Sixpence None The Richer’s Leigh Nash Hymns and Sacred Songs

Leigh Nash’s voice is one of ChristianMusicDaily.com’s favorites. Ever since she sang “Kiss Me,” we’ve been hooked. Known for singing with the Christian band Sixpence None the Richer, in recent times she’s ventured out on her own. Get ready, because Leigh Nash once again sings with their sweet voice on newly recorded music, and this time around it’s Hymns & Sacred Songs available Nov. 15 from Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the USA.  The first of three new albums from Nash on Kingsway, these songs are a combination of fresh, newly written hymns alongside songs that have reverberated across generations, giving a voice to the faithful around the world. The timeless lyrics of hymns by Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby, and other writers of old, have been given fresh life with Nash singing and writing newly inspired melodies.

Produced by John Hartley (Rebecca St. James, Matt Redman, Stuart Townend), Hymns & Sacred Songs was recorded and mixed by Derri Daugherty (Jeremy Camp, Leeland, The Choir) who also produced Sixpence None the Richer’s Dawn of Grace (2008). With additional recording by Stephen Leiweke (Rita Springer, Chris Sligh, MIKESCHAIR) and mixing by Shane Wilson (Switchfoot, Newsboys, Passion), the album also features Stu G (Delirious?, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith) on guitar, Paul Mabury (Hillsong, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath) on drums, Matt Stanfield (Mandisa, Britt Nicole, Plumb) on keys and Chris Donahue on bass.

“I am so very thankful for the opportunity to sing these words and even get to infuse some of them with new melodies,” says Leigh Nash. “It is a gift above any I can presently think of, to sing to my God! The musicians, producer and engineers are all so gifted and the songs so rich in word and melody that my feet were dancing and my heart was constantly lifted throughout the recording of this record! I pray you will have the same symptoms!”

“I was really excited by the idea of making a record of hymns,” continues Nash. “I grew up loving singing in the congregation at my church, always wishing to have the courage to sing solos in the church choir. I finally got my solos in the form of this record!”

In addition to Wesley and Crosby, the album features hymns by Dorothy A. Thrupp, Robert Robinson and Katherina A. von Schlegel, as well as newly written songs by Nash, Graham Kendrick, Keith Getty, Stuart Townend, Aaron Keyes, Katie Gustafson and more.

“The songs were basically chosen because of their lyrics,” says Nash. “These words are so poetic and beautiful, the perfect inspiration to write new melodies.”

“Listening to Leigh’s unique vocal stylings over these hymns and sacred songs gives the listener a new appreciation for not only the hymns of old, but for the new hymns of the future,” says Steve Nicolle, Kingsway Music VP, North America. “We are blessed to be in a ministry partnership with Leigh, and we are looking forward to partnering with her in hymns and songs of worship for many years to come.”

The full Hymns & Sacred Songs track listing follows:

Savior Like A Shepherd (Blessed Jesus)

Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

Isaiah 55

Oh Heart Bereaved and Lonely

The Power of the Cross

Give Myself To You

Come Ye Thankful People Come

Blessed Redeemer

Out of My Bondage

Song of Moses

Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above

Be Still My Soul

Leigh Nash has been performing since her high school days growing up in New Braunfels, Texas. It was there that she met guitarist Matt Slocum and Sixpence came to fruition. Following four album releases, multiple Dove Awards, a GRAMMY nomination and the great success of their hit singles “Kiss Me,” “There She Goes,” and “Breathe Your Name,” the band took a hiatus in 2004. Leigh took this time to release a solo record entitled Blue on Blue and a Christmas album Wishing For This, both in 2006; she also collaborated with members of Delerium for the album, Fauxliage (2007). In 2008, Nash and Slocum reunited as Sixpence None the Richer to record Dawn of Grace, a holiday album fans had long requested.  Last year, Leigh lent her voice on projects by Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Matthew West and others. And, since ChristianMusicDaily.com’s Mark Weber is friends with her on Facebook, we can tell you she recently got married! Not many people know that.

Posted by markwebermusic on 10/20/2011

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