In a timelessly elegant, classically decorated living room in Westcheter, New York live piano music, hot hors douevres, and lavendar candles set the backdrop for this Sunday evening's signature event: a reading of Soul Be Free: Poems, Prose, and Prayers by authors, Ouida and Rev. Alfonso Wyatt.
As stated previously, these authors are gifted orators as well. Staying true to form, the Wyatts' exquisitely sensitive reading of selected excerpts from Soul Be Free grabbed the full attention of this impressive assembly of "souls" including, top educators, pastors, engineers, social services providers, professors, lawyers, doctors,architects, journalists, and law enforcement personnel. Highly sought publicist, Terrie Williams (and her elegant mother) was also among the evening's intrigued listeners.
Eyes fixed, we zeroed in on the ever-charismatic Wyatts as they took turns reading from each of the book's four sections: MIND, ISSUES, RELATIONSHIPS, SOUL.
Ouida's rich, deep, soul stirring voice is ready for the airwaves. I could have listened to her all night. Small wonder she is on the praise and worship team at her home church. If Ouida's sensual voice was not already under "divine" protection, I think many radio stations and television advertisers would be fighting at her doorstep (LOL).
And what can be said of the inimitable Rev. Alfonso Wyatt who without question has achieved the status of exospheric elocutionist. (Rev. was at one time a stratospheric speaker but is way beyond that now, LOL). I once heard a lady (who was not his wife, mother or sister, lol) say, "I would come listen to that man if he was talking with a paper bag over his mouth-- he's that good."
When this dynamic duo combined voices on the finale, reading parts of the SOUL excerpt in tandem, Soul Be Free was no longer a book but a living message. The Wyatt's combined voice highlighted the duality of perspectives -- male-female, mother-father, husband-wife-- found within Soul Be Free's pages.
After the reading, guests shared about themselves, speaking from their hearts and souls. It was evident that they were inspired and felt safe to share. A spirit of camraderie and joy permeated the living room. Later on that evening, the Wyatts signed several copies of Soul Be Free. Many guests bought multiple copies.
The only thing wrong with Soul Be Free centers on the unavailabilty of a CD given how powerfully the Wyatt's read this work. I spoke with the Wyatts about this and was assured that CDs and much more are on the way.
If you have not caught the Wyatts live and in person at a book signing or reading, please do so. This event turned out to be some enchanted evening!
the Black Arts & Entertainment Whisperer (tBAW)
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