Christmas with The Blind Boys of Alabama

Christmas music provides a sonic atmosphere this time of year and it is, at best, a mixed blessing. Tradition has replaced variety and the airwaves seem to have coalesced into a loop of a few dozen or so songs. About this time every year, I need to hear Christmas music from people who believe--I mean BELIEVE--in Christmas. I need to hear true gospel music from true gospel singers who have heard the good news. About this time of the year, I need to go back to the well. I need the Blind Boys of Alabama, and you may need them too.

I do not exaggerate when I say that the Blind Boys of Alabama are one of the greatest vocal ensembles in our nation's musical history. 

Formed in 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in Talladega, they have helped define gospel music and have recorded no fewer than 63 albums. 

Their musical integrity is legendary, having refused many offers to record more commercially viable music on the grounds that it didn't sufficiently glorify Jesus. The incorruptibility of these men and their art have earned the deep respect of generations of musicians, and their Christmas album, Go Tell it on the Mountain, features collaborations with some of their biggest fans including Tom Waits, Mavis Staples, George Clinton, Shelby Lynne, Aaron Neville, and Chrissie Hynde.

The title cut is one of the strongest, as Tom Waits' wailing growl finally finds a home in the

Blind Boys' soulful harmonies. Highlights include the ensemble's rollicking Last Month of the Year and Shelby Lynne's heart-rending duet with legendary Blind Boy Clarence Fountain on The Christmas Song. Chrissie Hynde's tremulous alto floats atop the Blind Boys' wistful harmonies on In the Bleak Midwinter and George Clinton's funkadelica gets some churching up on Away in a Manger. Finally, don't miss hip-hop maverick Me'Shell Ndegecello's spare piano and spoken accompaniment to the Blind Boys on the all-too-brief Oh Come all Ye Faithful.

Have a listen on NPR.