[Dean's World] Dean: Dark Was The Night

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Posted by Dean:
Dark Was The Night
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1141417844.shtml


   I am a blues fan from way back. Probably my very favorite blues
   artist, however, would have been offended to be called a blues artist.
   He was a staunch gospel singer and guitarist who would likely have
   considered blues music a bad influence. Yet practically every blues
   guitarist alive, especially slide players, revere him. His name was
   Blind Willie Johnson.

   His best-known song is known by the short title "Dark Was The Night,
   Cold Was The Ground." Its full title, however, is "Dark Was The Night,
   Cold Was The Ground On Which Our Lord Was Laid." It's about Jesus
   after his death on the cross, and before the resurrection.

   In honor of Good Friday, I thought I'd share it with you:

   [1]Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground

   The song is what was called a "moan." I don't know if black churches
   still perform that style or that song anymore, but I imagine in some
   places they do. But this recording is just Blind Willie alone with his
   guitar.

   Honestly I think it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever
   heard.

   You can buy the complete Blind Wilie Johnson collection [2]right here.
   It's worth every penny. Yes, they're all gospel tunes. They're also
   all extraordinary.

   I hope you enjoy the song.

References

   1. file://localhost/files/05_-_Dark_Was_the_Night,_Cold_Was_the_Ground.1.mp3
   2. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000028QB/qid=1141405451/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-2222880-8084659?s=music&v=glance&n=5174/deansworld01-20