ONCE one half of Shakespear’s Sister, Marcella Detroit is on tour promoting her new solo album.

Released this week on Right Recordings, The Vehicle was recorded last year in 16 days.

Produced by Marcella – who was born Marcy Levy in the Tamla Motown city of Detroit – the album has been mixed by Reggie Dozier, brother of Motown’s Lamont Dozier of Holland-Dozier-Holland fame.

“It’s a direct and deliberate return to my soul roots,” says Marcella. “You can take the girl out of Detroit but you can’t take the Detroit out of the girl.”

She was a member of Eric Clapton’s band in the 1970s, co-writing Lay Down Sally with him, and topped the British singles in 1992 with Shakespear’s Sister’s Stay, her biggest hit in her partnership with former Bananarama member Siobhan Fahey. In 2010, she was a finalist in ITV’s Popstar To Operastar.

Her band on her new album includes drummer James Gadson, who has worked with Marvin Gaye, Albert King and BB King, and Reggie McBride, bass player for Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Rod Stewart.

Marcella will be supported by Liverpool country rock musician Robert Vincent, whose debut album, Life In Easy Steps, is reviewed on Page 7.

Tickets can be booked on fibbers.co.uk/events