Curtis Mayfield – Curtis in Chicago ’73

The history of The Impressions is the history of soul in Chicago. From their beginnings up until the present day, The Impressions have evolved with the times, contributing both timeless music and a host of gifted musicians to the world.

This recording cut live at WTTW-TV in Chicago and elsewhere presents the highlights of the grand reunion of The Impressions and their friends.

Curtis opens the album with his mammoth hit that catapulted into „Superstardom“,“Superfly.“ „For Your Precious Love“ follows, and once again reunites and recreates The Impressions featuring Jerry Butler. This was their first hit record and still sounds as ageless as ever.

„I’m So Proud“ became the soft melodic ballad of The Impressions that skyrocketed the group during the early sixties featuring the reunion of Curtis, Sam and Fred.

In 1970, Curtis departed The Impressions to work on his solo career. His replacement was Leroy Hutson, who toured with The Impressions for two and a half years and is now on his solo career, represented with his hit „Love Oh Love“.

The New Impressions, still the everlasting Impressions, perform their fingerpopping „For Once In My Life“ and their last hit „Preacher Man“.

Side two finds Curtis on-stage with a lap ful of little ones. Oh, yesl „If !Were Only A Child Again“.

Gene Chandler follows with his revival of his 1962 smash, „Duke Of Earl“.

Back to the present for a massed finale with all the stars hitting the gospel note that so many of them began on. Curtis leads everyone, with a rousing „Amen“, bringing a heartwarming album to an exhilarating close.

As noted, the history of the impressions Is that of soul in Chicago. Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, Curtis Mayfield, The Impressions are all still active today, makin the sound of music that knows no time, making the sound of music that knows no time, and no boundaries. But all of them will always be, as Curtis says, „God’s own Impressions.“

David Witz, Chicago Today