The Anthology 1961-1977

Impressions, Curtis Mayfield

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 8, 1992)
• Original Release Date: December 8, 1992
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B000002OLX
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,105 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #28 in

  Music > R&B > Soul > Northern

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The last few years has seen an increased appreciation and examination of the legacy of Curtis Mayfield. This 1992 collection highlights Mayfield's years with the Impressions, (both on ABC and Mayfield's own Curtom label), the vocal group that also included Jerry Butler. Among the timeless hits included are "Gypsy Woman," "It's All Right," and "We're a Winner" In addition, there are selections from Mayfield's solo career, most notably several cuts from Superfly. While this 2 CD set is not as exhaustive as the 3 CD Rhino collection of 1997, it is worth owning , as is anything associated with Mayfield . --Amy Linden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT OVERVIEW, July 22, 2002

By	ALAIN ROBERT (ST-HUBERT,QUEBEC) - See all my reviews

Like all his soul mates of the sixties,CURTIS MAYFIELD started with his IMPRESSIONS a gentle and delicate sound,well suited to his low voice.By the end of the sixties,CURTIS turned socially conscencious and his writing deepened enough to become more than simple entertainment.CURTIS reached his peak with CURTIS and the soundtrack for the movie SUPERFLY.Still, those early IMPRESSIONS songs like GYPSY WOMAN,MINSTREL AND QUEEN,IT'S ALL RIGHT and PEOPLE GET READY retain their particular charm.This good anthology covers both his music with THE IMPRESSIONS and his solo career.CURTIS's voice is not like any other of the time,his sweet tone is like velvet.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Does Not Get Much Better, September 30, 2003

By	simplypimp (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

Curtis Mayfield is one of the most impressive musical talents I have ever encountered. And while this set is not perfect it offers an adequate sampling of Mayfield's genius. Mayfield's genius goes far beyond his always inspired singing and beautiful musically orchestration. Thanks to Curtis, The Impressions are the soul of soul music and Mayfield's ability to expose himself and sing with such intense feeling and sincerity is heroic and inspiring. Just as evident as Mayfield's emotional heroism and extraordinary musical talent is his sensitivity and cutting intelligence. As for the songs themselves? They are the manifestation of these words. Curtis is as true as it gets.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Indispensable Testament to A Legendary Musician, January 3, 2000

By	Anthony G Pizza "trivialtony" (FL) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In the Biblical imagery Curtis Mayfield was fond of writing in, he transitioned from Moses shouting "People get ready! There's a train a-comin'!" to Jeremiah warning, "If There's Hell Below, We're All Going to Go," to the Job-like figure patiently accepting long-overdue accolades even as the musical talent he was honored for and the basic motion skills we take for granted were removed from him. Finally, days before Christmas, God granted Curtis the gift of peace and rest he long believed in and sung about.

This 2-disc set testifies to Mayfield's legacy as guitarist, lyricist (psalmist?), arranger, and vocalist. Here, with the Impressions and solo, you find him exulting ("It's All Right," "Amen") boasting ("Woman's Got Soul," "I'm So Proud") rousing ("Keep On Pushing," "We're A Winner") and defending ("You Must Believe Me," the absolutely devastating "I've Been Trying.") As a personal opinion, Mayfield's solo work had been too shrill, too strident despite its deep influence, but only the best of it is included here. This set is absolutely essential for anyone who wishes to understand the music of the 60s and 70s, and the times that inspired it.