Jars of Clay

As reinvented bluegrass and hymns were to JOC's Redemption Songs, classic and aged melodies are to this set. The "Wonderful Christmastime" cover is expertly new-Beatles, as is "Hibernation Day," but with a Rufus Wainwright appeal. Old school JOC ("Love Came Down") is still there, served with jazz and Celtic folk. All tracks, including a few carols and originals, are equally subject to masterful, moody arrangements. A tonic of old and new woven gorgeously together, this is JOC's first full-length holiday release.