Esther Marrow
is most known as a jazz singer (including a stint with
Duke Ellington
in the 1960s) and as a gospel artist (with
the Harlem Gospel Singers
since 1990). Like many vocalists whose background wasn't strictly R&B, however, she also recorded some soul music.
Sister Woman
, from 1972, was her second album. While her vocals are strong (and, on
"Turn on to Jesus"
especially, have more than a hint of gospel), it's a more or less typical soul LP of the era without much that stands out. Some jazz and funk make their way into the mix, as well as covers of a couple popular hits of the day in
"Rainy Night in Georgia"
and some of the social consciousness permeating early-'70s soul (in
"Ghetto"
).
"Trade Winds"
holds some interest, as the ballad might be the first recording of a song later done by
Rod Stewart
,
Roberta Flack
, and
Lou Rawls
"Ask Me Dance"
(arranged and written by
Bobby Scott
) verges on a nearly adult contemporary singer/songwriter sensibility. The 2010 reissue on
BGP
adds historical liner notes. ~ Richie Unterberger