ECCENTRIC DIVA: Marlena ShawI love unique, distinctive singing voices. Ms. Marlena Shaw fits that bill. Her voice is a little bit jazz, a little R&B and a whole lot of soul. I first discovered her talents after hearing her song "Woman Of The Ghetto" a few years back. The 6 minute song starts off with her speaking to the audience then she launches into one of the most soulful and passionate songs I've ever heard. I could feel the words she was singing. After that I was hooked and went on a quest to learn more about this talented lady. Ms.Shaw began her singing career in small jazz clubs around the country. Her talents were spotted by the legendary Count Basie and she sang with his orchestra for four years. After leaving the orchestra to strike out on her own, she was the first woman to be signed to the famous Blue Note Records, a leader in the jazz recording industry. She also toured with Sammy Davis Jr, how cool was that? At age 63, Ms. Shaw is still recording and touring and if she ever came to Cleveland, I would be there with bells on. Any woman who is bold enough to have an album titled "Who Is This Bitch Anyway?" is my shero! Unfortunately You Tube did not have any good videos of her performing but I did find a video of a DJ playing her song "California Soul". Please ignore his boring commentary *smirk*
Noteworthy Tracks:
Woman Of The Ghetto
Yu Ma/Go Away Little Boy
Feel Like Making Love
Pictures and Memories
California Soul
Labels: All Things Eccentric
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 at 5:23 PM.
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