The Music and Message of Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions

Buy This Item The Music and Message of Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions by Hip-O Records  Available from Amazon  $17.99  on 8-25-2008     Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, and Jerry Butler, THE IMPRESSIONS, made some of the most monumental music ever recorded. No, they didn't have the explosive dance steps of the MOTOWN groups,like THE TEMPTATIONS,THE MIRACLES, OR GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS , or non MOTOWN groups like JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES , or LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS but , they didn't need them. They didn't scream and shout , and drop to their knees on stagebut , they didn't have to. That's not what THE IMPRESSIONS were all about. They were about dignity..the music, andthe MESSAGE. They had a story to tell, and a message to relate and dance steps would have only detracted from that message. They were the first group to address REAL, TOPICAL ISSUES that affected You and Me . and they did so YEARS before the so- called protest singers of the mid to late sixties, years before the Norman Whitfield/ Barrett Strong-produced songs on THE TEMPTATIONS,years before MARVIN GAYE'S classic "WHAT'S GOING ON",years before GAMBLE & HUFF. They were THE THINKING MAN'S SINGING GROUP. <br />THE IMPRESSIONS took a real risk in doing this for some artists, this would have been career SUICIDE. But the Sixties were a very turbulent time in America, and they felt the story had to be told. Violent protests in many cities , inequality, and racism affected millions. The songs and music of CURTIS MAYFIELD & THE IMPRESSIONS addressed these issues, but did so in a dignified way that encouraged pride and peaceful changenot violent reprisal. Their music was the soundtrack of our lives. It is with great anticipation, then, this new DVD finally arrives : " MOVIN ON UPThe Music and the Message of CURTIS MAYFIELD and THE IMPRESSIONS". One of the ALL-TIME great vocal groups, led by one of the ALL-TIME great songwriters in music history. Featuring ALL-NEW interviews with Original IMPRESSIONS members SAM GOODEN and FRED CASH (who discussed the history of the group starting in Chatanooga, Tennessee and Chicago ,Illinoisalong with taped vintage interviews with the late CURTIS MAYFIELD,along with interviews with his widow, ALTHEIDA, CARLOS SANTANA, and others, this great new DVD includes classic 60's footage of the IMPRESSIONS, finally realeased after sitting in the vaults for over 40 years, along with several performances of CURTIS after he went solo in the early 70's. Also several special features and bonus performances make this DVD a MUST BUY !! <br /> Now,for the gripes. <br />I think that , as with the MIRACLES' Motown DVD,There should have been more classic IMPRESSIONS performances,along with the CURTIS solo performances.THE IMPRESSIONS , like the MIRACLES , HAVE HAD OVER 50 CHART HITS. Where were the video performances of "GYPSY WOMAN", "FOR YOUR PRECIOUS LOVE", "TALKING 'BOUT MY BABY","I'M SO PROUD","KEEP ON PUSHING","FOOL FOR YOU","AMEN", (which is sung only as part of a medley with "WE'RE A WINNER""AMEN WAS THEIR BIGGEST HIT E V E R .why wasn't the FULL SONG included ?}, "I'VE BEEN TRYING","YOU MUST BELIEVE ME",the post Curtis Mayfield million- selling hit; "FINALLY GOT MYSELF TOGETHER", and "WE'RE ROLLING ON"? These songs were among THE IMPRESSIONS' BIGGEST HITSbut , they're not included. Granted , the "REELIN'IN THE YEARS" COMPANY may not have the rights to all of these performancessome are sitting in the vaults in local stations where the Impressions performed on various local and regional 1960's "dance party" shows,ie: LLOYD THAXTON , HY-LIT,the Cleveland-based UPBEAT..from which their performance of "CHECK OUT YOUR MIND" was lifted,two other Cleveland-based TV shows, "JERRY G. AND COMPANY" (hosted by D.J.Jerry G.Bishop), and THE KEN HAWKINS "WORLD OF SOUL" T.V. SHOW (hosted by KEN HAWKINS, Cleveland's number one R&B disc jockey in the sixties),CASEY KASEM'S "SHEBANG",and othersbut this may be the ONLY time that an IMPRESSIONS video compilation appearsso still,it would have been nice to have seen those performances as well. also, interviews with Original IMPRESSIONS lead singer , JERRY BUTLER, and the other original members, ARTHUR & RICHARD BROOKS,(if still alive), would have been nice, and also the shining moment when CURTIS , accompanied by fellow IMPRESSIONS SAM, FRED , AND JERRY BUTLER, was inducted into THE GRAMMY HALL OF FAME. in but overall, REELING IN THE YEARS,and UNIVERSAL did an excellent job in compiling the history of one of the MOST SUCCESSFUL, MOST IMPORTANT GROUPS IN MUSIC HISTORY,, THE INCOMPARABLE IMPRESSIONS !! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !! Reader Reviews I recently bought the DVD documentary on Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions.This is my favorite soul group of all time.In the 60's I think that they were underrated because their music bordered on spiritual;it was very romantic at times;the group did not dance;and they were a trio,unlike many groups which were quartets or larger.When we were about 12 years old a friend and I snuck back stage at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina with one of those huge picture books that you could buy at the door.We had a little bit of luck and found Curtis Mayfield chatting with Jackie Wilson.We got their autographs and shook hands with Fred Cash,Sam Gooden, and the Brooks Brothers.What a night that was!Curtis and Jackie were very appreciative of our audacity, and gracious.I will never forget that experience. This DVD is the greatest that I have seen which captures the prime,essence, and appeal of the Impressions.Their harmonies are dynamic.The sound is wonderful and Johnny Pate's arrangements are still stirring and make you move.A big plus is to see the impact that the Impressions had on the Civil Rights movement,which is reflected in a series of interviews with Andrew Young. There are over 20 performances;lots of background interviews with Curtis'charming and lovely wife,Altheida, Santana, and with Johnny Pate,the gifted and long time arranger for the Impressions and later for Curtis when he went solo.It would be nice to see all of Curtis' children and perhaps hear from them.I have no complaints about this DVD.I hope they make another one so I can see "Gypsy Woman"and a number of other hits that are missing,performed.There are several versions of Gypsy Woman on UTube,but no Impressions.I would also like to hear or see Jerry Butler perform the early songs written by Mayfield and an inclusion of Curtis Mayfield's music from movie scores other than Superfly, such as Claudine,Sparkle,Uptown Saturday Night,and Get on the Bus for Spike Lee after Mayfield's terrible incapacitating accident.Many people may not appreciate what a prolific writer Curtis Mayfield was.A great talent!!!!

The Music and Message of Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions Available from Amazon Price: $17.99 Updated on 8-25-2008.

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