New year, new music ? and a touch of old school.

Byline: Jonathan Takiff

Jan. 16--The first new-releases column of 2007 kicks into gear with sweet soul, hot jazz, tasty techno pop and a blast from folk rock's past. "State of Grace" (Alligator, A-) aptly defines this bliss-inducing new release from seasoned gospel- and soul-flavored harmony singers the Holmes Brothers. While kindred spirits to the Dixie Hummingbirds, Staples Singers and Chambers Brothers, the Holmeses (Wendell and Sherman and spiritual kin Popsy Dixon) take a more mellow and universal approach to spreading the good word. Craig Street, a master of acoustic art-pop/folk/blues/jazz crossover production, is at the helm of the ship, and steering the guys to combine their strong originals with recognizable covers to win immediate airplay. Among the latter are Lyle Lovett's childlike lament "If I Had …