Review

Isaac Hayes: Shaft- Expanded Edition

Isaac Hayes died in August 2008 at the age of 65 and left behind a wealth of material but none as compelling as the 'Shaft' project released in 1971. From the opening wah wah guitar introduction on 'The Theme From Shaft' we’re treated to the very best in the way of movie music.

There were, of course, several blaxploitation soundtracks during the seventies but none to match this for its explosive deliveries, exciting hooks and hard hitting melodies over which you could sometimes hear Isaac’s spoken word, like – “who’s the black private dick that’s a sex machine to all the chicks?” “Can you diggit?”

The film was a lyrical photograph of urban America and all the dark aspects that went with that way of life, while the soundtrack was ground breaking. Nothing could touch it, although many tried to emulate it. “The one thing I’ve learned from ‘Shaft’ is that pop music doesn’t set any restrictions anymore.” Isaac said in 1972. In other words, he didn’t have to do what went before, he could open new doors and experiment. And it was his fresh and ‘gung ho’ approach to film scores that not only attracted a Grammy, an Oscar and a Golden Globe, a chart-topping US album on the pop and R&B listings for a staggering sixty weeks and a top selling sound across the world, but it gave the music longevity and a timeless appeal that crossed generations..

Now we have a deluxe release with the original album digitally remastered with some bonus stuff like the 2009 remix of the title track. Prior to this album’s original release, Mr Hayes was already a prolific and successful composer / producer for the likes of Sam & Dave, and Carla Thomas over at Stax Records where he was a huge influential force. His three major solo projects were 'Hot Buttered Soul' in ’69, 'The Isaac Hayes Movement' and 'To Be Continued' in 1970. All cemented his future, but 'Shaft' was his finest hour. Listening to the cd now, the music’s not all mayhem, because the pace settles down with the gentle, mellow 'A Friend’s Place' and 'Soulsville'; the romantic 'Ellie’s Love Theme' and the jazzy 'Be Yourself'. Yep, a film score on many levels to be loved for years. Shaft? Damn right!
Words SHARON DAVIS