Marlena Shaw - The Spice Of Life LP

$34.98

Release Date: November 7th, 2025

The Spice of Life, released in November 1969, stands as Marlena Shaw's second - and final - studio album for Cadet Records, produced and arranged by the renowned Richard Evans and Charles 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 on Ashford & 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 the Bacharach-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 Life carries 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. Reissued on 180g vinyl.