The Very Best of Curtis Mayfield [Rhino]

by Curtis Mayfield

Overview

Rhino's The Very Best of Curtis Mayfield is devoted to material the legendary soul man recorded after leaving the Impressions, focusing particularly on his classic songs from the early '70s. There are more comprehensive compilations on the market, namely the sublime double-disc Anthology and the flawed but worthwhile box set People Get Ready, but this is the best bet for anyone wanting a concise sampler of Mayfield's groundbreaking funk-soul, since it contains all of the bare-bone essentials: "(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go," "Move on Up," "We Got to Have Peace," "Freddie's Dead," "Superfly," "Pusherman," "Future Shock," and "Kung Fu." Yes, Mayfield also made cohesive, frequently stunning albums during this era and his work with the Impressions was just as influential, but this disc benefits from its narrow focus, since the end result is a collection ideal for the curious and the novice, while also providing a great listen for anyone who already knows the records. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	02/04/2022
Label:	Rhino
UPC:	0603497841967
Rank:	5237

Tracks

Disc 1

1. (Don't Worry) If There Is a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go
2. The Makings of You
3. Move On Up [Extended Version]
4. Get Down
5. We Got to Have Peace
6. Freddie's Dead (Theme From "Superfly") [Single Edit]
7. Superfly [Recorded Live by WTTW-TV Chicago]
8. Pusherman

Disc 2

9. Future Shock
10. Can't Say Nothin'
11. Kung Fu
12. So in Love
13. Only You Babe
14. Do Do Wap Is Strong in Here
15. Between You Baby and Me
16. Do Be Down

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Curtis Mayfield   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Linda Clifford   Primary Artist,Vocals,Featured Artist
Joseph Scott   Bass
Mystique   Vocals
Master Henry Gibson   Percussion
Leroy Hutson   Vocals
Gary Thompson   Guitar
Donnelle Hagan   Drums
Alfonzo Surrett   Vocals
Ricki Linton   Vocals
Rich Tufo   Keyboards
Floyd Morris   Keyboards

Technical Credits

Patrick Milligan   Project Supervisor
Steven Chean   Editorial Supervision
Bill Inglot   Remastering,Compilation Producer
Riley Hampton   Arranger
Dan Turbeville   Engineer
Curtis Mayfield   Arranger,Composer,Lyricist,Producer
David Nathan   Liner Notes,Compilation Producer
Johnny Pate   Arranger
Hugh Brown   Art Direction
Phil Upchurch   Musician
Linda Clifford   Performer
Roger Anfinsen   Engineer,Producer
Dave Wittman   Project Assistant
Master Henry Gibson   Musician
Tom Flye   Engineer
Ted Myers   Project Supervisor
David McLees   Compilation Producer
Gil Askey   Arranger
Gary Peterson   Discographical Annotation
Loren Binford   Musician
Harold Klatz   Musician
Vanessa Atkins   Editorial Supervision
John Howell   Musician
Darcy Sullivan   Editorial Supervision
Lenny Druss   Musician
Ron Kolber   Musician
Quincy Newell   Project Assistant
Rich Tufo   Arranger
Gary Slabo   Arranger
Elizabeth Pavone   Project Assistant
Julee Stover   Editorial Supervision
Nancy L. Hopkins   Design,Art Direction,Project Assistant
Michael Wesley Johnson   Producer
Daniel Hersch   Remastering
Irv Stimler   Associate Producer
Clifford Davis   Musician
Roger Anfinson   Engineer