PATTY GRIFFIN – DOWNTOWN CHURCH

What could be more appropriate than the woman with one of the most divine of voices recording in a church? Finally giving full reign to her gospel side, self-confessed “lapsed Catholic” and relentless “seeker” Patty Griffin went to Nashville’s Downtown Presbyterian Church to record this album (and is using it to promote the plight of Nashville’s homeless) and has returned with a collection of songs and performances that will give many faith (in something). Not that Ms Griffin has done anything short of exceptional this millennium. Opening with Hank William’s House of Gold is an inspired choice and a chillingly beautiful performance from Griffin; while the selection of “family” and friends she has dragged into this place of worship to help her is almighty as well – Buddy Miller (who also produced the album), Emmylou Harris, Raul Malo, and Ann and Regia McCrary. But it is Griffin who is the star once again, her fierce determined passion only shines brighter for her ability at the same time to allow us to hear an emotional vulnerability that the subjects require. How many artists continue to produce work of such beauty and depth?

**** 1/2