2025 reissue - 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. Reissue on 180g vinyl.
| A1 | Woman Of The Ghetto |
| A2 | Call It Stormy Monday |
| A3 | Where Can I Go |
| A4 | I'm Satisfied |
| A5 | I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free) |
| B1 | Liberation Conversation |
| B2 | California Soul |
| B3 | Go Away Little Boy |
| B4 | Looking Thru The Eyes Of Love |
| B5 | Anyone Can Move A Mountain |
