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Robert Banks
Theme From Isaac Hayes' SHAFT

Date: 1974
Label: Altone

Programs

1. SHAFT, Part 1. Theme & Variations

2. SHAFT, Part 2. Theme & Variations

3. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Soulmate Singers)

4. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Soulmate Singers)

From the cover, you might think that this is just another bootleg of Isaac Hayes' Them from SHAFT. There, you would be wrong. This is of the finest, most bizarre tribute 8-tracks I've ever owned. The entire first two tracks are just one guy, ROBERT BANKS, jamming on organ with a cheesy rhythm machine chugging along behind him. With the exception of a little bongo work, that's it! No drums, no guitar, no vocals. Just this freaked-out jam that only vaguely sounds like SHAFT for most of its 16 minutes of organ improv. He does drift in and out of the theme from time to time, but  it's mostly variation. In all honesty, I cannot believe this was ever released. It sounds like some guy jamming on one of those shopping-mall Lowery organs...the organ is the left channel, the drum machine in the right. 2 track! Program 3 & 4 are mostly a forgettable attempt by the "Soulmate Singers" to cover some tunes from J.C. Superstar. The real star of this tape is the man, Robert Banks. Mr. Banks released a couple of other tapes on the Altone label, then disappeared. As far as I know,this is an 8-track only release. NOT to be re-released on CD. NOT available at your local vinyl collectors' shop. One more triumph for the mighty 8-track!

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