Tweed & I have discussed the thin line between gospel & blues. Actually, to me, many blues songs are of a spiritual nature, even if they do not directly refer to spirit / gospel in the lyrics.

Many gospel songs are born of pain. Pain of wrestling with the flesh, blood & sweat of this world. The songs often express the need for relief from the pain & sing gratitude for the healing balm.

The same can be said for many of the blues songs.

"I Just Can't Keep from Crying Sometimes" by Blind Willie Johnson comes to mind as I write this. Of course, Blind Willie was a Gospel bluesman, but the agony & angst expressed in this song is echoed in a million blues songs.
         
I have seen the Spi rit move in some Christian gatherings during some anointed music. There was an overwhelming sense of unity in the congregants that superceded all natural barriers, such as social standing, race, etc. In spite of everyone's different pain, worries & woes, a sense of "oneness" & well-being prevailed.

I have seen the blues have a strikingly similar effect on people. You can say that such happens with many different types of music, but I disagree. I have seen the crowds get "caught up" in the music at rock/country concerts but it is somehow different. I'm not talking about getting caught in the music but in the mutual "human-ness" with all the frailties, and transcending it in the vehicle of the music.

I'm not too articulate tonight, but perhaps some of you follow what I'm saying. If not, ask Tweed about the "Slick effect". He will tell you of Daniel "Slick" Ballinger & the effect he has whenever he plays.

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