Liberation Conversation

Recorded during February and July 1969 at Ter Mar Studios in Chicago for Marlena Shaw's second album, The Spice of Life. Written by Marlena Shaw and Bobby Miller, the recording features Shaw on lead vocals, with arrangements by Charles Stepney, production by Richard Evans and engineering by Stu Black and Dave Purple. Released in November 1969 on Cadet Records, 'Liberation Conversation' appeared as the opening track of the second side of The Spice of Life. Its playful scat singing, handclaps and assertive vocal delivery complemented the album's socially conscious material, reflecting Shaw's distinctive approach to contemporary songwriting and performance. The recording has remained popular among specialist DJs, collectors and listeners exploring Marlena Shaw's early catalogue. Its inclusion on subsequent reissues of The Spice of Life has helped preserve a distinctive performance from her Cadet period alongside better-known recordings such as 'California Soul' and 'Woman of the Ghetto'.