The Charm of Curtis Mayfield

Last time, I wrote about New Soul, but this time I would like to focus on the charm of Curtis Mayfield, who is one of my absolute favorite artists among those who were active during the New Soul era.

To be honest, Curtis is not as easy to listen to as Stevie Wonder or Donny Hathaway. When I first started listening to soul music, I also found him a bit difficult to get into, but once you get hooked, there is a profound depth to his music that becomes addictive.

Also, as the Civil Rights Movement against racial discrimination gained momentum in the late 60s, Curtis began releasing songs with strong messages as an opinion leader. In Curtis's case, his characteristic style is not to simply express anger, but to convey positive messages through singing that sounds like he is gently speaking to you. However, you can feel a simmering, hot soul behind every song.

In 1968, he established Curtom Records, from which he released wonderful artists and masterpieces such as Leroy Hutson, The Natural Four, Linda Clifford, and The Five Stairsteps.

He was also active as a producer, and famous artists who were active on other labels visited Curtis in search of his sound. Gladys Knight & the Pips from Motown, Aretha Franklin from Atlantic Records, and The Staple Singers from Stax are famous examples, and they have left behind works produced by Curtis. I would like to introduce the masterpieces of Curtom Records in another installment.

There is no end to the number of soul artists who talk about being influenced by Curtis, and in Japan, there are many artists who talk about their love for Curtis, such as Tatsuro Yamashita and Takao Tajima of Original Love.

This time, I wanted to convey even a little of Curtis's charm, so I have chosen five albums that I would like you to listen to first.

While his work from the Impressions era in the 60s is also good, this time I will focus on albums from the 70s onwards, right in the middle of the New Soul movement.

I have also created a playlist that includes the songs introduced this time, so if you listen to this while reading, I think you will be able to get more in touch with Curtis's charm.

Curtis (1970)

His momentous first solo album.

First is "Move On Up." With its dynamic rhythm, catchy horn section, and Curtis's light guitar cutting, everything about it is wonderful; it is a masterpiece with no complaints. This is the song that made me love Curtis.

The sound is perfectly linked with Curtis calling out "Move On Up!", and it is easy to imagine how the songs of Curtis, who was also a leader in the black civil rights movement, must have given courage and hope to black people at the time.

And then there is "The Makings of You," which he sings as if gently speaking to you. The string arrangement is also wonderful.

There are many covers of this song, and the one I personally like is the version by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Gladys's emotional singing makes me cry... The album "Claudine" that contains this song was produced by Curtis.

By the way, this has also been covered by Rob & Cats.

Superfly (1972)

This is his fourth album, which is a soundtrack for a movie. At the time, there were many cases of soul artists working on soundtracks for black movies, and this album is as famous as Isaac Hayes's "Shaft".

"Pusherman," with its thrilling exchange of percussion and wah guitar, and "Freddie's Dead," with its impressive refrain played by fuzz guitar and flute.

And for the title track, "Superfly," please enjoy this live version. The band members during this period were at their best, and the sound is characterized by a raw, earthy feel, with an arrangement that intentionally omits keyboards to bring the guitar and percussion to the forefront.

Although it didn't make it into this selection of five albums, the album "Curtis Live!" (1971) is also a masterpiece, so please be sure to give that a listen as well.

Back To The World (1973)

This is his sixth album. If I had to choose one to recommend first, this would be the one.

It is a record packed with funk, mellow, and pop appeal all in one.

There is "Future Shock," a masterpiece of funk that grabs you from the intro. "Right On For The Darkness" is a bit of a long track, but the way it starts quietly with Curtis's guitar and builds up as the rhythm section kicks in is absolutely thrilling.

Phil Upchurch plays guitar alongside Curtis on this album. His cutting style, mixed with volume swells, is irresistibly cool.

(There’s No Place Like) America Today (1975)

This song also has a cool live version performed by John Legend with The Roots, so please check that out.

Something To Believe In (1980)

The last one I'd like to introduce is this album, released in 1980, when the times had changed a bit.

The sound has become more refined, leading into the AOR and Japanese City Pop sounds that followed.

Above all, there is "Tripping Out." It's a must-listen for Tatsuro Yamashita fans. It's one of Curtis's signature songs, featuring a very pleasant guitar cutting rhythm.

There are many other pop-oriented tracks like "Never Stop Loving Me," making it an easy album to listen to, so I also recommend starting here.

I've introduced five recommended Curtis albums; what did you think?

If anything caught your interest, I highly recommend listening to the albums in their entirety.

I would be happy if this serves as an opportunity for you to listen to Curtis's music.

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