Isaac Hayes – The Best of Isaac Hayes
This album kicks off with the dynamic soul/funk masterpiece “Theme From Shaft” – from a 1971 film starring Richard Roundtree. The instrumental parts, with a high-hat, were played by The Bar-Kays & Movement. Pulsating wah-wah lead guitar, thick bass, Isaac’s piano & laid-back narrative mix with solid brass & flute. Quite an exciting signature ‘70s soul vibe instrumental with a good arrangement by Johnny Adams.
Originally produced by Hayes (except for “Walk On By” & “By the Time I Get To Phoenix” produced by Al Bell, Maxwell Thomas, & Allen Jones), this compilation was produced by Mason Williams. It’s an enticing 10-cut collection that percolates throughout The Best of Isaac Hayes (Drops June 6/Craft Recordings/Concord/Stax Records).
Also tackled is the Bacharach-David tune “Walk On By,” & in his indomitable style recreated with orchestrated soul, a spooky-inflected high-tuned guitar, ghostly female vocalizations, & Isaac’s mesmerizing vocal/narrative. Superbly captured. Its richness is in its being different from anything on the soul charts at that time. The tune doesn’t sound as mainstream/commercial as the original Dionne Warwick release, but it has a haunting, soulful, full-bodied performance.
The arrangement here is also exhilarating. Perhaps today, a little dated. But you can still hear what made this so soulfully progressive with the brass bursts, the female voices, & the contagious melody. From that to “By the Time I Get To Phoenix” (a Jimmy Webb song) with a warm narrative & slow cymbal swish. The song was like a dramatic dialogue performance before sliding into a brassy vocal.
Different from the Glen Campbell country hit, Hayes had a perfect late-night FM radio voice for ears buried deep in headphones with eyes closed. The only song that comes close & predates it is Lou Rawls’ 1967 release “Dead End Street/Monologue.” These 2 songs together are exceptional.
The tune “Joy (Part 1)” is an excerpt from the original nearly 16-minute studio version. Another orchestrated & excellently arranged piece of music. Isaac’s vocal style predated Barry White & yet Isaac was able to pour his lush strings against his deep, seductive 1973 vocal with a touch of sublime Bacharach-David type arrangement.
Isaac shows his balladry skills with the pensive piano tune “I Stand Accused.” Here, Isaac is closer to the Chuck Jackson/Jerry Butler tonality. That’s a nice contrast. The late Isaac Hayes was like Tom Waits in that he was also an actor (“Escape From New York”) & was a talented interpreter of many musical styles.
Highlights – “Theme From Shaft,” “Walk On By,” “By the Time I Get To Phoenix,” “Joy (Part 1)” & “I Stand Accused.”
CD color image courtesy of Peter Hujar/Conde Nast via Getty Images. CD @ Bandcamp & https://craftrecordings.com/blogs/news/the-best-of-isaac-hayes
