New Music from Toronto Mass

Toronto, ON - The Toronto Mass Choir launched its new CD, The Live Experience, with a free release party and thank you reception for supporters of its recent European tour on Friday, November 25, 2005.

The CD represents a combination of some of TMC’s highlights and favourites recorded and performed over the years. “It has been very important for us to showcase Canadian gospel songwriters and provide an environment for music to be created and recorded,” said TMC Director Karen Burke. Patricia Shirley, one of the choir’s former members appears courtesy of Sereniti Records. The up and coming singer’s high energy bonus track, God is our Hope, is a testament to TMC’s influence and legacy. Soloists Kerroy Williams and Andrea Boswell take the CD higher with the Going Home Medley while Nicole Sinclair shares her sweet alto on three tracks including I Believe and Soar Like an Eagle.

TMC has broken new ground on this CD, using a 20-piece orchestra that takes the choir in a new collaborative direction. The Live Experience includes new arrangements and lush orchestration of TMC favourites like How Sweet the Name of Jesus and Solid Rock. Trips to Trinidad and Italy are also reflected in the CD with tracks like Caribbean Praise Medley, giving listeners a taste of overseas influences.

Perfectly timed for the holiday season, the CD will be available November 25 in Christian bookstores, online through www.tmc.ca and distributed to the mainstream market in January through Distribution Fusion III Inc..

The Toronto Mass Choir is a not for profit organization of 35 singers and a four-piece band established in 1988. Since then the group has taken its music ministry of praise and worship, Caribbean folk, reggae, jazz and traditional gospel around the world with performances throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Europe.

TMC’s songs contain a lyrical theme of praise, hope and encouragement that is simple yet profound. Their clear message through dynamic delivery makes TMC’s music compelling. Members, who are between their 20s and 40s, belong to various local church denominations. Winners of multiple awards, accolades include a Juno Award in 2003 for Instrument of Praise and a 1999 Juno nomination for Follow Him, the choir’s first live CD. TMC has a total of five recordings.