AH! The early 70s when there was a surfeit of hip “Blaxploitation” films like Shaft and Superfly, and soulful soundtracks that pushed the musical envelope forward. Isaac Hayes’ 1971 soundtrack to the movie Shaft was a Afro-sheened, floppy hatted gauntlet thrown down that completely changed the direction of soul music.
The classic “wah wah” guitar intro by Charles “Skip” Pitts, teamed with the revamped Bar-Keys team which still included bassist James Alexander, made the title track a theme for the early 70s, with Hayes change of direction from simple soul pieces from Memphis-based STAX to creating a new culture. Besides the anthem title track, there’s a sizzling 20 minute jazz/blues/funk jam on “Do Your Thing” as well as the ballad “Soulsville.” At the time, the 2 lp album was the sound of a generation. Included with the original soundtrack is the film score that is not only different in sound, but includes extra material, such as the drawn out “Rescue/End Theme” and “Shaft’s Pain.” The score includes more strings and lush horns, with studio musicians including jazzers Buddy Collette, Don Fagerquist, Ray Brown, Bud Shank, Joe Porcaro and Victor Feldman. Whether you want to go back to the era of pimped up pink Caddies, or just want to listen to a style that changed and charged a culture, this is the place to be. Right On!!