Betty Everett & the Impressions

AMG Review of Betty Everett & the Impressions

Andrew Hamilton
All Music Guide

Betty and the Impressions don't sing any duets. United Superior Records simply compiled a few early Impressions' sides with Betty Everett's two One-derful Records' singles to capitalize on the success of both acts. Everett released one single on One-derful in 1963. That same year she signed with Vee Jay Records. "I've Got a Claim On You," is a fast, sassy, your mine song, a relaxed baritone sax provides a break solo. Its flip "Your Love Is Important To Me," has a cult following, the slow torch blues features Betty singing about a multitude of scenarios, while assuring her man that his love is important to her. "Please Love Me," is a pleading ballad that One-derful released to ride on Everett's success on Vee Jay Records.

Jerry Butler had left, and the Impressions consisted of Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, Arthur & Richard Brooks. They display engaging harmonies on "Senorita, I Love You," "Lovers Lane," and "Say That You Love Me." But, the upbeat "At the Country Fair" with its jingle, jangle beat, takes some getting use to. But the main problem is that the LP is too short, only nine songs. Why didn't they slap on Betty's A-sides from her pre One-derful days on Cobra & C. J. Records, and stuck on some more Impression tracks.