Herbie Hancock – Thrust

Herbie Hancock's Thrust (1974) is a groundbreaking album that marked a turning point in his career, shifting his focus from jazz to funk and fusion. With a new band featuring bassist George Duke and drummer Alphonse Mouzon, Hancock explored a more experimental and energetic sound, paving the way for a new era in jazz.

The album opens with the title track, "Thrust," a dynamic and infectious piece that showcases Hancock's innovative piano playing and the band's tight interplay. "Chameleon" is a funky masterpiece that features a memorable horn riff and a hypnotic bassline, while "Bring Back Betty" is a soulful ballad that showcases Hancock's tender touch.

The album also features a number of instrumental compositions that highlight the band's collective virtuosity. "Venus De Milo" is a playful piece with a catchy melody and infectious groove, while "Eye of the Beholder" is a more introspective composition that showcases Hancock's ability to create evocative soundscapes.

Thrust is an album that defies easy categorization. It's a blend of jazz, funk, R&B, and soul, creating a unique and eclectic sound that was both groundbreaking and influential. Hancock's piano playing is as impressive as ever, showcasing his ability to blend technical virtuosity with soulful expression. The album's production is also top-notch, capturing the energy and excitement of the band's performances.

Thrust is a must-listen for fans of Herbie Hancock and jazz fusion. It's an album that continues to resonate with listeners today, showcasing Hancock's ability to push boundaries and create music that is both innovative and timeless. It's a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to his musical vision.

Great copy of an amazing godlike album! I love this so much!

The first half of the 70s represented a particularly brilliant period for the composer, pianist and keyboardist Herbie Hancock. It was at this time that some of his best albums were released. Thrust is a monument to Jazz-Funk and futuristic Jazz. Bold, energetic and visceral, it features masterpieces such as Palm Grease, Actual Proof, Spank-A-Lee, but also the beautiful and dark Butterfly. The team of musicians included, in addition to Herbie, Paul Jackson on bass, Mike Clark on drums, Bill Summers on percussion and Bennie Maupin on sax. The arsenal used by Herbie included everything from the Fender Rhodes to the Hohner D-6 clavinet, an ARP 2600, an Odyssey and two other ARP synthesizer models - Soloist and String. What many people don't know is that at this time, Herbie Hancock was already a master of synthesizers, and his releases became true references not only of avant-garde Jazz, but of synthetic sounds that greatly influenced several genres, including electronic music (any We'll talk more about it later).

Pure listening bliss, and not a freeform guitar solo in sight

One of his best albums, sadly gets overlooked but it certainly rivals Headhunters. Instant buy if you're curious to get into the funkier side of jazz.

Herbie at his best. Strangely underrated, don't let it pass

The end of Palm Grease with the synth is straight fire. WOW

Beautiful stuff, indeed! And a great beat sample on Palm Grease. Great, innovative, funky, at times trippy and quirky. Enjoyable and different. Keeper. <3

Butterfly is one the most beautiful pieces of music I will ever hear. TBF every cover esp Gretchen Parlato's live version on YT are also excellent.

When I picked up this album at a garage sale I had no idea about its contents other that the cover was pretty far out. Raised on "Rock-it", I felt it would certainly be worth the dollar I paid for it. Little did I know, I was getting Mr. Hancock's funkiest future jazz recording ever. It literally did not leave my turntable's side for months. All four pieces are excellent. All save Butterfly are funky, funky, funky. Butterfly is a masterful electric piece that seems to echo the exploratory imagery suggested by cover illustration as a timeless soundscape worthy of the journey.