Curtom Records Masterpieces (Part 1): The Impressions Edition

For this feature on record labels, I would like to introduce Curtom Records, which was founded by Curtis Mayfield.

Since music labels from the 60s and 70s each had their own unique sound, if you find an artist you like, I recommend listening to works by other artists on the same label.

Because each label had its own producers, arrangers, and musicians who worked in a division-of-labor system to produce music, you can often find works with a similar musical style. While labels like Motown in Detroit and Stax in Memphis are famous, Curtom, which I am introducing today, is another one of them.

This label was also home to Leroy Hutson, whom I introduced last time, and there are many other wonderful artists and masterpieces that I hope you will get to know.

Curtom Records

Curtom Records was founded in 1968 in Chicago by Curtis, who was a member of the vocal group The Impressions at the time, and the band's manager, Eddie Thomas.

The characteristics of the sound include the dynamic orchestration common to Chicago soul, sweet chorus work, and an exquisite pop sensibility. From the 70s onwards, as the wave of New Soul arrived, a groove that boldly incorporated funk also became a hallmark.

Various artists visited this label, and many masterpieces were released. Donny Hathaway was also briefly signed to Curtom Records, where he spent his early days working as an arranger and the like; it is said that it was Donny who introduced his college classmate Leroy Hutson to Curtis.

This time, I would like to introduce Curtom's flagship group, The Impressions.

The Impressions

A vocal group with Curtis as the lead singer. Formed in 1958, I think anyone who loves soul has heard hits from the early 60s like "It’s All Right," "People Get Ready," and "Keep On Pushing" at least once.

Their sweet chorus work is said to have influenced Jamaican musicians during the period known as rocksteady, before the birth of reggae, and Bob Marley & The Wailers also covered songs by The Impressions when they first debuted. Perhaps it wasn't just the music that resonated, but also the fact that the people of Jamaica were facing similar social issues at the time.

During the New Soul movement of the 70s and beyond, The Impressions also shifted from their traditional Chicago soul sound to a new sound that boldly incorporated funk. Curtis left the group in 1970 to focus on his solo career, and Leroy Hutson became the second lead vocalist.

The Impressions transformed with the times, but this time I would like to introduce a few albums released after the establishment of the Curtom label.

This Is My Country (1968)

First, I would like to introduce the first album released after the establishment of Curtom, "This Is My Country." The contrast between this title and this cover art is indescribable.

This album is from the transitional period when they were moving toward the New Soul sound. It is a work that builds on their style as a good old vocal group while also offering glimpses of a shift toward a new sound.

"They Don’t Know" begins quietly with an impressive guitar riff played by Curtis. It is a representative song of this period, featuring a cool development once the rhythm kicks in, as well as the grand-scale orchestration typical of Chicago soul. As seen in this song and "Fool For You," although it is not the overt funk sound of the 70s and beyond, you can clearly feel the influence of the funk beats created by artists like James Brown.

The title track, "This Is My Country." While it has a heartwarming sound, it is a song with a strong message of standing up with pride for one's fellow countrymen. It is interesting that while this song shares themes with James Brown's "Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud" and Sly's "Stand," when Curtis does it, the expression and sound become so much softer.

Check Out Your Mind (1970)

The era entered the New Soul period, and from this point on, the sound of The Impressions changed significantly.

This album was created around the same time as Curtis's first solo album, 'Curtis.' The sound is similar, and it can be called a sister album.

The opening tracks like 'Check Out Your Mind' and 'Do You Want To Win?', which begin with Curtis's wah-wah guitar and horn/string arrangements reminiscent of a movie soundtrack, share the same worldview as his solo work, including strong messages. The only difference is the inclusion of the three-part harmony. When this chorus enters, you can really feel the originality of The Impressions.

'You’re Really Something, Sadie' is also a song that wouldn't feel out of place on Curtis's first solo album. While it is funk, the way it sprinkles in exquisite pop sensibilities has something in common with 'Move On Up.' It also contains more orthodox tracks like 'Only You,' allowing you to enjoy the group's strengths as a three-part vocal harmony act.

While the feeling that this is an extension of Curtis's solo work is undeniable, the high level of the songs included is truly impressive. If you have already listened to Curtis's solo works, especially if you like his first and second albums, please be sure to listen to The Impressions from this period next.

Times Have Changed (1972)

The first album after Curtis left the group, welcoming Leroy Hutson.

Although Curtis left the group, he continued to handle the production and almost all of the songwriting, and in terms of sound, it has a strong funk finish, just like the previous work.

Sharp social messages, such as in 'Stop The War,' are still present. And there is the Marvin Gaye cover 'Inner City Blues,' which features a very cool Curtom-style arrangement. It has a grittier feel than Marvin's version, with an atmosphere that drifts more toward a desolate street. With tracks like the ballad 'This Love's For Real,' which features wonderful vocals by Leroy Hutson, it is an album with many highlights.

Perhaps because he didn't have the intense vocal individuality of Curtis, The Impressions' Leroy era didn't seem to sell well, but in return, you can see the interest in their chorus work, performance aspects, and arrangement ingenuity. This is also a high-quality album from the New Soul era that is worth a listen.

Leroy would also leave the group after the next album to focus on his solo career.

For the first part of the Curtom Records feature, I introduced The Impressions.

The Impressions' early 60s works are often highlighted, and their works from around 1970 tend to be overlooked, but there are many very interesting pieces, so please give them a listen.

Next time, I would like to introduce another wonderful artist belonging to Curtom.