Offering: Press

About Grown up lullaby:
"Very nice, gentle begining. Cellos slowly rise. And the young lady who's singing this tune has her heart and soul into this song. Very well written,very well composed, flawlessly performed ... and the lyrics tell a very human story. Mongo find that not usually the case with modern Christian music, contemporary, pop, rock - or otherwise. But this group known as "The Offering" gives us a true offering with "Grown Up Lullaby". Most excellent. Should the Ancient One who made us all be pleased with such efforts made by the mortals on the earth - Mongo think He would be well pleased with this one."

About Grown up lullaby:
"Serious -- this is one of the finest performances, of one of the most beautifully written songs I've heard in a while. Worship songs have their place -- if I were of such a mind, this song would be in power rotation on my stereo. Wow what a voice ... what musicianship. Regardless of the lyrical content, this contemporary-folk song is very well worth a listen, a dl, a purchase."

Offering is a local Christian band that recently recorded a CD full of Christmas tunes, right here in Ashland. Mixing traditional rock instrumentation with beautiful string accompaniment, the band plays old hymns and more recently written Christmas-themed songs. Singer Jeanine Guidry is impressive, sounding a bit like Natalie Merchant –but with more range. So come out to the café and get treated to a stirring rendition of "Ave Maria."

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!

Even those who don't believe in angels may assume they're listening to an angel sing these 14 well-known Christmas songs - most of which have been freshly arranged. Lead singer Jeanine Guidry has a voice of remarkable clarity, accuracy, and richness (she is also a beautiful woman, as we assume angels must surely be, and in the spirit of full disclosure a musical friend of this reviewer). She is backed by a well-rehearsed ensemble that includes multiple percussionists, flute, a string section and a basic rock band lineup. The project features both the sacred, including a stunning version of Ave Maria, and the lighthearted (Winter Wonderland); it also benefits from the sure hand of Slipped Disc Studio's Bill McElroy. While many of us cringe at the prospect of yet another Christmas compilation, Comfort and Joy is a very pleasant exception.

"Its as rare as the proverbial hen's tooth to find local artists putting out a Christmas CD, so it's even that much more noticeable when something as unique as Comfort and Joy comes along--from the band Offering.
At the very least it would be a remarkable collection from any band; this sophomore effort from Offering is something of a modern day classic in terms of Christmas music. Forget the fact they are a local band....they sound like a national act. On second thought, don't forget it...be proud they hail from Richmond, VA !

Offering doesn't present a random collection of feel good carols. From the upbeat to the introspective, a thread of somber joy pervades the overall mix. At times we hear through a glass darkly...and that only enhances the listening experience. Imagine yourself walking home during a frosty December twilight as the sun has just dipped below the horizon and that deep cerulean before fourth season's darkness envelops you--then, a few more steps and you're home. Inside its warm, cozy--perhaps with family or friends or a loyal pet. Its bathing in one kind of reality before receiving a transformation of another: Steps from darkness to light are just around the corner.

And you rejoice.

That strange recipe of comfort and joy aptly describes Offering's seasonal sound portraits and their new disc. Listening to it makes me long for Christmas in July."

By far, this album is the most original and modern mix of some of my Christmas favorites. As with any Christmas album, I always expect to be able to sing along to my favorite tunes, but with this one, I just listen because I'm so impressed by the way Offering changed the chords and tempo to make these songs totally fresh. I recommend this CD to anyone, especially people looking for a fun new twist on some of the best Christmas Classics.

Lead singer Jeanine Guidry has a tremendous voice and it all comes together with the holiday music for a must CD to own. She takes some traditional holiday music and makes it come alive with the season. It makes me wish it were December rather than almost June.

I LOVE this CD because of the way Offering is able to merge praise and worship together in a powerful flow. They also balance their technical skill with the presence of the Holy Spirit. The wide variety of instruments blend very well together as well as the cool vocal harmonies. You will find a lot of neat percussion, beautiful violin, bass, keyboards, and both electric and acoustic guitar. I especially like the overall acoustic feel to the CD.

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