The Smith Connection - Under My Wings (1972)
By Papa Funk
"VERY GOOD SOUL ALBUM"
Brothers Danny,
Louis and Michael Smith from St. Louis,Missouri. As an example, I'd love to know how they
attracted the attention of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland
(H-D-H),
who ended up signing the group as one of the first acts on their short-lived
Music Merchants label.
Once
on Music Merchant the brothers enjoyed a surprising R&B hit with their
debut single '(I've Been a Winner, I've
Been a Loser) I've Been in Love' b/w 'I
Can't Hold On Much Longer' (Music Merchant catalog number MS 1012).
As
was standard mid-1970s marketing, Music Merchant subsequently rushed the
trio into the studio to record a supporting LP - 1972's Ronald Dunbar
produced
"Under My Wings".
Largely co-written by Michael and Dunbar, musically the album was a little
bit different than your standard H-D-H collection.
Material like 'I Can't Hold On Much Longer', 'Wish
I Had You' and the title track didn't exactly stray
from H-D-H's patented blend of strong melodies and great vocals, but in
comparison to other H-D-H acts (think Chairman of the Board, The 8th Day)
their sound was distinctively old school.
Sporting a ballad
heavy repertoire The Smiths recalled Thom Bell's work with The
Delfonics, The Stylistics and other classic early-1970s Philly based groups
(the lead off track 'The Day You Leave' and 'My World Is Empty Without You'
even
borrowed Bell's patented sitar-esque sound). While it may not have
been the year's most original release, propelled by Michael's nice voice,
great harmony vocals, and some highly commercial material, the results were
every bit as good as the group's million selling competitors. (Okay,
the cover of The Carpenters' 'Rainy Days and Mondays'
was unnecessary.) Elsewhere Music Merchant tapped the album for a single in
the form of 'The Day You Leave' b/w 'I've Come To Stay' (Music Merchant
catalog number MS 1014).
" A Must Have Before Die "
The
trio also recorded one more non-LP 45 for Music Merchant: 'I'm Bugging Your
Phone (Parts 1 and 2) (Music Merchant catalog number MS 1015).
Holland-Dozier-Holland
subsequently revived their business and musical partnerships with Berry Gordy Jr. and
Motown. The Smiths were one of the
acts the team brought to Motown, where they
recorded an early 1980s album as Lovesmith. Michael went on to enjoy successes as
a Motown staff writer, along
with releasing a couple of solo efforts.
Please Leave A Comment,Thanks.
If Need A Pass,Pass is Ever: MustHaveBeForeDie
