Marlena Shaw - The Spice of Life

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.)