Curtis Mayfield

Early Mayfield albums like Curtis and Roots are visionary statements, featuring a brand of progressive soul built from sweeping arrangements and soaring production. But on 1971's Live!, he ditched all that for earthy RnB full of bubbling wah-wah, jazzy ensemble play and intricate percussion. Of course, he performs the classics: "Gypsy Woman," "Superfly," "People Get Ready" and so on. But as with all mavericks, Mayfield reworked them for one of the most uplifting concerts ever recorded.

Curtis Mayfield is confusing his strengths with his weaknesses these days. As the composer
and lead singer of the Impressions he proved to be first and foremost, a beautiful melodist.
After that, he often wrote extremely personal and sensitive lyrics, although for every good
one he came up with, there was also an inept and pretentious counterpart. His own voice
sounded brilliant when pitted against the fabulous harmonies that Sam Gooden a... More >