The first hit Mayfield wrote for his own group, The Impressions, was a song called “It’s All Right.” On break while singing at a Nashville club, Mayfield was “dreaming” to the group, as he called it, talking to them about the hits he hoped to write for them. While he was talking, Fred Cash kept saying, “All right!”, and “Well, all right!” and “It’s all right!” Later, in the car, Mayfield wrote the song.
We also are treated to all new interviews with Impressions Fred Cash and Sam Gooden, producer and arranger Johnny Pate, and Curtis’s widow, Altheida, discussing intimate aspects of the group’s history, Mayfield’s family, and even some technical aspects of the recording process. The performances were filmed throughout the US and Europe, and also includes the only known filmed performance of “People Get Ready.” Additional interviews include Chuck D of Public Enemy, and Carlos Santana, as well as some commentary from the man himself.
This set is first-rate in all aspects. It includes 24 complete television versions of Mayfield’s hits on two discs, totaling out at over two hours. My screener version didn’t include a 28-page booklet with an extensive essay by Grammy® award-winning writer Rob Bowman, as was indicated in the publicity sheets I got. The booklet also includes rare photos and memorabilia including some from the Mayfield family archives that have never been seen before. Each performance used on the discs are the absolute best copies available, remastered from the originals, some of which haven’t seen the light of day for over 40 years. The film audio was replaced by original masters for extra listener enjoyment.
This is another super offering from Reelin’ In The Years Productions, which has the world’s largest music footage library. It is due to be released today.
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