Title: Holy Ground
Artist: Immaculate Heart of Mary Quartet
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 837101128681
Genre: New Age

"Holy Ground" is a collection of sacred music sung almost entirely in the a cappella style by a vocal quartet from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (IHM) in Los Alamos, NM. Locally known simply as the 'quartet', this vocal group unites two married couples, Theresa (Soprano) and Steve Coggeshall (Baritone) and Cathy (Alto) and Rene LeClaire (Tenor). Right from the start these two couples were blessed with a natural, effortless blended sound that was honed through years of weekly singing at Church and in other venues. One admirer of the quartet's work, Pete Sheehey at IHM approached the quartet in 2005 and offered to produce a CD featuring their sacred repertoire. As a result of his generosity, "Holy Ground" was professionally recorded and mastered at Maricam Studios in Santa Fe in late 2005. In 2006 the CD was presented at the New Mexico Music Awards and was awarded 'Best CD' amongst all the genres of music competing there. 'Holy Ground' features an eclectic mix of sacred music spanning centuries and genres from the classic 16th century Palestrina arrangement of Sicut Cervus to a 20th Century arrangement of the spiritual Give Me Jesus. Some of the tracks feature simple melodies with tightly woven harmonies such as the title track Holy Ground and the deceptively complex harmony of Throm's Serenity (listen for the fifth voice overtone in the last chord). Other tracks feature intricately mixed polyphonic lines such as in the Sicut Cervus, Burrough's Peace I Leave With You and the Byrd Ave Verum Corpus. This eclectic mix reflects the varied backgrounds of the quartet. Steve and Terry Coggeshall are both experienced musicians. Steve has a BA in Music (voice) from Southern Illinois University and a Masters in Music from the University of Illinois with an emphasis in conducting (in addition to a PhD in physics). Steve has worked with accapella and accompanied choruses for over thirty years. Terry received her Bachelor's degree in Music Theory from the University of St. Louis and completed her graduate work in vocal performance at the University of Illinois. She has been a featured soloist professionally for many years in venues involving everything from small choirs to large orchestral works. By contrast Rene and Cathy LeClaire had little formal musical training although they have been singing for many years. Cathy taught herself to sing and play the guitar simply by listening to the radio. The album also features a number of works that will be familiar to many Church choirs including Ramsey's The Blessing of Aaron, Durufle's Ubi Caritas, Lutkin's The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Eilers' Go Ye Now in Peace and the Arcadelt Ave Maria. 'Holy Ground also features the solo work of Terry and Rene, accompanied by organist Frances Meier. After hearing Terry's wonderful solo rendition of the Schubert Ave Maria, the listener may marvel at how well her voice blends in seamlessly with the quartet.

Tracks:
1.1 Holy Ground (Exodus 3:5)
1.2 Ubi Caritas (Gregorian Chant)
1.3 Lord, for Thy Tender Mercies' Sake
1.4 Sicut Cervus (Psalm 41:1)
1.5 Go Ye Now in Peace
1.6 Adoramus Te
1.7 My Shephered Will Supply My Need
1.8 Ave Maria
1.9 Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
1.10 Ave Verum Corpus
1.11 The Lord Bless You and Keep You
1.12 Cantate Domino
1.13 Bless the Lord, O My Soul
1.14 Panis Angelicus - Rene Leclaire
1.15 E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
1.16 Serenity
1.17 Bless Us This Day
1.18 Peace I Leave with You
1.19 Ave Maria - Theresa Coggeshall
1.20 The Blessing of Aaron
1.21 Give Me Jesus
1.22 A Parting Blessing