Sanctuary (1999)

About this title: Sanctuary is a collection of traditional gospel songs, tinged with the tasteful modernism that defines Claire Holley's sound. While she inhabits a familiar midrange vocally, Holley's delivery is steeped in her own unique inflections. The overall effect is one of "Hmm, I think I've heard this before, but it was friendly as hell then, so why not pull up a chair now?" This homey notion is only strengthened by Sanctuary's lived-in material. "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "In the Bounty of the Lord" are as warm as a campfire singalong, while "Once in Royal David's City" moves through ... read more

Tracks:

1. In the Bounty of the Lord [Holley]
2. Fly Away Old Bird [Holley]
3. Come Thou Fount [Traditional]
4. What a Friend We Have in Jesus [Converse/Scriven]
5. Higher Ground [Traditional]
6. Now the Green Blade Riseth
7. Once in Royal David's City [Traditional]
8. Joy to the World [Mason/Watts]
9. Man of Sorrows [Traditional]
10. Jacob's Ladder [Traditional]
11. In the Bounty (Reprise) [Traditional]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.