MARLENA SHAW - The Spice Of Life (Vampisoul Reissue) MARLENA SHAW
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LP - 180g Black Vinyl (2025 Vampisoul Reissue).
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