Dixie Time

'We'll Understand It Better By and By' is a gospel song written in 1905 by Charles Albert Tindley, a Methodist minister.

This rendition is played in New Orleans jazz funeral style. Our pianist Scott begins with a slow riff representing mournfulness before the deceased is laid to rest. The rest of us then join in upping the tempo, which represents a celebration of the deceased's life.

Video credit to John K. Runge; Music credit to Preservation Hall Foundation.

Thanks to the Great Northern Blues Society for allowing us to play for their Blues Hang at Sconni's in Schofield, WI, May 20, 2026.

'Basin Street Blues'

'Nuther lowbrow piece we played for the Wausau Symphony & Band's Chamber Music Series at Uncommon Pints in Rothschild, WI on May 27, 2026.

Residents and staff at Mount View Care Center in Wausau, WI were clapping, hooting and stomping up a storm to some N'Awlins style music yesterday. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Yesterday we played a favorite gospel/blues tune, 'Precious Lord Take My Hand,' written in 1932 by Thomas A. Dorsey - the father of gospel/blues music - for residents and staff of Rennes Health & Rehab in Weston, WI.

Mr. Dorsey wrote the lyrics, inspired by God, as he was grieving the death of his wife during childbirth and followed by the passing of his newborn son two days later.

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lorn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home

While explaining that many churches had a difficult time embracing this new genre of music, Dorsey said, "I've been thrown out of some of the best churches in America."