Within the past few years Ben Bowen King has carved out a national reputation for the "roots gospel guitar."
His first release, "Sidewalk Saints," won national critical review. Here are some samples:
"King's guitar playing is an antidote to the 'dumbing down' of gospel instrumentals -- THE VILLAGE VOICE
"King uses his gospel guitar to 'preach' and 'rejoice in the Lord.
This music transports you back to a lost chapter in America's history." -- SOUTHERN SOUL & BLUES REVIEW
"King's guitar brings back the soulful sound of pre-WWII gospel music." -- USA TODAY
On his latest release, "A LAYING ON OF SONG," King delves into the tradition of "a laying on of song" where if someone is ill or depressed, their friends would gather around their bed and surround them with an informal performance of America's best-known hymns.
Using both the six & 12-string guitar performs such hymns as "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," "In The Sweet By & By" and "Amazing Grace."
The roots of the songs on the CD and download (available on I-Tunes, e-music and Rhapsody) go back to the theme of "adversity over come." The composers were writing music to "lift up" a congregation or a sole listener facing life's challenges.
These melodies, which are all almost over 100 years old, have become so much a part of America's spiritual DNA that their melodies and harmonies bring a sense of grace and promise that everything will be all right "in the sweet by & by."
All of the tunes on "A Laying On Of Song" have an interesting "back story." Ben will be going over these back stories on his MySpace Blog. Here are a few examples:
"In The Sweet By & By" This song was literally written as a prescription for depression by a minister who was a part-time pharmacist. He had a regular customer who suufered from depression and one day the man was detailing his woes when the pharmacist/minister said: "Don't worry everything will be all right in the weet by and by." Within 30 minutes the two men wrote the music and lyrics to this classic hymns.
"A Laying on of Hands" is available at www.talkingtaco.com and Amazon.com:
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Thanks for adding me to your friends list. It is so good to have Christian Friends. I really like your music it is a Blessing. May God Bless You! Patricia
Salut
Thanks for the add and for taking a listen...much appreciated!!any comment or feedback would be great..anyways its almost Christmas, but it's not the same here in Bangkok..Seasons Greetings :)
Youna
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