JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE by Gunhild Carling - Swedish Midsummer Festival Washington DC 06/20/25

Sung by "Sweden's National Treasure" Gunhild Carling at the 2025 Swedish Midsummer Festival at the National Mall in Washington DC on the summer solstice day 06/20/25, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" s a traditional gospel song that has become a standard, particularly in New Orleans jazz. Its origins are uncertain, but the song is believed to have African American spiritual roots and was popularized in the early 20th century. Over the years, it has been recorded by a wide range of artists, including Mahalia Jackson, Patsy Cline, and Louis Armstrong. Gunhild Carling is an international globe-trotting Jazz singer and multi-instrumentalist who leads a multi-generational (mostly) family band which includes many of her own family members. She was invited twice to perform for the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf - once for his 70th birthday and also for his Ruby Jubilee. Her band today included her husband Johan Blomé (banjo) and son Viggo (drums). Gunhild plays almost every instrument you can imagine - trombone, bagpipe, trumpet, drums, piano, guitar, oboe, tuba, flute, harmonica, banjo, ukulele, harp and more! She often showcases all of her skills in the same song, including tap dancing.