$15

“On this, her fourth record, Sarah Masen gives us the most developed demonstration yet of her original artistic voice.

Her vulnerability, inquisitiveness, playfulness, creativity, gentleness and insight are wrapped in humble confidence. She knows what she’s doing, and she does it well.

“Some records try to bowl you over. This one is more inclined to seep through your pores. Masen’s expressive vocals, supple and subtle, are often barely above a whisper.

The production, courtesy of John Jennings, is understated, restrained enough to let the songs shine through and just off-kilter enough to suit Masen’s unique vision.

“There is so much mystery and magic on this project that it’s hard to single out particular moments. But I am especially moved by ‘Love Is Breathing,’ a celebration of the birth of her daughter.

‘Home,’ a lullaby, is astonishingly beautiful, drawing attention, as Masen often does, to the wonder of the everyday. And in ‘She Stumbles Through The Door’ when Masen sings ’she let go,’ the whole effect of the words, the voice, and the music makes almost tangible the blessed experience of falling into the arms of grace.

This is music that aspires to and achieves a spiritual connection with its listeners. It encourages us to open our eyes to how much we share as humans, and to how much that is good and beautiful is possible if we open ourselves to each other and to the healing of heaven.” -– Amazon.com

Carolyn Notes
I am so proud that we’re offering one of my all-time favorite (and, sadly, one of the all-time underexposed and underrated) discs of all time. In 2001, shortly before leaving Word records, Sarah recorded this masterpiece with producer John Jennings (Mary Chapin Carpenter). It shimmers from the first note to the last and after hundred listens I still cry at lines like:
Pray for the bravery
To act upon the kindness of forgiveness
And the mystery of clarity sometimes
Mercy is grateful to go under all our failures
Thanks be to Christ for severity
That’s kissed us on our cheeks

(from “We Are a Beginning”)