John McLaughlin Williams Plays William Grant Still's "Here's One"

John McLaughlin Williams, Violin
Norma Mclaughlin Nelson, Piano

Of all Negro Spirituals, "Here's One" can undoubtedly be counted among the most affecting of all. The lyrics are a simple expression of devotion to God:

Talk about a Child that do love Jesus;
Here's One, Here's One
Talk about a Child done been Converted;
Here's One, Here's One

William Grant Still originally created his setting of "Here's One" for solo voice and later for chorus. The stellar American violinist and Still's great friend Louis Kaufmann (for whom Still wrote his celebrated Suite and the Pastorela) was so taken by Still's setting that he transcribed it for violin and piano. Kaufmann changed the key of Still's original, and little else. Here, William Grant Still has created one of the most moving spiritual settings ever penned. Kaufmann's transcription stays true to its source, giving us a concentrated and intense three minutes of sustained religious ecstasy.

A brief word about the pianist: Norma McLaughlin Williams is a noted Howard University educated pianist, composer, educator, and former Small Business Administration executive. She is also my mom.