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Shaft have been a well-known band on the local scene since their inception in 1992. Over this time they have released a 7-song mini-album, 'POOtY' (1996), and a couple of EPs. These releases spawned a number of student radio hits, including "Downhill Racer," which surprised listeners with a lush orchestrated arrangement. Shaft went on to perform extensively throughout the country and amassed an ardent following as a superb live act.
Bob Cardy (a.k.a. Bob Brannigan) is the key song-writing force behind Shaft. He began his recording career as a member of notorious Christchurch band, The Axemen, which he formed with Little Stevie McCabe in the early eighties. Ten years later, as the Axemen were in decline, Cardy formed Shaft. He got the name "from the famous movie, its theme song, a ray of light, and a hole in the ground."
The musicians Cardy eventually assembled to form the core of this band, each had their own rich history in the local music scene: - John Segovia, guitar: started out in the Axel Grinders, then became a core member of Shaft before leaving to form the Radio Kings, and now plays with the Boxcar Guitars. - Tony Rush, bass: original member of Shaft, who also contributed to 3 tracks on their latest album before moving to Wellington, and is now in The Users. - Rich Mixture, drums/percussion: third member of the original Shaft 3-piece band and original drummer for the D4. Rich is now in the Rock and Roll Machine. - Mark Petersen, bass: member of Straitjacket Fits, before joining Shaft (he also formed Cabbage Bomber). - Cameron Rowe, keyboards: member of the Brunettes before joining Shaft. He went on to form the Shallows.
It was this group of musicians who came together to record Shaft's latest release, Open Sesame. This album captures both Cardy's strength as a lyricist ("Just Because") and Shaft's raw energy as a rock'n'roll band ("Cheap Candy"). Bob Frisbee (creator of Frisbee Records/Studios) provided the production for the album and allowed it to grow into a multi-layered rock 'n' roll opus. Frisbee has been a long time supporter of the band since he first saw them at their third gig. Over the years he has contributed to the band as a drummer, soundman, and unofficial manager.
The long process of recording the album saw some of the members leave the group and Cardy has since brought together a number of newer members to form a live group, including guitarist Ben Maitlin (singer/song-writing for the Boxcar Guitars and guitarist for Bic Runga), bassist Sam Kett and his brother Stu Kett on drums (both also in The Situation and Devil Gate Drive).
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