Marlena Shaw EP

Not long ago, Marlena Shaw was a relatively obscure figure in the music world. Despite recording several albums for esteemed labels like Cadet and Blue Note, and maintaining a steady career throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she never quite attained diva status. Positioned somewhere between soul and jazz genres, she garnered acceptance but not necessarily admiration from aficionados of either style. However, the 1990s ushered in a new era of open-minded appreciation for soul, jazz, and the spaces in between, catapulting Marlena Shaw to icon status among fans of soul-jazz.

For any singer, respect holds immense significance. Standing under the bright lights, baring their voice and presence to an audience who have paid to listen, singers rely solely on their talent. There’s no hiding on stage; all eyes are fixed on them. Singers aim to connect, entertain, and in return, seek appreciation, acceptance, and respect. Marlena Shaw spent decades singing in relative obscurity before finally finding her niche in recent years.

On Disc One of her collection, ‘California Soul’ stands out as perhaps her most enduring and widely recognised song. A few seconds of listening reveal it to be more than just a classic; it’s a timeless anthem that has delighted fans of soul, jazz, and all good music alike.

On the flip side, ‘Liberation Conversation’, originally from her acclaimed 1969 LP ‘The Spice of Life’, captivates with its irresistible uptempo funk groove. This track showcases Shaw’s ability to blend social commentary with infectious rhythms.

Disc Two features ‘Wade in the Water’, a song with roots dating back to American slavery, where fleeing slaves sought freedom by wading through streams to throw off pursuing bloodhounds. Marlena Shaw’s rendition, initially released as a single in 1966, remains a favorite on dancefloors for its spirited energy.

Closing the set is ‘Woman of the Ghetto’, another standout from ‘The Spice of Life’. This track, revered as a classic, concludes with the original 45 version used to promote the album, solidifying Marlena Shaw’s status as a timeless artist whose music continues to resonate across generations.