Marlena Shaw Live at Montreux
35 min · 7 tracks · soul
Dynamic live performances blend soul, jazz, and funk with Shaw's powerful vocals and engaging stage presence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Woman of the Ghetto — This track stands out as a poignant anthem reflecting social issues, combining Shaw's soulful delivery with a compelling narrative that resonates deeply.
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You Are the Sunshine of My Life — Shaw's interpretation transforms this classic into a heartfelt expression of love, showcasing her ability to infuse personal emotion into well-known standards.
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Save the Children — The performance is elevated by Shaw's passionate plea for social change, making it a highlight that demonstrates her commitment to using music as a platform for advocacy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The live setting enhances Shaw's vocal delivery and the band's interplay, making it a vibrant representation of her artistry.
What we noticed
- The album features extended instrumental sections, allowing the band to showcase their improvisational skills between Shaw's vocal lines.
- Shaw's performances include dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, particularly evident in tracks like 'Woman of the Ghetto' where she builds emotional crescendos.
- Each track is introduced with a spoken segment that engages the audience, creating a sense of connection and immediacy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant live energy
- soulful vocal expressions
- intimate concert atmosphere
- cathartic audience connection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer studio polish
- seek longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1973, Marlena Shaw Live at Montreux captures the artist during a vibrant phase of her career following her acclaimed studio albums. By this time, Shaw had established herself as a formidable voice in soul music, gaining recognition for her unique blend of jazz and R&B influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Roberta Flack· Bill Withers· Nina Simone
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Show Has Begun 4:54
- 2 The Song Is You 2:28
- 3 You Are the Sunshine of My Life 4:37
- 4 Twisted 3:57
- 5 But for Now 4:43
- 6 Save the Children 4:30
- 7 Woman of the Ghetto 9:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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