VARIOUS ARTISTS / “Betcha By Golly Wow”
Here is one of the quintessential Philly Soul songs from the seventies: “Betcha By Golly Wow” initially popularized by The Stylistics but also a big hit for Norman Connors featuring songstress Phyliss Hyman. The song was written and originally produced by the stellar songwriting and arranging team of Thom Bell and Linda Creed.
In between those two seminal Philly interpretations we give you a New Orleans reggae version by Sister Teedy and Cool Riddims. Teedy is from the noted Boutte family.
From an unlikely—or should I say “unexpected”—source, Smokey Robinson gives an interpretation that is classic Smokey without sounding like a Motown rehash.
The center piece of these five interpretations is a jazz investigation by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Rather than just play the melody with a few hip licks thrown in, Freddie does a full bore harmonic exploration employing a beautiful, beautiful, lusty and luscious tone on the mellow flugelhorn. Rather than emphasizing high notes, this is a powerful and unhurried essay that expertly employs low notes to highlight the deep tenderness,
Enjoy.
—Kalamu ya Salaam
Betcha By Golly Wow Mixtape Playlist
01 - The Stylistics - The Stylistics 
02 - Pledge To My People - Cool Riddims & Sista Teedy 
03 – Motown Legends - Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
04 - Gleam (out of print – Japanese issue) - Freddie Hubbard 
05 - The Best Of Norman Connors - Norman Connors
This entry was posted on Monday, June 15th, 2009 at 6:47 am and is filed under Cover. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
One Response to “VARIOUS ARTISTS / “Betcha By Golly Wow””
June 20th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Excellent for the mood I’m in today. Each one had something special. Freddie’s was a true gift. 4 mo bars!
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