Newport News, Virginia

Part of the Flying Dutchman Jazz Classics series, delivering classic and rare albums from this important label. All feature the original artwork and new sleeve notes. Esther Marrow is one of the world's leading gospel singers, but she started out as a jazz singer working with Duke Ellington. Before she moved out of secular music entirely she made two albums, both much sought-after. We issued her Fantasy album Sister Woman last year, this is the reissue of her debut, Newport News, Virginia . This album is a glorious mixture of jazz ballads and more strident groove-based tracks and a perfect showcase for her voice. Walk Tall , Chains Of Love and Money Honey have all been championed by DJs and are guaranteed floor-fillers. With arrangements by Artie Butler and Gene Page it is a surprise that this record sank without a trace.