Worth the price of admission just go CALIFORNIA SOUL!
G. Mitchell | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You go Marlena - FINALLY...Cadet/Verve saw fit to re-issue Marlena's long-lost '69 soul/jazz classic SPICE OF LIFE, featuring some of the earliest and best vocal performances - but the cut that really captures this era is her amazingly funky take on CALIFORNIA SOUL - really, it's worth the price of the entire CD just for this nugget - I defy you to listen to Marlena's strut on this song and not snap your fingers and groove along - roll down the windows, drive up PCH, and blast it!"
Lots and lots of fun
William R. Nicholas | Mahwah, NJ USA | 04/29/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"You could fill a mansion with both rock and soul records by people that put an album out, and sank into obscurity. The differance is, in soul, you really had to be good--at singing or playing- to even get onto wax. The music demands a good voice, and the ability to lock into syncopated rythms. It would be fun to find out exactly why Aretha Franklin became an international superstar, while people just as good remain unknown.
Marlena Shaw is a case and point: She has a great voice, the ability to sing sweet soul, grittiy southern soul, and jazz. For a soul album, this is very, very diverse, and everything works. Shaw even does some out and out scatting on this--not easy to do--and is a master.
There are all kinds of music and textures on here. All are done beatifully. There is even a version of Calafornia Soul that puts the 5Ds cover to shame and I like the 5ds version.
Obviously, as with most soul records, this is not a revelation, but that is rare in this type of music, because it is a narrow construct. But if you like soul and R&B, this is an essential album, just because it is SO good."
Classic Spice!
Gilbert R. Jimenez | Los Angeles, CA | 07/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Awesome CD with a touch of The Four Tops,Temptaations, & Aretha Franklin, a definite classic. Highly recommend to everyone who enjoys oldschool R&B, Soul, & Jazz. "California Soul" is the highlight of this CD (which was played in the DICKIES commmercial during the NBA Playoffs). BUY IT!!!"