Marlena Shaw - The Spice of Life (1969)

Marlena Shaw started singing in the mid 60`s and has an active career until now. She worked with many influent artists in important record labels starting from Chess following Blue Note (first female in the label), Columbia, Verve and others.

The Spice of Life is her second album release in Cadet Records, a subsidiary of Chess label. Can`t say much about this album but if let me go direct to the point the album-value hit is track n°7, "California Soul".

However this is not the only good track here and for those who think this is just a soul singer album, be careful! Keep in mind the production involves Marlena together with the arrangements of Richard Evans & Charles Stepney! Highlights still include "Woman of Ghetto" and "Liberal Conversation", in my poor opinion..

A lot of influences and genres crossings from blues, r`n`b, jazz, funk and of course soul!

Tracklist:
01. Woman of the Ghetto (6:02)
02. Stormy Monday (3:01)
03. Where Can I Go? (2:21)
04. I'm Satisfied (2:48)
05. I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free) (3:12)
06. Liberation Conversation (2:03)
07. California Soul (2:59)
08. Go Away, Little Boy (2:45)
09. Looking Through the Eyes of Love (3:00)
10. Anyone Can Move a Mountain (3:03)

DL 320

BUY IT!

01# This cover comes from the 1977 release which I like much more than the original or recent reissues that keep the original picture.... as you know: taste is taste!

02# I can`t say how many times and by how many diferent artists her tracks have been sampled and remixed.

03# A video edition playing "California Soul" for a quick preview:

Spice it up!!