Shaft is the story
of a clack private eye testing his muscle in a squeeze play between the syndicate and
Harlem operations. On CD Isaac Hayes "Shaft" (Stax records, 1978)
Isaac is a talented
keyboardist and vocalist who began recording an producing in the early 60's,
co-writing "Soul Man". First song to hit it really big was "Theme
from Shaft". For many, this song typifies the sound of the 70's, with its
wah-wah guitar and deep soul vocals. It's also highly danceable and was played
in discos through to the early 80's. Early 70's period was very funky; Hayes
went on to record further Blaxploitation type songs, like "The Men"
and "Tough Guys". "Joy" was also a US hit around this time.
A switch to his own label in 1975 next secured disco dancefloor hits along the
lines of "Chocolate Chip", "Disco Connection" (UK top 10),
"Groove-a-thon" and "Juicy Fruit (disco freak)". All these
last recordings are heavily disco orientated in the Hayes style. The LP's around
this time, though, don't contain much more disco material. But exceptions are
"Disco Shuffle" and "Choppers" from Disco Connection. His
next label change was to Polydor, where he released two albums before bankrupcy.
For The Sake Of Love included his best disco song of all, "Zeke the
Freak" - highly recommended. Isaac still records and produces today.
Shaftby Isaac Hayes 1978 -