Best of Jerry Butler & the Impressions [Curb 2005]

by Jerry Butler

Overview

This is a rather deceptive release. First of all, nothing included here is the original version, and while these re-recordings aren't patently bad, they lack the intangible freshness and presence of the originals. Secondly, while it is tempting to imagine the ever soulful Jerry Butler singing Impressions songs that were recorded long after he left the group, and the title of this CD suggests he does that here, the truth is he doesn't contribute to these renditions of "Keep on Pushing," "It's All Right," and "Talking About My Baby," and to further muddy things, neither does Curtis Mayfield. That doesn't mean this album sounds bad, because it doesn't (Butler, in particular, could sing last week's grocery list and make it work), but it is a bit like looking at a nice, clear photograph of a rose when a garden of real roses is growing right outside your window. ~ Steve Leggett

Product Details

Release Date:	08/02/2005
Label:	Curb / Curb Appeal
UPC:	0715187890329
Rank:	75623

Tracks

1. Only the Strong Survive
2. Moon River
3. Hey Western Union Man
4. He Will Break Your Heart
5. Ain't Understanding Mellow
6. Let It Be Me
7. Amen
8. Keep on Pushing
9. For Your Precious Love
10. It's All Right
11. Talking About My Baby

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jerry Butler   Primary Artist
Jerry Butler & the Impressions   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Manny Kurtz   Composer
Homer Alexander Talbert III   Composer
Leon Huff   Composer
Henry Mancini   Composer
Calvin Carter   Composer
Arthur Brooks   Composer
Jerry Butler   Composer
Johnny Mercer   Composer
Curtis Mayfield   Composer
Kenny Gamble   Composer
Jester Hairston   Composer