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.
"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."