Marion Williams, “Blessed Assurance” | Sunday Refresh 🙏

In the 19^th edition of Sunday Refresh, we’re uplifted by Marion Williams performing, “Blessed Assurance – Live in Philadelphia.”

Never underestimate the power of hymns.  In an age where more contemporary Christian and gospel music dominates, those old-school hymns ‘never lose their power’ you might say.  One of the preeminent hymns is 🎵 “Blessed Assurance” (text penned by 🎼✍ Fanny Crosby and music by 🎼✍ Phoebe Knapp), popular in many Christian denominations.  The thing about this hymn is that it never grows old.  You can perform it with frills, or you can perform it without them. You can transform and tweak, or you deliver it as is, and the meaningful lyrics and sheer power of hymn are easily conveyed.  For gospel pioneer 🎙 Marion Williams, back in 1974, she plays around with the melody of the hymn on 🎵 “Blessed Assurance – Live in Philadelphia” (💿 Blessed Assurance).  Also, she, the choir, and the accompanying musicians play around with the timing, delivering a stunning, unique interpretation.

Perhaps if you are traditionalist to the core, the 🎵 “Beautiful Dreamer” tune that Marion Williams borrows for the verse of “Blessed Assurance” won’t sit well with you.  If you approach it with an open mind, however, you’ll hear how refined Williams sounds in her upper register, and like the beloved, traditional melody, the power of the lyrics won’t be lost.  Also, the nuances and things Williams does throughout with her anointed instruments won’t ever fail to impress – it’s special, folks. In the chorus, the supporting choir provides a mix of the traditional tune and some unique tweaks, backed by drums, piano, and of course, organ.  This marks one of the most dynamic, powerful moments of the live recording. The harmonies never fail to captivate, particularly when those backing vocalists sing the traditional melody contrasting the borrowed tune. It’s a unique, six-minute-long performance that’ll leave you in awe and keep you coming back for more aka playing it repeatedly.  There’s just something that draws the listener in with this one.  Worth noting, there are some incredible renditions of this classic hymn.  Here are some other must-hear versions!

🎙 Marion Williams • 💿 Blessed Assurance • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 1974

Marion Williams, “Blessed Assurance – Live in Philadelphia”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 19 (2022) [📷: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gerhard G., JL G, The Musical Hype, Pixabay]