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APGC: Through The Years

When European Christian missionaries took their message to the Pacific Islands in the 1800s they found people that not only embraced their message, but also embraced their music, which they improved considerably. Fast forward to Auckland, 2004, add other influences of hip hop, American gospel, R 'n B, Latin and Middle Eastern rhythms, and what results is the Auckland Pacific Gospel Choir with their own unique style of choral music. Seen on TV in their capacity as the official Vodafone Warriors Choir (plus Mad Butcher ring-in), this is one slick group, with a recording to match. The APGC was founded in 1998 with the vision of nurturing and channeling Pacific youth in their musical expression, while retaining the Gospel heritage from which it grew. If you've ever been in the midst of Polynesian congregations in full voice, you'll realise it's nigh on impossible to capture the dynamics of the live experience, but 'Through the Years' comes as close as you could ever hope for. Recorded at Bronzewing Studios in Albany, Auckland, the backing music is tasteful without upstaging the rich vocals and harmonies, which are what makes this album special. The tracks include traditional folksongs, chants and original gospel songs. This is choral music 21st Century style, and very well produced it is too. Further details at www.apgc.org.nz

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