Movin' On Up: The Music and Message of Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions

Hip-O Select

By Al Kooper

In the past, most video has concentrated on live performances of Curtis Mayfield after he went solo, paying little mind to his long hit-ridden years with The Impressions. This changes radically with the release of this DVD. Interviews conducted posthumously with the two remaining Impressions, Fred Cash & Sam Gooden  are some of the many highlights of this wonderful collection. Their camaraderie, memories, and obvious mutual respect for each other and Mayfield, and their sense of humor, permeate these conversations constantly, providing much enjoyment for the viewer.

Andrew Young, close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., narrates a great deal of the video, pointing out the sociological impact of Mayfield's lyrics on the black community in their non-halcyonic heyday.

Television clips of many Impressions songs are unearthed, some of them backing tracks with live, amazing vocals. A first-time plus for someone like me was the inclusion of interviews with longtime Mayfield music arranger Johhny Pate, who I have never seen footage of in any format on film or video. I learned a great deal from him musically in my life, and now even more from his recollections of recording sessions and his experiences with Mayfield. Some of the great tracks performed in the video include, "It's Alright," "Woman's Got Soul," "I Need You," "People Get Ready," and "We're A Winner." To have the actual Impressions recall Mayfield's departure from the group with sincerity and honesty, is one of the highlights of the "Movin' On Up."

The second half recalls his solo years, film scoring, and personal tragedies. His widow pick's up the narration from Andrew Young and  is joined by Public Enemy's Chuck D. on occasion.

As a fan, I was immediately brought in by the Impressions' first single "For Your Precious Love" in the 50's when Jerry Butler was still the lead singer. When Butler departed and the Impressions landed a record deal with ABC-Paramount, phase two began with Mayfield singing lead and interjecting his influential guitar-playing. He is one of the most important soul guitarists in the history of the genre, often overlooked by the general public for his contributions in that area. Any soul guitarist worth his salt knows the whole basic  concept originated in the self-taught hands of Curtis, with his off-beat tunings.

His lyrics, while often political, were also amazing love affair accounts, original in their wording and downright charming at times. As a songwriter, there are many standards in his catalogue, and many are unaware of his authorship of "Its Alright," "Gypsy Woman," "People Get Ready," "Choice of Colors" and so many more.

I feel this DVD would serve the crazed fan as well as the uninitiated in denoting the important place in musical history reserved for Curtis, and, of course, Curtis with the Impressions. Don't miss it!