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LP
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VAMPI 330LP
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$30.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 11/7/2025
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. Reissue on 180g vinyl.
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2X7"
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JMANSP 003EP
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Marlena Shaw had made several LPs for respected labels such as Cadet and Blue Note, and she'd performed regularly throughout the '60s and '70s. But she hardly had what you might call diva status. Falling into the unfortunate category that slips uneasily between soul and jazz, she was accepted -- but not especially admired -- by aficionados of either genre. Then came the '90s, and an open-minded enthusiasm for soul and jazz -- and more importantly -- everything in between -- soon changed that. Marlena Shaw became an icon, and the diva status soon blossomed amongst her new-found soul-jazz fans. Marlena Shaw has endured decades of singing in the shadows, and she has only recently finally found her niche. On disc one is "California Soul," probably the most enduring and well-known of her many songs, but just a few seconds listening will tell you that it is much more than that. It's already a classic amongst those who have already seen the light and have danced and swayed to its timeless swing. Upon hearing it all lovers of soul, jazz -- or any other kind of good music -- will feel an aural glow as warm as the Californian sun. The song "Liberation Conversation" on the flip was only ever available on her highly revered 1969 LP The Spice of Life. This is where the "Blues ain't nothing but a good woman gone bad" launches into an irresistible, relentless up-tempo funk groove. Disc Two showcases "Wade in the Water," an ancient song rumored to have been developed and popularized by slaves in the American south. The message is to pass on the notion that by fleeing in a bid for freedom through streams and rivers, the scent that bloodhounds use to follow their victims will be obscured. Marlena's version has long been a favorite dancefloor filler since its 45-only release back in 1966. "Woman of the Ghetto" is one of her best-known songs and ends the set on the other side. The opening number from "The Spice of Life," it's since been recognized for the classic it is, and as such has been afforded anthemic status. We release the original 45 version here, as used to promote the LP back in the day. This 2x7" special product from Jazzman is dedicated to the memory of Marlena Shaw.
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