The Music and Message of Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions

I have been waiting for a definitive chronicle of the life and worksof the brilliant Curtis Mayfield, and here it is in spades!This is a 2 hr tour-de-force, which does both the music as well as the story behindthe music of Curtis Mayfield, and his pivotal vocal group The Impressions, much justice!Bob Dylan himself admitted that there are only two true "American Poets"....Curtis Mayfield & Smokey Robinson. (I concur!)A young Curtis Mayfield emerged on the R&B / Soul musical scene at the same timethat a young Bob Dylan was making his mark in folk/rock.I have often said that Mayfield was indeed "The Urban Bob Dylan"....But even though his music and lyrics coincided with the 60's civil rights struggle,as well as spoke for the late 60's and early 70's black american aspirational call to MOVE ON UP,Curtis Mayfield's music was transcendent of that, and all inclusive of the plight of humanity!In this documentary, they speak with people like former civil rights activist andAmbassador Andrew Young, who says that Curtis Mayfield was embued with the same spirit of hope as MLK.That is high praise for someone who actually was a confidant, fellow activist, and friend to Dr. King.Also, there to share their stories and rememberances firsthand are the surviving Impressions,Sam Gooden & Fred Cash, along with Curtis Mayfield's window Alameida Mayfield...who all give greatinsights and humor into the mind, life, and work of this true genius, who inspired the likes of Bob Marley,Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and many other great artistswho valued their lyrical content as much they did their musical content.Curtis Mayfield's work was the chronicle of the black experience at a very pivotal time in history.Also on hand to give insights are the great Carlos Santana, Chuck D. from Public Enemy, and many otherimportant people and artists who worked with, or were inspired by Curtis Mayfield's work.THIS IS A MUST HAVE DVD, if you are into the music of a man and a group that defined a generation,and inspired many in future generations. Kudos to REELIN' IN THE YEARS Entertainment for a great jobat putting this all together! The remixing and remastering of the music of Curtis Mayfield & The Impressionscatalogue for this documentary is nothing less than spectacular!---It jumped right out of my speakers.Great rare live performance vingettes as well. Just a 5-Star DVD All The Way!! ***5 Stars**

This is THE story of Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions.If you're a fan and know the songs, you will love this DVD.If you're new to the music, this is a great introduction.If you were born after his death in 1999 and wonder howrelevant his message still is. If you had a "Choice Of Colors"Which one would you choose my brothers? If there were no day or night,which would prefer to be right? But it goes beyond his years with theImpressions, into his solo career. His thoughts about leavingthe Impressions. I was born in 1955 with Cerebral Palsyand I'm Black American. So when Curtis sang"We're A "Winner" We're a winner and don't let anybody say you can't make it because a feeble mind is your way. No more tears do we cry and we have finally dried our eyes." Curtis was talking to ME. All of Curtis' songs we're one on one. From "He'll Break Your Heart" Which he gave to Jerry Butler to his solo career that began with "If There's A Hell Below" it's here on this DVD. Along with priceless interviews with former U.N. ambassador Andrew Young about the message in the music and Carlos Santana who explains how Curtis crossed boundaries. There are interviews with his wife and even Curtis himself before his tragic accident. The interviews were done separately. He was as important to me as my self esteem. He put The Lord and Black Pride together, as no one ever had before,or, since.The most surprising thingabout Curtis' is how many songs he wrote for other singers."He'll Break Your Heart" for Jerry Butler became "He Don't Love You"for Tony Orlando. He was producer, arranger, songwriter and singer,who met obstacles but kept Movin Ob Up and may inspire you to dothe same.