Herbie Hancock’s Thrust album is a classic example of jazz-funk fusion from the mid-1970s. Hancock had already made a name for himself as a jazz pianist but on this album, he combined jazz, funk, and elements of electronic music to create a fresh and exciting sound.
The title track, ‘Thrust’, is an upbeat, funky instrumental featuring a wah-wah guitar and a powerful rhythm section. ‘Butterfly’ is a mellow, soulful number featuring Hancock on electric piano and harmonica. ‘Palm Grease’ is an up-tempo jazz-funk number with a great saxophone solo from Bennie Maupin. ‘Actual Proof’ is a jazz-funk instrumental with a great bass line, while ‘Spank-A-Lee’ is an upbeat, funky number with some nice horn arrangements. The album ends with a beautiful, soulful ballad, ‘Can’t Hide Your Love’.
Thrust is a classic album that showcases Herbie Hancock’s unique style and skill as a composer and musician. Highly recommended.