I owe U2 a big thanks for introducing me to Curtis Mayfield and the song "Move on Up". In 1987, U2 frequently covered Mayfield's signature Impressions' hit "People Get Ready" on the Joshua Tree tour. Each time I saw them perform the song, Bono would pull one person from crowd and let him or her play guitar along with the band. While I was diligently practicing the simple chord progression at home, I was never close enough to get the call. This moment of interaction was so inspiring to me that I went out and bought a collection of Impressions hits. If U2 liked them, then so would I.

During U2's 2001 Elevation tour, Mayfield's solo hit "Move on Up" served as a key piece of pre-show music. To establish just the right mood before taking the stage, the band chose songs that fit the theme of elevation, such as Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground", Radiohead's "High and Dry" and Jackie Wilson's "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher". Mayfield's nearly nine-minute workout was the highlight for me.

From the two drum beat intro to the last gasp of the horn section, the song induces levitation with its boundless energy and Mayfield's perfect falsettos. That's just in the first four minutes. After a false ending, "Move on Up" launches into an extended instrumental jam where once again a chorus of horns lead the way over a funky percussion riff. The jam is so pure, it could go on forever and I wouldn't care.

Listen to Curtis Mayfield's "Move on Up" (MP3) (from the 1970 album Curtis) .