Review and More

Our Review

Kudos to Offering, a Christian band based in Richmond, Virginia, that delivers big-time on Comfort and Joy. I must confess to a certain prejudice with respect to so-called "Christian groups," fearing that this designation means that the band could not survive musically with mainstream professionals. With Offering, I stand corrected. This is one outstanding group, whatever their religious foundation. The music is well-crafted, the vocals are spot-on, and the whole package is one of the best holiday albums I have heard this year.

This is top-notch acoustic rock with terrific cello/violin fluorishes. From song selection to execution, Offering makes all the right moves. The album fills nearly an hour with softly rocked-out versions of traditional classics like Angels We Have Heard on High and modern marvels such as Breath of Heaven (the longest track, and probably my favorite) and Mary Did You Know. Jeanine Guidry's vocals have the gritty texture necessary for rock delivery, yet the sweet passion required for a number like Ave Maria. Her emotionally-charged Mary Did You Know is one of many album highlights. Comfort and Joy closes strongly with angelic harmonies on Silent Night, providing both English and German renditions.

Although Offering is a rock band, the delivery is lively and energized, but never harsh. Even the rockiest numbers are acoustically driven and totally accessible. For me, the best high-energy pieces are probably God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Angels We Have Heard on High. The album is also infused with sometimes smokey, sometimes cheerful, jazz (Christmas Time Is Here, Winter Wonderland, respectively).

Comfort and Joy's presentation includes a cute crayon cover drawing by Guidry's 10-year-old niece from Holland (and the liner notes feature more drawings of trees by budding family artists). Guidry was born and raised in the Netherlands, and her family is still there. So rock out, go Dutch, and let Offering give you Comfort and Joy this holiday season and for many to come!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

More

From the liner notes:

Jeanine Guidry: lead vocals & harmony vocals
Kim Shepherd: harmony vocals
Eric Reynolds: keys, shakers track 11
Rob Wright: guitars
Dave Robinson: bass guitar
Barry Stewart: drums
Alex Dompe: percussion (TDYS)
Pacita Hill: violin tracks 3,4,9,14
Chris Johnston: viola, violin tracks 2,5,8,13,14
Mark Holt: cello
Lisa Wheeler: flute, alto flute

Produced by: Bill McElroy, Jeanine Guidry, Rob Wright, Eric Reynolds

Offering

Comfort and Joy

Order from Amazon

Track List