Customer Reviews

Sanctuary

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first became of Claire Holley and her music at an Over the Rhine Christmas concert at Calvin College. I was knocked out by Claire's charm and the way she gently held the audience (most of whom had never heard of her)in the palm of her hand. But I was overwhelmed by her music. I sat, closed my eyes and was transported to another place as she sang songs like "Higher Ground" and "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus". It was, quite simply, beautiful. Later that week I bought this album and found an almost similar experience. Each of these hymns are re-cast in a thoughful manner which highlights Claire's folk and bluegrass roots. Her voice is clear and invested but plaintive as well...a welcome change from the melodrama of many of the female artists that we're over-exposed to on the radio. Claire's guitar styling must also be noted...for some reason the one word that springs to my mind is "supple". Instrumentally, she is complemented by several tasteful players who know bring the right texture and colour to her arrangements. Sanctuary is a fine album anda welcome addtion to anyone's record collection

A definite for anyone looking for a well done album of hymns. If you like Jewel's style and voice type, this is a must buy.
My wife and I heard about Claire Holley on NPR during the Sunday weekend Morning Edition. We liked the style of her music on the interview. We both love the simplicity of her music especially since she is singing treasured hymns. Too many times an artist feels compelled to change everything when singing a standard hymn. Mrs. Holley does not for the most part and when she does on a few of the hymns, it is done very tastefully. If I hear her version of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" in the morning, I will sing and hum it all day long.

According to Claire's own notes, this was a difficult album to do, because she was familiar with hymns being sung with an organ and choir. Some songs didn't work so well with a simple acoustic backing. Others that Claire didn't originally plan to record actually worked better in this setting than in church. Claire and her father (who apparently financed the project) eventually came up with the incredible selection to be found on this CD.

Two of the hymns (Fly away old bird, In the bounty) were written by Claire, who's excellent songwriting skills are more obviously highlighted on her other CD.

Claire chose to include two Christmas carols. Joy to the world has appeared on many Christmas albums and will be familiar to you. Once in Royal David's city is famous in Britain but it's rare to come across an Amercican version. Claire says it's often sung by children's choirs. If so, why don't more Americans record this song? It's beautiful - one of my favorite carols.

What a friend we have in Jesus is the only famous hymn included. The other hymns are new to me, though it may be that followers of Christian music will be familiar with them. I don't claim expertise in that area.

This is a lovely set of hymns which proves that simple music can often be the best. Even if it was difficult to choose the right songs, the results make the effort worthwhile.

Claire Holley has a beautiful, clear voice and I have really enjoyed this album, despite not being religious. The songs are mostly her renditions of old hymns, with a few of her own writing thrown in. Some of the songs drag a little for my taste, but it's more than made up for by the heartwrenchingly beautiful ones. I only regret that she didn't record her version of "Amazing Grace" which I saw her do live. Even if you don't think you like "church music" I encourage you to try this album.

Claire's voice is very angelic. Thanks to her Dad for convincing her to do a hymnal album. I use this one to sing my sweet little baby to sleep. I highly recommend catching her live sometime. She plays in Greensboro frequently, but also travels up and down the east coast. Well worth a drive. I discovered Claire while working with Breaking Records "Handpicked Volume 1 and 2" which are compilation cds available here. She was featured on the first volume. As a rep for the record, I was priviledged to meet her, she's a very nice person with great talent. Watch for her new one to be released this June!

I became a fan of Claire Holley about a year ago after finding her through Paste Music (www.pastemusic.com), and am in love with her music. I enjoy this album's hauntingly beautiful vocals and inspiring hymns. I have grown to love this album more and more every time that I play it. I highly recommend checking out Claire Holley.

Beautiful! If you've grown up with the hymns, you can sing along ecstatically, and if you haven't, it's a great introduction to hymns as a kind of folk music ... a wonderful CD!

I love Claire Holley! She has a great singing voice! She's the Cindy Lauper of Gospel music. She rivals Cindy Lauper and Allison Krauss. I found Claire Holley on YouTube in search of the old hymn "Higher Ground" I've loved for so many years. I liked her voice so much that I decided to order a CD with "Higher Ground" titled "Sanctuary" and got it.

Nothing flashy, mostly acoustic, a real delight. I bought this album based on the reviews I read on Amazon and I must say I was not disappointed.

The music is mellow, almost contemplative. My heart was drawn to God and that's always good!

Claire Holley is the kind of artist whose brilliance shines brighest through simple production. This compilation of folk music versions of traditional hymns plus a couple of personal compositions is almost as good as hearing her sing them in person. In person, her voice is clear and emotive, her guitar playing smooth as silk, and her spirit sparlking. I would give this CD 10+ stars if it were just Claire's voice and guitar. Still, I give it 5 stars -- with the hope she will produce a future CD that pares it down to what she does best: Sing, pick, and grin.