While fans in Pennsylvania were first introduced to The Ocean Blue in 1986 via Lancaster's Christian radio staple WJTL, I first encountered their music when the band--who'd since signed with mainstream label Sire Records--opened for The Psychedelic Furs' tour in 1991. I will always be indebted to Nick Barre', an EMI CMG Vice President of Artist Development, for insisting I check out the opening act, who I'd only heard about at the time. (You see, The Ocean Blue was all the buzz at Cornerstone '91, because after signing to Sire, the band had covered The 77s' classic "Renaissance Man.")

The Ocean Blue's short 30-minute set that night changed my life. Simply put, they had me just after "Hello, we're The Ocean Blue." Perhaps it was the way frontman/guitarist David Schelzel took the ambient style innovated by U2's The Edge, made it his own thing, and proceeded to create a clean, astonishingly atmospheric guitar sound that was frankly entrancing. Perhaps it was the unique vocal quality of Schelzel's voice and the unusual way he accentuated his lyrics. Maybe it was the thoughtful innocence of his biblically-informed and extremely poetic lyrics. Or perhaps it was the way that he and his bandmates sounded so incredibly tight live.

Regardless, I wasn't the only one captivated by this amazing band. By this time The Ocean Blue had started charting at modern rock radio and invading MTV's video rotation. And I soon met other kindred spirits along the way...Sixpence None the Richer's Matt Slocum (who drove the four hours with me and other friends to see the band perform in Atlanta in 1996)...singer/songwriter Sarah Masen (who considered The Ocean Blue among the best "driving music" in the world)...

After releasing four exceptional albums on major general market labels, the band formally returned to the indie rock scene as the nineties came to a close. And, thankfully, they have continued to create "blue music" for those of us that have tapped into the brilliance of who they are.

Just this past week I discovered that The Ocean Blue recently launched its own MySpace page. And on this site, the band is offering a gem of a Christmas classic. As it turns out The Ocean Blue's Schelzel and his best friend Don Peris (guitarist for The Innocence Mission) have collaborated for a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night." To hear it, all you need to do is go to: http://www.myspace.com/theoceanblue

Frankly, as I prepare to head out for Christmas vacation with family, I can't think of a more appropriate thought to leave you with than the poignant lyrics of this timeless song. And hey, if in the process you become a new fan of The Ocean Blue, then...well...Merry Christmas.

:-)

Jay

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