THRUST

After so well-known Head Hunters album, Hancock continued his jazz-funk recordings with a slightly different line-up. Even if similar to it's predecessor, this album has more soul and melody, or just more music! Even if often I can respect technical skills of funk musicians, for me the main problem with that kind of music is it's monotonous repetitive rhythm structures. I can enjoy listening few times the same rhythmic picture played by talented musicians, but after fifth or even tenth time listening the same construction I became boring and often losing any interest. So, if even previous album was a bit too funky for me ( and Hancock peak in that field is Man-Child, pure funky rhythm without even a traces of melodism or improvisation), Thrust made a step towards more melodic, more jazzy music. It became a bit more accessible, and more pleasant for listening. But at the same time this album is complex masterpiece, excellent combination of complex and accessible, difficult and easy things. I think this album is one of the best Hancock jazz-funk works ever and best place for newcomers to Headhunters.

Really recommended!!