A full funky session from master drummer Bernard Purdie - a set that expands out his previous Prestige vibe, and almost goes for a soundtrack scope to match the record's Shaft title! The set leads off with a great take on the Isaac Hayes hit - one that follows in the same fully-flowing, slow-building mode as Ike's - but which comes across here as an instrumental with some great solo work from Houston Person - playing here almost in a Stanley Turrentine sort of mode! Other tracks continue the hip mix of jazz and larger backings - and feature a lineup of players that includes Neal Creque on electric piano, Gerry Thomas and Danny Moore on trumpets, Willie Bridges and Houston Person on tenors, Billy Nichols and Lloyd Davis on guitars, Gordon Edwards on Fender bass, and Norman Pride on congas. The sound is warm without ever sounding too smooth - and Purdie's funky drums at the bottom ensure that most tunes are nicely lively.
1. Shaft
2. Way Back Home
3. Attica
4. Changes
5. Summer Melody
6. Butterfingers
