{"title":"Marlena Shaw","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarlena Shaw, born on September 22nd, 1942 in New Rochelle, New York, is an esteemed artist known for her powerful voice and soulful sound. She began her career in the 1960s with the Cadet label of Chicago before moving to the Blue Note label in the early 1970s. It was during this time that Marlena released \"It's Better Than Walkin' Out,\" which became the first 12\" on Blue Note and showcased her talent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1977, Marlena switched to Columbia records, leading to better record sales. Her first album with Columbia featured the disco track \"Pictures And Memories.\" However, it was her cover version of Diana Ross's \"Touch Me In The Morning\" that truly solidified her presence among disco fans. The disco medley on the LP also included several soul tunes from the late 1960s and early 1970s like \"Love Dancin'\" and \"Haven't We Been In Love Before.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarlena Shaw's captivating vocals have earned her a place among notable artists such as *Betty Wright*, *William DeVaughn*, *Minnie Riperton*, and more. With a career spanning decades and a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners, Marlena continues to be celebrated for her contributions to soul music.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"marlena-shaw-ep","title":"Marlena Shaw EP","description":"\u003cp\u003eNot so long ago Marlena Shaw was a forgotten figure. The talented vocalist had made several LPs for respected labels such as Cadet and Blue Note, and she'd performed regularly throughout the '60s and '70s. But she hardly had what you might call diva status. Falling into the unfortunate category that slips uneasily between soul and jazz, she was accepted - but not especially admired - by aficionados of either genre. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e On Disc One we have 'California Soul', probably the most enduring and well-known of her many songs, but just a few seconds listening will tell you that it is much more than that. It's already a classic amongst those who have already seen the light and have danced and swayed to its timeless swing. Upon hearing it all lovers of soul, jazz – or any other kind of good music - will feel an aural glow as warm as the Californian sun.\n\nThe song 'Liberation Conversation' on the flip was only ever available on her highly revered 1969 LP 'The Spice of Life'. This is where the 'Blues ain't nothing but a good woman gone bad' launches into an irresistible, relentless uptempo funk groove.\n\nDisc Two showcases 'Wade in the Water', an ancient song rumoured to have been developed and popularised by slaves in the American south. The message is to pass on the notion that by fleeing in a bid for freedom through streams and rivers, the scent that bloodhounds use to follow their victims will be obscured. Marlena's version has long been a favourite dancefloor filler since its 45-only release back in 1966.\n\n'Woman of the Ghetto' is one of her best-known songs and ends the set on the other side. The opening number from 'The Spice of Life', it's since been recognised for the classic it is, and as such has been afforded anthemic status. We release the original 45 version here, as used to promote the LP back in the day.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\nThis special 2x7\" product from Jazzman is dedicated to the memory of Marlena Shaw, b. 22 September 1939, d. 19 January 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jazzman Special Products","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"x2","offer_id":50409566634315,"sku":"2185057","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_b00b3fe4_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726619189"},{"product_id":"the-spice-of-life","title":"The Spice of Life","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Spice of Life\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eFrom 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.)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eEvans 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.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eBeneath 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\u003cbr\u003eframework—adding unexpected depth to the sophisticated sonic palette.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThis album offers an immersive journey through soul-jazz mastery, one that rewarded listeners with sampling gold for decades to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vampisoul","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53259424760139,"sku":"R5650-7918","price":33.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/image007_7798bf5d-eb02-4e51-8a6b-078ae3db7af3.jpg?v=1756296781"},{"product_id":"the-spice-of-life-thousand-club","title":"The Spice Of Life (Thousand Club)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMarlena Shaw's \u003cem\u003eThe Spice of Life\u003c\/em\u003e is a landmark 1969 soul-jazz album that showcases her powerful, expressive vocals across a rich blend of soul, jazz, blues and socially conscious songwriting. Featuring the timeless classics \"California Soul\" and \"Woman of the Ghetto,\" it remains her signature release.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eMore than five decades after its release, \u003cem\u003eThe Spice of Life\u003c\/em\u003e continues to resonate for its warmth, sophistication and cultural significance. Blending soul, jazz and socially conscious songwriting, Marlena Shaw's commanding performances have cemented the album as an enduring classic of the Cadet\/Verve Records Group catalogue.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eEvery vinyl is housed in premium packaging, including a heavy duty card sleeve, embossed Thousand Club logo, individual foil numbering, a foil sticker, and a protective PVC sleeve.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fontana","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":58259567771979,"sku":"R7131-2277","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/TC_MarlenaShaw_TheSpiceOfLife_1LP_FrontSticker.jpg?v=1787759582"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_f2e28def_thumbnail_4096_587efc16-c50f-4b13-b406-b24d84c00aca.jpg?v=1726619171","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/marlena-shaw.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}