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.

This CD represents the best of Curtis Mayfield.He was undoubtedly a soul genius who could touch my inner soul with the vivacious joy in his singing,the jubilation,and the determination in his voice as he sings "Keep on Pushin",for example.The Impressions were my favorite soul group of the sixties.As a teenager I had an opportunity to meet and talk to them backstage at the Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.I was starstruck of course, but I thought that they were the coolest guys in the world to take the time to speak with me.

While listening to the CD as I write this review,I think what a shame that many so kids of this generation will never have the opportunity to hear this great music.One of the things that mystifies me is why the so-called "old school" radio stations never play much beyond "Superfly" as a tribute to Mayfield when he wrote so much great music for the Impressions,Jerry Butler,The Staple Singers,Billy Stewart,Major Lance,Aretha Franklin, and many others. The music was romantic,touching,relevant, and simply beautiful with excellent lyrics;wonderfully executed harmonies; Johnny Pate's exemplary powerful and soulful arrangements;and of Curtis'inspired guitar licks.The Anthology CD is a testament to Mayfield's glory and certainly worth the time and money.

The first single we ever bought in my house was The Impressions "Gypsy Woman". Curtis was just beginning what I call his Minstrel Stage. Not minstrel as in black face, but minstrel as in wandering story teller. With intricate arrangements he told stories of unrequited love, lost love, innocent school boy angst. In some strange way, his development and transmutations as a singer songwriter paralleled my development as a man and human being.

The man has penned several songs which are rightfully considered "classics" and his music should rightfully be considered the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement. He was an amazing storyteller, writer and musician and anyone with money in their pockets should buy this CD.

Curtis Mayfield was quite simply the most talented R&B singer/songwriter of his generation. Though greatly underrated during his lifetime, Mayfield is now acknowledged as one of true musical geniuses of the classic R&B/soul era. This collection, now nearly 14 years old, is still the best and most varied summation of his work (both with the Impressions and solo) available; the remastering is superb and crisp. This set belongs in any music collection that purports to take R&B/soul music seirously.

Curtis Mayfield is, without question, one of the most influential songwriters and performers of this century. This comprehensive anthology captures the musical and lyrical genius of this artist.

Mr. Mayfields soulful artistry is captured on this recording, taking the form of pulsating instrumental arrangements, textured vocal harmonies and well crafted melodies of his music. We are also able to witness the progressive maturity of his musicianship through the contents of this CD.

This is a definite must have for anybody who is a fan of classic soul/r&b.