Citizen Vinyl releases holiday album to benefit ongoing Helene recovery efforts in WNC

Winter's Grace, a collection of classic and global holiday songs, features an all-star cast of Western North Carolina artists. Proceeds from the sale of the album benefit the nonprofits MusiCares and ArtsAVL in ongoing post-Helene recovery efforts.

Producer Jeff Sipe teamed up with Gar Ragland, Eddie Dewey, and Josh Blake to create this nine-song collection. 

Musicians who lent their talents to the project include Datrian Johnson, Abby Bryant, Ashley Heath, Rebekah Todd, Reggie Headen, Melissa McKinney, Adama Dembele, Whitney Moore Roda, Marisa Blake, Daniella Risquez, Mar Perez-Albela, Logan Jayne, Derek Gardner, Isaac Hadden, Jackson Weldon, Taylor Pierson, Quin Sternberg, Jamar Woods, Nik Hope, Duane Simpson, JP Furnas, Matt Schueler, Chuck Lichtenberger, Danny Iannucci, Luis Ramirez, Jonathan Lloyd, Jacob Rodriguez, Tyler Householder, Micah Thomas, Jason DeCristofaro, Peggy Ratusz, Duane Simpson, Ben Bjorlie, Taylor Pierson, Vic Stafford, Blake, and Sipe.

The album's cover art is by Matt Pfahlert / The Silent P.  Dave McNair is donating mastering (for both digital and vinyl) and lacquer cutting services.

Each of the lead vocalists — Johnson, Bryant, Todd, Headen, McKinney, Dembele, Heath, and the Los Cantantes de la Sonora Carolina collective — selected a song with a personal connection. “‘Do You Hear What I Hear’ reminds me of the mystical magic around every corner that embodies a supreme love that wishes to embrace us all,” says Rebekah Todd.

Songs range from traditional fare, such as "O Holy Night" and "Auld Land Syne," and offerings from around the world, such as "Los Peces en el Rio" and "Ayalamine." 

“I chose ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ because it carries that deep ache and hope we all feel in the waiting,” says Datrian Johnson. "It’s a prayer that turns longing into light.” 

Reflecting on the making of Winter's Grace, Josh Blake says, “It’s an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the production team putting this holiday album into the world! Jeff Sipe had mentioned to me for several years about wanting to do something like this, so it’s been a real blessing to see it come to life.” He adds, “This album and fundraiser showcase the giving and collaborative spirit that has made Asheville’s music scene a shining light for the whole world to reflect.”