Despite waxing three of the hottest electric guitar records of the pre-rock `n' roll years, almost nothing has been known about the life of sanctified electric guitar preacher Elder Utah Smith ... until now. African- American music scholar Lynn Abbott's years of research have produced a remarkable biographical study, finally shining a light onto the preaching, healing, and guitar playing-ministry of this groundbreaking performer, whose revivals and appearances were as well known and anticipated in his time as those of any other sacred or secular musician or performer. Filled with fascinating anecdotes and first-hand remembrances and testimonies, I Got Two Wings features many rare, unpublished photographs and a 18-track CD produced by CaseQuarter's Kevin Nutt. The CD includes five previously unknown Smith songs along with relevant performances by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Elder Curry, Rev. F.W. McGee, and two rocking performances by Smith's daughter. (AMAZON)
A total of 127 pages,including a track listing of performers on the accompanying cd. The trade size book has a very substantial,thick cover. Eighteen track cd,approximately 58 minutes long. It contains tracks by Smith,and others like Sister Rosetta Sharp,and Arizona Dranes. The sound is surprisingly good for recordings from this era-very immediate and visceral. Sprinkled throughout the book are quite a few period photographs which help form a better picture of this man,his music,and his religious convictions. The author is a writer/researcher in the area of early black music. His writing style is very straight forward,telling the story in plain yet succinct words.
Not much was known about Elder Smith until this concise book was published. Often referred to as "the two-winged preacher",Smith was known for his fiery electric guitar playing and forceful vocals in praise of the Lord. Up until his death Smith traveled throughout the U.S. conducting Holy Ghost revival meetings. A member of the Church of God In Christ,his high decibel guitar sound was heard anywhere there was an African-American community. He once played at the New York Museum of Modern Art,and was heard on radio programs of the day,but his calling was to spread the word of the Lord at his revival meetings.
This short book begins with Smith's birth,but the story really begins in the mid- 1920's,when he was "called" to preach. A steadfast religious man,Smith never wavered from his chosen work. His songs were primarily based on common religious refrains. His unwavering fervor would transform these into intense statements of his faith. According to the author,the idea of the large white angel wings,which Smith wore,(of which there are several photographs in the book) came from a dream by one of Smith's followers. Very few of his recordings have been released on a major record label-being released on small labels with little distribution. There are two pages,in color, of record labels of Smith's songs,which will be of interest to both scholars and collectors. The body of the book is largely based on information and anecdotes from people who knew Smith. This style,of direct quotes,gives the book a more immediate,personal feel. There are also reprints of newspaper articles and ads about Smith's sermons. Also included are extensive examples of Smith's lyrics,which add more understanding of this evangelist's convictions.
This book,with accompanying CD is well-worth acquiring if you have an interest in this area of music,and how it related(and still relates) to the lives of African-Americans. Other collections of similar music can be found on the following sets: REV. LOUIS OVERSTREET on Arhoolie Records,BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON on Sony(Columbia) Records(2 cd set),ELDER CHARLES BECK 1946-1956 on Document Records,BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON and the GUITAR EVANGELISTS(4 CD set which includes tracks by Elder Smith and others),REV. GARY DAVIS and the GUITAR EVANGELISTS Volume 2(4 cd set of various artists) both on JSP Records,and SPREADING THE WORD-EARLY GOSPEL RECORDINGS(4 cd set) also on JSP Records. In summing up,this is a book that has much more worth than it's price-for it's a look into a world that's long vanished,along with music of such an individual person,whose convictions still ring loud and true through his voice and his guitar playing. It's honesty and straightforwardness will be a breath of fresh air in these modern times. (Stuart Jefferson, Amazon)
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1. Two Wings - Rev. Utah Smith 2. Glory To Jesus I'm Free - Rev. Utah Smith & Congregation 3. Two Wings And Everyman's Got To Lay Down And Die - Rev. Utah Smith & Congregation 4. Take A Trip - Rev. Utah Smith 5. I Have Good News To Bring - Sister Rosetta Tharpe 6. I Want Two Wings - Rev. Utah Smith 7. God Rode In A Windstorm - Sister Sarah James & The Sanctified Six 8. Crucifixion - Arizona Dranes 9. With His Stripes We Are Healed - Rev. F. W. McGee 10. Memphis Flu - Elder Curry 11. God's Might Hand - Rev. Utah Smith 12. There's A Two Wing Temple In The Sky - Johnny Wiggs & His New Orleans Music 13. Two Wings Flying Home - Brother Bill Louis (Utah Smith) 14. A New World In My View - Rev. Utah Smith & Congregation 15. New World - Rev. Robert Ballinger 16. Two Wings - Rev. Utah Smith & Congregation 17. Prayer Changes Things - Sister Sarah James & The Sanctified Six 18. I Got Two Wings - Rev. Utah Smith & Congregation
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