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 and 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.