Album Notes

This remarkable and award winning recording captures a Bicentennial performance of the first original musical presentation dealing with Afro-American heritage. It was recognized by the state of Ohio as both a historical work and musical composition. By its nature and timelessness as a work which pointedly captures the importance of the black experience in America, Roy Meriwether’s Black Snow was a fitting component of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration.

Now for the first time since it premiered on April 10, 1976, this unique performance has been released on CD. If you are familiar with Roy Meriwether’s artistry on the piano you will recognize and enjoy the flair and excitement he brings to the production. Although quite different from his other recordings, Black Snow is no less phenomenal!

As some of the notes from the original program point out…

“Black Snow is a musical interpretation of selected major incidents and turning points in the lives of black people in the United States from 1619 to the present day.

While different ”types” of black music, notably gospel and blues, are evident, there has been no concerted attempt to reproduce stylistically the musical idiom of each historical period. Rather, the composition concentrates on reflecting the dominant atmosphere and attitudes of each period and the responses black people gave - as a people.

Black Snow is not only for black people but for all men and women who are a part of the on-going struggle for human dignity and freedom.”

Nothing in Roy Meriwether’s career has received such acclaim as the work found on this CD. People from all over the country have waited over 30 years for this release and now you too can share in the experience that is Black Snow. Pride, passion, soul, energy, strife and suffering, hope, and strength – it’s all there! It’s Black Snow!