An intimate live portrait of a unique performer.
Although more space has always been given to Marvin Gaye’s politicisation with What’s Going On in 1971, at the same time Curtis Mayfield was sincere in his belief that music should carry potent messages of change and advancement for African Americans. Curtis/Live! captures Mayfield at his very best. He was still only a year outside of his old group, The Impressions, and very much striking out on his own.
Recorded at New York’s Bitter End in January 1971 with a four-piece band, Curtis/Live! was originally spread over a double vinyl album. The tracks are warmly delivered, emotional and intimate, a close-up view of the politics and passion of the era. Mayfield’s self-titled debut solo album from the previous year is showcased, with a divine, pared down (Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below We’re All Going to Go and We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue (complete with an incredible conga breakdown by ‘Master’ Henry Gibson) being two of the show’s standouts.
Lees de rest van deze review op BBC CD recensies (Engels)
Bron: BBC Music