Blind Boys of Alabama

Filmed to mark the release of the Blind Boys' 2003 Christmas album, this concert from the Beacon Theatre shows the venerable gospel vocal group in full testifying mode. Although the songs obviously lean toward seasonal favourites — "Little Drummer Boy," "Joy To The World" — there are still enough tracks from their other excellent recent albums, such as "Run On," and "Higher Ground," to make this worth watching at other times of the year. The hook is also a wide range of guests, including Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples and Robert Randolph, and a few unlikely faces like Chrissie Hynde and Michael Franti. As always, an uplifting experience no matter what your personal beliefs are. (Eagle Eye Media)