Marlena Shaw – The Spice Of Life LP

Description

The Spice of Life, released in November 1969, stands asMarlena Shaw‘s second — and final — studio album for Cadet Records, produced and arranged by the renownedRichard EvansandCharles Stepney. From the opening, Shaw’s voice — both playful and powerful — cuts through the lush yet tight-knit arrangements, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of soul, proto-funk, jazz, gospel, and blues. The album features two defining classics: her deeply resonant original of “Woman of the Ghetto” and a signature take onAshford & Simpson‘s “California Soul,” both staples in sampling culture (you’ll probably find that you’re more familiar with Shaw’s material than you thought.) Evans and Stepney’s arrangements are far from mere support — they’re panoramic and inventive. You’ll hear kalimba flourishes, psych-tinged guitar accents, and bongo-fueled organ textures that elevate each track, keeping the atmosphere rich but never overwhelming. Moments like theBacharach-styled “Looking Through the Eyes of Love” or the dramatic flair of “Stormy Monday” showcase their widescreen sensibility and Shaw’s versatility. Beneath its musical elegance,The Spice of Lifecarries a weighty current of social commentary. Tracks such as “Woman of the Ghetto” and the succinct, fierce “Liberation Conversation” bring political and feminist themes into a soulful, expressive framework — adding unexpected depth to the sophisticated sonic palette. This album offers an immersive journey through soul-jazz mastery, one that rewarded listeners with sampling gold for decades to come. Reissue on 180g vinyl.