She does 30’s, she does 40’s. She does 50’s, she does 60’s. She can even do the 80’s. She can do pop rock, ballads, and the blues. She can cover songs with finesse and masterful polish. Her name is Marlena. Her new album From My Heart to Yours, takes me down memory lane with some cool standards.
Marlena’s roots are in Jamaica Queens, New York City growing up in a religious family where dad was a minister. In her early days, she filled the church with a gospel message. But this lady had something more inside her. She eventually sang her way to L.A. with tunes such as “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” and “I Put a Spell on You.”
From My Heart to Yours has much more than the standards. When Marlena covers the second track on her album, “Smooth Operator,” she is more than just smooth with her jazzy sultry voice. I think it’s safe to assume in this track, Marlena sings from her soul as if she is on a canvas painting something alluring. I like “The look of Love.” Her voice is a good fit for the piece. “The Best is Yet to Come” is another favorite. She covers this piece unconventionally, but without losing the song’s character.
Marlena has a divergent style and approach to her music. She likes to use captivating intros to get your attention. It seems to be a trademark for her album. As Marlena sings her way through her album, the best thing I can recommend while listening to Marlena’s album is to do the same. Her vibrato voice is engaging and at times intricate. But, it’s difficult not to join in with the band. I’m JR Miller with High Note Reviews, and this is Marlena singing her way From My Heart to Yours.