• THE SPICE OF LIFE |
1 1

Marlena Shaw

THE SPICE OF LIFE |

THE SPICE OF LIFE |

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602498818695 | 6PJCUH-1D98-IM

Description

Personnel: Marlena Shaw (vocals); Marlena Shaw.
Liner Note Author: Loonis McGlohon.
Recording information: Ter Mar Studio, Chicago, IL (09/15/1966-07/??/1969).
All tracks have been digitally mastered using 24-bit technology.
Arrangers: Richard Evans ; Charles Stephens; Charles Stepney.
Marlena Shaw's penchant for stylistic variety is certainly evident on this, her sophomore release. Cut for the Cadet label in 1969, Spice of Life ranges from soul and proto-funk to jazz and MOR-hued material. Shaw shines throughout, showing her power on politically charged, Aretha-styled cuts like "Woman of the Ghetto" and "Liberation Conversation," while also delivering supple interpretations of such traditional jazz fare as "Go Away Little Boy" (shades of Nancy Wilson). And with a gutsy take on "Stormy Monday," it's clear Shaw doesn't shrink from the blues either. Across this sound spectrum, arrangers Richard Evans and Charles Stepney envelope Shaw in unobtrusive yet exciting pop-soul environs, throwing kalimba runs (a few years before Earth, Wind & Fire picked up on the instrument), psych guitar accents, and bongo-fueled organ riffs into the mix. Their widescreen touch is particularly well essayed on strings-and-brass standouts like the Bacharach-inspired Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil composition "Looking Through the Eyes of Love" and Ashford & Simpson's "California Soul" (a classic reading heavily favored by the crate-digging set). A perfect way to get familiar with Shaw's impressive early work. ~ Stephen Cook

  • Genre: Jazz
  • Format: CD
  • Released: 2005-07-26
  • Format: CD
  • Genre: JAZZ
  • Released: 2005-07-26

Condition Ratings & Details

NOTE: Every title includes condition ratings. The first rating pertains to the physical media, and the second grade pertains to the sleeve.

NOTE: Images may not be exact. Please refer to the description to determine whether the images are Actual Photos or Photos Not Actual. New records will likely use generic web photos to represent the product.

Condition Ratings

  • MINT (M): Perfect, brand new, unplayed.
  • Near Mint (NM): Like new, barely played, will play perfectly.
  • Excellent (EX): Very close to near mint, with minor cosmetic wear. Will play perfectly.
  • Very Good Plus (VG+): Light cosmetic blemishes that do not affect play. Close to perfect playback.
  • Very Good (VG): Some light marks that may cause minor noise during playback. Still enjoyable and plays well.
  • Good Plus (G+): Noticeable noise during playback. Only listed if of collector value. Not ideal for listening.

Sleeve Details

  • PHOTOS ACTUAL: The photo is an original image of the exact item you will receive.
  • PHOTOS NOT ACTUAL: The photo is sourced from the web and may differ slightly from the actual item.
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