The Blind Boys have done many fine collaborations in recent years (a relative term for a band formed in the '30s!). The vocal gospel group has another winner here in a collaboration with Taj Mahal, doing a mix of classics and eight new compositions in the holiday spirit. Mahal plays guitar throughout but only sings lead on “What Can I Do?” and “There’s a Reason We Call It Christmas”—but who wouldn’t step aside to let founding member Jimmy Carter and the rest of the guys do their uplifting gospel benedictions? Don’t miss their uptempo version of “Do You Hear What I Hear?”