Rootsy duo Blue Eyed Grass delivers a winter present with the release of A Blue Eyed Christmas, a holiday album that is, for the most part, devoid of bells and whistles. Delnora Reed and Jayron Weaver neither need nor want to embellish their sound with glory notes or other unnecessary trappings. Instead they choose to combine their talents to craft an appealing celebration of the season. The comforting style of A Blue Eyed Christmas should play well across bustling metropolises and front porches alike. The juxtaposition of city and country is evident in “Silver Jingle Bells” which blends two holiday favorites (”Jingle Bells” and “Silver Bells” respectively.) The songs seamlessly transition into one another. Reed’s mandolin, which plays such a prevalent role throughout A Blue Eyed Christmas that it almost becomes a secondary character, acts as the connecting thread between the two pieces, emphasizing the commonalities inhabitants of both environments share. In fact, A Blue Eyed Christmas is an album built around themes of inclusion and togetherness. An emotional reading of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” incorporates music from Israel’s national anthem “Hatikvah (The Hope).” Original composition “Love Began at Christmas” connects romantic affection to spiritual curiousity as a young couple recalls that their awareness of love started with their knowledge of Jesus Christ. Appropriately cozy compositions like “I Don’t Wanna Be Anywhere Else Come Christmas Time” and “Christmas Wish” round out the duo’s thoughtful, gentle perspective of the holiday. The album closes with a stately rendition of Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven.” Originally conceived as a telling of Jesus Christ’s impending arrival from Mary’s perspective, the song takes on an added dimension as a duet between Reed and Weaver. As imagined by Blue Eyed Grass, the burdens and hardships are no longer felt simply by Mary; Joseph assumes her concerns as well. “Breath of Heaven” is transformed into a statement of a young couple’s obedience and devotion in the face of fear. In these times of uncertainty, this fitting expression of faith provides the album’s most poignant moment.

Absolutely FANTASTIC! I especially love "Breath of Heaven"! The harmony that Jayron and Delnora have is wonderful! I love their music!