The Definitive Impressions

by The Impressions

Overview

A fine Impressions collection, these are the essence of their ABC recordings. Included are a few early dazzlers when Arthur and Richard Brooks blew harmony with Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, and Fred Cash -- the post-Jerry Butler Impressions. Check the bass on the haunting "Gypsy Woman" and the heart-warming "Grow Closer Together," both products of the five-man Impressions. Mayfields' light expressive falsetto excels on these crafty, well-arranged sagas. "Little Young Lover" has a bottom-heavy beat topped by smooth harmonies. "Minstrel and Queen" matches "Gypsy Woman"'s mystique and was a favorite of school-yard vocalists. Mayfield, a prolific songwriter, didn't write weak songs, and was equally proficient on mid-tempo, ballads, or upbeat songs. Their early tunes built a die-hard following but "It's All Right" showed an ability to cross over. The finger snapper exploded on R&B stations and received considerable play on pop stations. "Talking About My Baby" kept the momentum flowing, but they dug a permanent spot in hearts with "I'm So Proud," one of R&B's prettiest ballads: as touching as the Flamingos' "I Only Have Eyes for You," the Penguins' "Earth Angel," and the Miracles' "Ooh Baby, Baby." In the mid-'60s, Mayfield revealed his strong, social consciousness by putting his feelings on vinyl. In doing so he showed he could make a difference via his uplifting, spirited songs promoting pride and self-respect. Blacks in the '60s may not have been exposed to powerful, motivating books like Psychocybernatics or Think and Grow Rich, but they had "People Get Ready," "We're a Winner," "We're Rolling On," "Amen," "Meeting Over Yonder," and "Keep on Pushing." The Impressions never forsook ballads and continued to crank teary lamenters like "I've Been Trying," "I Love and I Lost," "I Can't Stay Away From You" -- co-led by Fred Cash -- "I Made a Mistake," and "Just One Kiss From You," all included on this excellent collection. ~ Andrew Hamilton

Product Details

Release Date:	11/20/1995
Label:	Kent
UPC:	0029667292320

Tracks

1. Gypsy Woman
2. Grow Closer Together
3. Little Young Lover
4. Minstrel and Queen (Queen Majesty)
5. I'm the One Who Loves You
6. Sad, Sad Girl and Boy
7. It's All Right
8. Talking About My Baby
9. I'm So Proud
10. Keep On Pushing
11. I've Been Trying
12. Girl You Don't Know Me
13. I Made a Mistake
14. You Must Believe Me
15. Amen
16. People Get Ready
17. Woman's Got Soul
18. Meeting Over Yonder
19. I Need You
20. Just One Kiss from You
21. You've Been Cheatin'
22. Since I Lost the One I Love
23. I Can't Satisfy
24. You Always Hurt Me
25. I Can't Stay Away from You
26. We're a Winner
27. We're Rolling On
28. I Loved and I Lost

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Impressions   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Johnny Pate   Composer
Peter Burns   Design,Liner Notes
Tony Rounce   Liner Notes
Curtis Mayfield   Composer
Bob Marley   Composer