HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR

IT DOESN'T hurt to be a card-carrying Christian in order to appreciate the dazzling vocal talents of the Harlem Gospel Choir, but it's by no means essential. The choir does not confine itself to matters of a spiritual nature. “The singers in the choir are Christians – mainly Baptists and Methodists – by background.” Williams, the senior member of the New York-based ensemble. "The thing is to enjoy what you do and to be sincere in what you do, because that will touch the masses.“ 

Williams is talking to The Sunday Mail from the group's tour bus as it tools towards Wales, on the group's recent UK concert itinerary. The 12 members of the choir are eagerly looking forward to returning to southeast Queensland, following their successful swing through the region in 2000. Hailing from the heart of Harlem, the choir travels the world as an ambassador for African-American culture. It was formed in 1988 by director Allen Bailey, who had previous associations with such celebrated exponents of the R&B music world as Prince, Michael Jackson and The Commodores. The choir has performed for Nelson Mandela at Yankee Stadium in New York, for Pope John Paul II in Manhattan's Central Park, and with Irish super-group U2. 

"All told, there are about 40 voices involved with the choir," says Williams. "On the UK tour there are nine singers – three altos, three sopranos and three tenors – along with three musicians. "There is another troupe touring the States right now, and there's our regular gospel brunch session every Sunday at B.B. King Blues Club in New York. "That’s been going for three years and it's a total success. We also do our fair share of weddings and private shows, and we did a Caribbean cruise with Whoopi Goldberg this year. We're always in demand," she observes without conceit. Williams joined the choir five years ago and has never had a moment's regret. "I was doing some work for a musician and he told me that I should audition for the choir. "I've always been a singer." 

The Harlem Gospel Choir offers an intriguing repertoire. "We have a basic repertoire of traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, a little rhythm and blues, and some negro spirituals. We do some standards like When the Saints Go Marching In and This Little Light of Mine. For our finale, we invite the audience to get up to sing and dance with us on stage. “ 

"We've been to just about every continent. In fact we're scheduled to go to Africa next year. When that happens, I can say that I've been to all of the continents. "It's really wonderful to travel." And, one readily imagines, to be a member of one of the most uplifting and celebrated singing ensembles on the planet. 

What They are Saying!

· “They are Angels in Harlem” Bono,U2
· “The Choir are God´s people from Harlem” Amy Grant
· “What a wonderful evening” Harry Belafonte