunch of people who often come straight from work to sing and it’s our weekly therapy. It’s a really important part of my life.”The CD includes seven tracks – three African songs, contemporary songs including from Coldplay and the classic Leonard Cohen song, Hallelujah. There is also a bonus track dedicated to those who have nurtured loved ones as they pass away.The songs were recorded live at The J, in Noosa, last November, by sound engineer Guy Harrison, who also produced the CD.They believe “everything came together” just right on the night – the performances, the venue and acoustics, the engineer – to produce something of which they are all very proud.It’s the cream on the cake for a group that really loves to make joyful song.“Any worries you have when you’re here you just forget them,” choir member Jill Larkins said.“It’s the best therapy ever, this is our time together and it’s just fantastic.”Copies of “New World Rhythm - Live at The J” are available to order at: www.newworldrhythm.netProceeds from the album are being donated to support local domestic violence support agencies.