Soprano Maria Clark and pianist Maria Thompson Corley navigate the intense emotion, scars of suffering, and religious passion in the hymns and gospels on Soul Sanctuary from Navona Records. Featuring empowering spirituals from the past two centuries, the duo brings to life religious songs that have stood the test of time and find deep relevance today. Arranged by Thompson Corley and recorded in Atlanta GA’s Peachtree Presbyterian Church, these spirituals, including 'His Eye is on the Sparrow', 'Wade in the Water', and 'Glory, Glory, Hallelujah', offer uplifting outlooks in the face of adversity...

Soul Sanctuary is the perfect release to showcase the talents of soprano Maria Clark and pianist Maria Thompson Corley. A lot of these pieces will be instantly recognisable to most, with Thompson Corley's fresh arrangements giving them a new lease of life.

This isn't going to win over anyone who isn't a fan of this style of music. In fact, coupled with the soprano and solo piano delivery, this is a rather niche release. However, those of us who enjoy enjoy passionate, stripped back performances - where the raw talent of the performers shines through - will find much to champion here.

It's a beautifully realised album with a lot of heart and soul.

Track listing:

01 - His Eye Is On The Sparrow (Improvisation) (6:41)
Civilla D. Martin, Charles H. Gabriel

02 - Glory, Glory, Hallelujah (2:37)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

03 - Steal Away (4:32)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

04 - Plenty Good Room (2:25)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

05 - Lord, I Want To Be A Christian (4:38)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

06 - No Hiding Place (2:11)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

07 - I Want Jesus To Walk With Me (6:39)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

08 - Motherless Child / Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (4:55)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

09 - Lord, I’ll Go (Interlude, Improvisation) Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley, Maria Clark Maria Clark, soprano; Maria Thompson Corley, piano 2:59

10 - Hold On (2:52)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

11 - Unto The Hills (6:46)
John Campbell, Charles H. Purday, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

12 - His Name So Sweet (4:45)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

13 - Deep River (4:33)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

14 - Wade In The Water (2:52)
Traditional, arr. Maria Thompson Corley

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Darren Rea