"Definitive Impressions (Volume 1 of 2)" by THE IMPRESSIONS – US Single and Album Tracks from 1961 to 1968 on ABC-Paramount Records – Volume 1 of 2 Volumes (October 1989 and July 2002 Ace/Kent-Soul CD Anthology – Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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2002 CD Re-Issue Artwork (Valid to 2020)

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"...It's All Right..."

Originally released way back in October 1989 as one of their first forays into CD compilations - as I recall Ace's Kent-Soul CDKEND 923 caused quite a stir at the time for two reasons - the rediscovery of The Impressions and just how uplifting their Soul Music is - and the truly gorgeous remastered sound from original tapes (Adam Skeaping did the deed). Hardly surprising then that Ace Records of the UK have chosen to reissue this much-praised CD compilation in 2002 - but with upgraded artwork (Kent Soul logo top left and the three boys in suits) and better TONY ROUNCE liner notes (photos of those cool ABC-Paramount labels and track-by-track discussions).

And even now in 2019 I'm reminded of just how beautiful these remasters are. Comprehensively covering their hugely productive period at ABC-Paramount Records between 1961 and 1968 before they veered off into Curtis's Curtom Records – CD Volume 1 of "Definitive Impressions" wallops you with hit after hit - practically one every two months in 1964 and 1965. Here are the people get ready details...don't need no baggage...just get on board...

Re-issued July 2002 - "Definitive Impressions" by THE IMPRESSIONS on Ace Records/ Kent-Soul CDKEND 923 (Barcode 029667292320) is a 28-Track CD Compilation (Volume 1 of 2) that breaks down as follows (72:38 minutes):

All tracks are US 7" singles in Stereo except 21 and 23 in Mono:

1. Gypsy Woman (November 1961, ABC-Paramount 10241, A)

2. Grow Closer Together (1962, ABC-Paramount 10289, A)

3. Little Young Lover (1962, ABC-Paramount 10328, A)

4. Minstrel And Queen (1962, ABC-Paramount 10357, B-side to "You've Come Home")

5. I'm The One Who Loves You (1962, ABC-Paramount 10386, A)

6. Sad, Sad Girl And Boy (1963, ABC-Paramount 10431, A)

7. It's All Right (September 1963, ABC-Paramount 10487, A)

8. Talking About My Baby (January 1964, ABC-Paramount 10511, A)

9. I'm So Proud (March 1964, ABC-Paramount 10544, A)

10. Keep On Pushing (June 1964, ABC-Paramount 10554, A)

11. I've Been Trying (March 1965, ABC-Paramount 10622, B-side of "People Get Ready")

12. Girl You Don't Know Me (1964, ABC-Paramount 10537, A)

13. I Made A Mistake (1964, ABC-Paramount 10544, B-side of "I'm So Proud")

14. You Must Believe Me (August 1964, ABC-Paramount 10581, A)

15. Amen (November 1964, ABC-Paramount 10602, A)

16. People Get Ready (February 1965, ABC-Paramount 10622, A)

17. Woman's Got Soul (April 1965, ABC-Paramount 10647, A)

18. Meeting Over Yonder (June 1965, ABC-Paramount 10670, A)

19. I Need You (September 1965, ABC-Paramount 10710, A)

20. Just One Kiss From You (1965, ABC-Paramount 10725, A)

21. You've Been Cheatin' (November 1965, ABC-Paramount 10750, A)

22. Since I Lost The One I Love (1966, ABC-Paramount 10761, A)

23. Can't Satisfy (August 1966, ABC 10831, A)

24. You Always Hurt Me (March 1967, ABC 10900, A)

25. I Can't Stay Away From You (October 1967, ABC 10964, A)

26: We're A Winner (January 1968, ABC 11022, A)

27: We're Rolling On (Part 1) (April 1968, ABC 11071, A)

28: I Loved And Lost (August 1968, ABC 11103, A)

Chicago's Impressions placed all but a handful of these in the American Top 50 R&B charts with "It's All Right", "Keep On Pushing", "Amen" and "We're A Winner" all reaching the coveted No. 1 spot. Coming close is "Gypsy Woman" and "I'm So Proud" both stalling at No. 2 while "You Must Believe Me" and "People Get Ready" hit No.3. The remasters are wonderfully atmospheric - the brass and drum shuffle of "It's All Right" with that flicking guitar over in the right speaker - so clear and full of that Sixties optimism.

You're then also reminded of the force of nature/powerhouse behind the group - CURTIS MAYFIELD who wrote almost everything on here. Something like say "We're A Winner" is perfect Pop Soul - an infectious lyric that is filled with positivity about that "blessed day has come...we're moving on up...I don't mind leaving here...to show the world we have no fear...because we're a winner..."

Gorgeous music - sound that does it justice too - what a winner indeed...

PS: As I pointed out above - Ace have reissued this 1989 CD in 2002. But rather confusingly they've used both the same catalogue (CDKEND 923) and Barcode (029667292320) again. So when ordering from an online retailer - make sure you request the 2002 upgrade (with its better booklet) - because both the 1989 and 2002 issues have the same barcode and an online retailer may not know the difference...