Curtis Mayfield - Curtis (1970, Curtom)

My introduction to Curtis Mayfield is one of those indelible memories of youth that I recall every time I hear his music. I'll never forget watching Superfly on late night tv and seeing Curtis and his band playing live during the nightclub scenes. It was like watching Rock n Roll High School without knowing who the Ramones were... fucking spellbinding!

Having fronted the Impressions throughout the 60s, Mayfield was an established and well respected musician/songwriter by the time he released this album, his solo debut. This record represents a huge step forward in an already successful career, giving a funkier sound to the socially conscious soul of his former group.