‘The Makings of Curtis Mayfield’ Review: H.E.R. Directs an Irresistible Celebration of the ’70s Funk-Soul Genius

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As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but express my admiration early on in “The Makings of Curtis Mayfield.” The 27-year-old R&B pop sensation H.E.R., who skillfully directs this film and takes on the roles of interviewer and tour guide, offers an insightful remark about our subject that truly resonates. “Curtis Mayfield,” she boldly states, “belongs to the pantheon of greats. Yet, his brilliance remains largely unacknowledged by many.

I wholeheartedly concur with H.ER.’s viewpoints. Let’s delve into the topic of the greatest-of-all-time later; but if you’re unfamiliar with Curtis Mayfield and seeking a quick understanding of why he was exceptional, I advise watching the nine-minute album version of “Move On Up” on YouTube. This song might be his most outstanding work (though it faces stiff competition), featuring an extraordinary groove that is both epic and transporting. The syncopated horns, dancing bass, rapidly strumming guitar subtly blended into the mix, high violins for a touch of romance, and Mayfield’s powerful vocals about a new world where Black people could experience freedom and mobility on an immense scale – a message of liberation that the song beautifully encapsulates using just three minor chords. In essence, it is one of the most remarkable songs ever recorded.

Despite his significant fame, it’s surprising that some people still aren’t aware of Curtis Mayfield’s accomplishments. As a prominent figure in the music industry, Curtis Mayfield made a name for himself with the Impressions, a vocal group that produced the influential single “People Get Ready” in 1965. This song was recognized as an unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights movement by Martin Luther King Jr. Later on, Mayfield achieved even more success as a solo artist in the ’70s, releasing several classic albums such as his debut, “Curtis,” and the soundtrack to “Super Fly.” The latter is considered one of the most enduring movie soundtracks, rivaling even the music for “Saturday Night Fever” in popularity. In fact, it’s often said that the “Super Fly” soundtrack stands on its own as a film, arguably surpassing the original movie itself.

I believe H.E.R.’s comment suggests that although Curtis Mayfield is widely recognized as a significant artist, he may not be fully appreciated for the immense impact and influence he had during the ’70s, particularly as a trailblazer of the era’s sound and atmosphere. The documentary underscores this by pointing out that “Curtis,” an album with strong social protest themes, was released before Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” Sly and the Family Stone’s “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” or Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions.” These albums are often considered the cornerstone of Black social protest, but “Curtis” arguably surpasses them in terms of transcendent quality. In other words, we’re discussing an extraordinary level of artistic achievement here.

Not only did Mayfield’s unique soul-funk creativity leave an indelible mark, but it cast a wide influence that transcended various genres such as the refined melancholic romance of Philadelphia Soul (which arguably he paved the way for), the sophisticated elegance of Chic, and the soaring falsetto melodies of Prince. Although Mayfield opted not to venture into disco himself, his style permeated the genre extensively.

Instead of being celebrated with grandeur like many other music legends, “The Makings of Curtis Mayfield” stands out due to its unique format. Unlike traditional music documentaries, it consists of insightful discussions between H.E.R. and several musicians and artists who were impacted by Mayfield’s genius (Dr. Dre, Maxwell, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, among others). Despite this conversational structure, the film offers an abundance of captivating archival footage showcasing Mayfield’s performances on “Soul Train” and “Hullabaloo,” as well as concert clips. What becomes evident is that Mayfield’s appearance and persona did not conform to the stereotypical image of a revolutionary music icon.

Sly Stone, Prince, and Jimi Hendrix were known for their unique appearances, which added to their allure. Smokey Robinson was as captivating as his singing voice, and there was a certain poetic harmony between the two. Curtis Mayfield stood shorter, sporting a rabbit-like grin, small rectangular glasses perched halfway down his nose. He had a cute, intelligent appearance, more reminiscent of Bob Balaban’s soul brother than a traditional heartthrob. Interestingly, his look didn’t quite mirror the powerful voice he possessed.

He was among the few singers of his time who possessed a high-pitched, powerful falsetto voice that could match Smokey Robinson’s. At times, it seemed as if he led The Stylistics. However, he had a distinctive quality, highlighted in the documentary by Maxwell, of making it sound like he was speaking directly to you while singing. His interview style is thoughtful and softly spoken, approaching a professorial tone at times, which subtly conveyed an insistent note beneath his ethereal vocal charm. This blend gave his social-protest lyrics a deeply personal touch. When listening to “Freddie’s Dead” from “Super Fly,” it feels as if he’s addressing a real person, turning the song into an elegy for many Freddies – drug addicts and criminals, who were struggling innocently within their desperation, working for the man. Mayfield’s lyrical brilliance shines brightly, yet he delivers his message like a powerful call to action.

Exploring Curtis Mayfield’s Journey” provides a keen insight into significant milestones of Mayfield’s career, including the label he established in Chicago during the late ’60s and the innovative approach of releasing the “Super Fly” soundtrack prior to the film, thereby paving the way for its success. The documentary could have benefited from a more comprehensive exploration of facts, as some essential details, such as Mayfield having 10 children, were not mentioned within it. At times, H.E.R.’s conversational style seems to falter, lacking the drive typically found in music documentaries.

In many music documentaries, there’s a lack of genuine critical analysis about the artist. However, H.E.R.’s contribution to this film is an exceptional display of deep appreciation. Her conversations, frequently involving musical instruments or (like with Dre) while at the recording console, create an intimate atmosphere as if we’re fans eagerly questioning what made Mayfield extraordinary. This is seen through discussions about why “Super Fly” is Dre’s favorite album, Stephen Marley discussing Mayfield’s impact on his father Bob Marley, Ernie Isley showcasing Mayfield’s genius on the guitar, and Mary J. Blige stating that Curtis Mayfield was the soundtrack to inner-city life. Indeed, he has been extensively sampled in the hip-hop genre.

The movie delves into the heart-wrenching incident that occurred on August 13, 1990, during a concert in Flatbush, Brooklyn. This was when Mayfield, upon being introduced, was hit by a collapsing lighting rig, resulting in him becoming paralyzed from the neck down. Despite his condition, he continued to compose and sing, and a clip is shown where he discusses this tragedy with remarkable calmness. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 57 due to diabetes-related complications. However grim that accident may have been, the film concludes on an uplifting note by showcasing various interviews where each subject expresses admiration and awe for “Pusherman,” one of his iconic funk tracks from “Super Fly.” This song, with its vivid portrayal of street life, offered an unparalleled immersion into the zeitgeist of the time.

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2025-03-14 07:47