ALL THINGS
MAYFIELD
REGINALD TORIAN SR.
Impressions vocalist debuts his loving tribute to the soul legend
D
ecades from now as music historians look back on the impact of
rhythm and blues and its place in
popular culture, they will undoubtedly
focus on three individuals: Berry Gordy
(founder of Motown); Jim Stewart
with The Impressions, as a solo artist and
with many important Chicago-based
artists. The show is under the direction of
acclaimed arranger Syd Brown.
"His legacy is simply told in his songs,"
says Torian. " I go deep into his library; we
Curtis Mayfield, ca. 1972
(founder of Stax Records); and Curtis
Mayfield, the Godfather of Chicago's R&B
movement. And, while many outside of
the Chicago area may not realize just how
important Mayfield and his music was, his
legacy is no less important than that of
Gordy or Stewart.
Reginald Torian Sr knows this – and is
doing something about it.
"All I ever wanted to do was tell Curtis'
story and to tell it as succinctly as possible
so people can get the richness out of what
his music is about and the pain that this
man went through, which was evident
throughout his life," Torian says. "I want
people to experience the emotions and talent of Curtis Mayfield."
Torian, who, with his cutting falsetto,
took over Mayfield's spot in The
Impressions in 1972 and has remained
there for many of the last 40 years, will
present All Things Mayfield, an elaborate
multi-media musical revue that celebrates
the late R&B legend. Premiering Saturday,
January 31st., at The Promontory @ Hyde
Park, it will feature Torian with an exceptional cast of singers and an 11 piece
orchestra presenting a powerful look at
Mayfield and the iconic songs he created
20 illinoisentertainer.com january 2014
chose songs that had an impact. Curtis
transcended many aspects of Black life
within American culture. There is the
early period with The Impression