Offering

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." - Caine O'Rear, Richmond.com - Richmond.com

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! - 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, Christmasreviews.com - Christmasreviews.com

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." - www.c0nsensus.com

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 over all acoustic feel to the CD. - Bonnie Murdoch, Virginia Beach VA - Amazon.com

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. Two enthusiastic thumbs up! - Carrie Belt, Richmond VA - Amazon.com

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. - Randall White, Richmond VA - CD Baby

Velvety, dynamic lead vocals of Amsterdam-born Jeanine Guidry highlight this nine-piece Richmond band called Offering. Guitar- and piano-driven sounds, along with strings, flute and world-beat percussion give them a full, multifarious vibe.

Cathy Thomas - Urge Magazine, June 2008 - Urge Magazine