Herbie Hancock - Thrust [Holland Import]

Herbie Hancock's Thrust keeps the Head Hunters fire burning, arriving here as a Holland import pressing of his 1974 jazz-funk landmark.

Coming hot on the heels of the record-breaking Head Hunters, this follow-up proved that the keyboard legend's leap into funk was no fluke. He brought back much of the same band, with Bennie Maupin on reeds, Paul Jackson on bass and Bill Summers on percussion, while Mike Clark stepped in on drums and brought a whole new level of rhythmic invention.

Palm Grease opens with a slinky, stop-start groove that dares you to sit still, and Actual Proof is a dazzling showcase for Clark's busy, syncopated drumming, which drummers still study to this day. Butterfly floats in on soft, dreamy textures and lyrical soprano saxophone, offering a gentle contrast, while Spank-a-Lee closes things out with tight, funky interplay.

Hancock layers ARP synthesizers, clavinet and Fender Rhodes into rich, colourful soundscapes, blending jazz improvisation with the deep pocket of funk and soul. Each of the four long tracks gives the band room to stretch out, building intricate grooves that are both cerebral and seriously danceable.

Often overshadowed by its famous predecessor, it is the sound of a great band hitting its stride, and an essential piece of the Hancock puzzle.