The Never Ending Impressions, the first record to boast the full collaborative power of
Johnny Pate and
Curtis Mayfield, pushed the idea of the trio as a supper-club act, with covers of "Satin Doll," "September Song," and "Lemon Tree" among the questionable -- if not misguided -- covers. The group's immense talents prevent any of these versions from being complete failures, but they sound much more assured on
Mayfield originals like the ballad "I'm So Proud," a Top 20 hit on both the R&B and pop charts. Scattered among the adult pop chestnuts are a few good songs, including the up-tempo "Sister Love" and a pair of great overlooked Chicago soul nuggets: "Girl You Don't Know Me" and "A Woman Who Loves Me."