From his early work with the Impressions to his solo work and beyond, his back catalogue is not short on highlights. He wrote and produced hundreds of tracks for other artists and influenced thousands more. His work covered all bases from northern soul, blaxploitation soundtracks, funk and soulful ballads to gospel and social politics. Classic Curtis Mayfield tracks are blessed with a sweet, soothing falsetto voice and sublime orchestrated production courtesy of arranger Johnny Pate.
'Underground' returns to a funky mode and talks about pollution and the destruction of the planet at the hands of powerful multinationals. In these times of global warming it's a tale that remains eerily prophetic. As a social commentator, Mayfield's finger was always on the pulse and the anti-war sentiments of 'We Got To Have Peace' are as bold and relevant as ever today. Despite the heavy tones of the subject matter, Mayfield's true skills can be found in the music which always remained freshly sophisticated and uplifting.
'Beautiful Brother Of Mine' talks about black pride. It is one of the many tracks Curtis wrote to specifically to reach out and inspire America's disenchanted black youth. The album closes with two love songs. 'Now You're Gone' is reminiscent of his early Impressions sides but better still is the majestic 'Love To Keep You In My Mind'.
Listen and weep to the perfect melodic twists and turns of the album's closer, 'Love To Keep You In My Mind', a perfect example of Curtis at his understated best. The production is breathtakingly simple and poignant. Swirling strings and a steady complimentary brass arrangement are harmoniously stitched together by the voice of an angel.
Released in 1971 at a time of social change and political unrest the album perfectly captures the spirit of the times with message songs that still resonant today. Mayfield's social commentary is as relevant now as it was back when it was recorded. Soul music was changing too by the dawn of the seventies. The Motown sound would be shaken up by Marvin Gaye's 'What’s Goin On' released the same year. James Brown funk was getting dirtier and Mayfield too, was soon to become a purveyor of the new funk sound that would be the soundtrack of the American urban underground.
Love songs or message songs, the songs of Curtis Mayfield penetrate deep into the conscience without any noticeable force. Grace and dignity over shouting and screaming was Mayfield's preferred trait. The message still hits home hard.
Curtis didn't approve of the album title or the awkward looking portrait on the cover but I feel time has proved that 'Roots' is a worthy word as it captures the depth and importance of Curtis' work. The slightly dated cheesy cover also adds a light paradox to the deeper contents it hides from the unsuspecting listener.
'Roots' can be found on a twofer CD on 'Sequel Records' backed with the equally superb 'Sweet Exorcist' from 1974 or on it’s own in all physical formats. Buy this album today! The clip below, shows Curtis singing 'We Got To Have Peace' is taken from the Old Grey Whistle Test TV show.
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