Description
The Holding is the debut album by American singer and songwriter Sarah Masen, independently released by Masen with TAI Records (The Art Institute, Livonia, MI) in 1995. The album was produced and recorded by Derri Daugherty of The Choir fame and Jeff Johnson. Band and guitars recorded by Daugherty at his studio Neverland in Nashville, Tennessee. Keyboards recorded by Jeff Johnson at his studio The Ark in Camano Island, Washington. Mixed at The Ark. Digital editing by Brian Willis. All songs written by Sarah Masen.
The Holding, BEC Recordings 1999
Christian music is in its “chick rock” phase. Inspired by mainstream acts like Sarah McLachlan and the Indigo Girls, Sixpence None the Richer has been scoring big on secular radio, while artists such as Chasing Furies and Jennifer Knapp are all the rage in the CCM ghetto. BEC is getting its piece of the chick rock pie by re-releasing Sarah Masen’s independent release, The Holding.
Masen herself is not merely jumping aboard the bandwagon – the singer/songwriter has been releasing albums on Charlie Peacock‘s re:think label well before the chick rock craze hit. She’s scored several modest CCM radio hits, and her previous albums were acclaimed by critics and fans alike. And while she’s never been the “big thing” in Christian music, she does have a fairly loyal fan base.
The Holding, produced by Derri Daughtery of The Choir, is full of stripped-back, mellow songs. Masen’s songwriting is better than most: she has a knack for marrying a thought-provoking lyric to an usual melody to create something that will attach itself to your memory. She frames her songs in halcyon acoustic guitars, keyboards and live drums.
The album as a whole makes wonderful coffee shop music, but at times is far too narcotic to hold one’s interest. I personally prefer her re:think albums, but for collectors, The Holding is a must-have. [Michial Farmer, The Phantom Tollbooth, 10/30/99]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-holding/716085999)
CD tracklist:
01. Sunday Afternoon – 4:04
02. Mary – 3:37
03. Breath – 4:23
04. Uncovered – 2:50
05. Sorrow’s Hymn – 2:33
06. Peacefully – 4:42
07. Silence – 2:51
08. Holding – 3:17
09. Dear Friends – 3:16
10. Jacob’s Lullaby – 2:29
Note: The album was re-issued by the Tooth & Nail sub-label BEC Recordings in 1999, featuring new cover artwork.
Artwork for The Holding, BEC Records edition, 1999
A full-page advertisement for various new releases on BEC Recordings, including Sarah Masen’s The Holding, was featured in the October 1999 issue of CCM Magazine.
CREDITS. Produced and Recorded by Derri Daugherty and Jeff Johnson. Guitars and rhythm section recorded at Neverland, Nashville, TN. Keyboards recorded at The Ark, Camano Island, WA. Digital Editing by Brian Willis. Design by Patton Brothers Design. Additional Artwork by Dave Masen. Photography by Brett Ray.
Musicians: Sarah Masen (Vocals, Guitar), Jeff Johnson (Keyboards), Derri Daugherty (Guitar), Jerry Chamberlain (Guitar), Gordon Henderson (Bass), Dave Masen (Drums).
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