Sunday, May 22, 2016
An overlooked cover tune XIII
After listening to Victor Wooten's CD, "A Show Of Hands," recently, it surprises me that I've never heard any track from it on the radio. I'm especially surprised that his cover of Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed" hasn't gotten the airplay it deserves. Wonder's original vocals are excellent, and Esperanza Spalding's bass-and-vocals cover is strong, as well. Wooten, however, proves that the tune works just as well as a bass solo. His arrangement conjures up a floating sensation during the verses, making it a relaxing take on a well-known hit. I also learned tonight that Wooten had worked out the arrangement long before "A Show Of Hands" was released in 1996. Check out his 1987 performance of it on YouTube, and be impressed.