In one other life, I used to be a publicist within the report business and certainly one of our shoppers I had the pleasure of working with have been the R&B Divas – En Vogue. “Giving Him One thing He Can Really feel” had essentially the most talked about video of that point starring all of the up and coming Black male film and tv stars.
But, for my era, that very same music from the basic cult movie “Sparkle,” was pure fireplace due principally to the musical genius of Curtis Mayfield.
The Makings of Curtis Mayfield, directed by Grammy and Oscar winner H.E.R. (in her directorial debut) provides us a musical love letter documentary of a genius, who in some ways was forward of his time. This uniquely private and music-forward documentary delves into Mayfield’s groundbreaking songwriting, progressive guitar methods and iconic movie soundtracks, whereas elevating the legacy of singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and entrepreneur Curtis Mayfield.
Having the selection to enlist within the Military or develop into a member of the The Impressions (alongside common R&B balladeer Jerry Butler), Mayfield’s sound was a psychedelic musical diary of activism that rang loudly throughout a time of social and political unrest for Blacks in America.
Artists like Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Prince, John Legend and Michael Jackson are recognized for having wonderful falsettos or completely imperfect vocal methods that in a method or one other emulate the identical sound that made Mayfield distinctive in a sea of comparable voices.
Watching a few of the aforementioned artists, together with H.E.R. chop it up dissecting his chords, musical runs, lyrics and speak singing methods will make any music nerd giddy. Studying of Mayfield’s life from his personal mouth and people closest to him make this documentary distinctive whereas breaking conventional format archival footage and speaking heads.
The bookend footage of how his life started in leisure and the temporary segue to the sunshine tower on stage broke his neck leaving the virtuoso paralyzed feels a little bit clunky, however by no means takes away from the fantastically distinctive method the director has chosen to honor Mayfield’s musical legacy.
A private deep dive from certainly one of his largest followers leaving the viewers with the will to leap down the rabbit gap of Mayfield’s soundtracks, lyrics and musical catalog encouraging all to be wrapped in The Makings of Curtis Mayfield for brand new generations to come back.
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