1. Psalm 70
2. Shelter of Your Love
3. Prepare the Way
4. Glory Be
5. We Pass the Peace
6. To Sing the Sacred
7. At God's Table
8. Let Us Make Our Offering
9. Clothed in Christ/Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
10. Jazz Doxology
Canada's Lisa Waites releases her third album 'To Sing The Sacred', an album that has just been nominated for the GMA Covenant Award 2011 for Best Classical/Traditional Album of the Year. "It is a liturgical song cycle, and is best listened to as ten pieces of a worship puzzle", says Lisa. "The songs are arranged to draw the listener into the presence of God, ending with a jazz version of the doxology."
The ten track album opens with 'Psalm 70' as a beautiful sounding grand piano provides the sole accompaniment to Lisa's strong, operatic style voice, with a hint of echo... Read More Canada's Lisa Waites releases her third album 'To Sing The Sacred', an album that has just been nominated for the GMA Covenant Award 2011 for Best Classical/Traditional Album of the Year. "It is a liturgical song cycle, and is best listened to as ten pieces of a worship puzzle", says Lisa. "The songs are arranged to draw the listener into the presence of God, ending with a jazz version of the doxology."
The ten track album opens with 'Psalm 70' as a beautiful sounding grand piano provides the sole accompaniment to Lisa's strong, operatic style voice, with a hint of echo provided courtesy of the nature of the live recording amidst the setting of the beautiful St. Columba Chapel in Nova Scotia, Canada.
'Prepare The Way' sees the pianist display an increased urgency, bringing the music more to the fore but without distracting from the vocals, which again emanate power and a fluid, soaring clarity that gives you chills as Lisa near-shouts, with great passion, the words "We love the world in Jesus' name, Prepare the way".
'We Pass The Peace' permits the rich tones of Lisa's impressive vocals to really shine, and some stunning strings add an orchestral depth to this moving song, all combining to make a wonderful piece of music.
Title track 'To Sing The Sacred' is hymn-like in its lyrics, and is a song that would be the perfect way to break the silence at the end of a quiet time of prayer and reflection in any church service. "To know your presence, to bear Your name. To live in worship, wonder, and grace. To sing the sacred Lord, that is our aim" sings Lisa.
Finishing with the simple 'Jazz Doxology', a short prayerful song of praise, the album draws to a close without fuss, but leaving a lasting sense of peace and awe found only in God's presence.
For the most part, this album relies on nothing more than a piano and Lisa's ample talent as a singer. With some well thought out lyrics and brilliant vocals perfectly complimented by the simple but elegant music, this album is an enjoyable listen.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 3.5 Out of 5 Stars Standout Tracks

Prepare The Way
To Sing The Sacred
We Pass The Peace
