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. This is the first time that it has appeared on CD.