Shakatak
Shakatak is an English jazz-funk band formed in London in 1980 by keyboardist Bill Sharpe, drummer Roger Odell, guitarist Keith Winter, and producer Nigel Wright. Their name derives from a Soho record store called "Record Shack."
The band gained initial attention with their debut single "Steppin'" on Passion Records. Their 1981 breakthrough hit "Easier Said Than Done" reached the UK Top 20, introducing their signature instrumental-vocal blend, and stayed on the charts for 17 weeks. "Night Birds" (1982) became their first Top 10 UK single, with the album earning gold status and charting for 28 weeks.
Albums like Invitations (1982) and Out of This World (1983) produced more hits. Jill Saward joined as lead vocalist for Down on the Street (1984), another UK chart success. George Anderson has been bassist since 1981. They dominated Japan, winning awards and releasing exclusive albums like Into the Blue and Golden Wings.
In the 1990s, U.S. success came with Open Your Eyes (No. 1 on contemporary jazz charts) and Full Circle. The band marked their 30th anniversary in 2010 with Across the World (2011). Guitarist Alan Wormald passed away in 2023, replaced by Keith Winter. They remain active, touring globally, especially in Japan, with core members Sharpe, Odell, Saward, and Anderson.
City Rhythm
Featuring – Al Jarreau
Remix – Wally Brill
Written-By – Anderson, Saward
3:43
A2 Once Upon A Time
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
4:44
A3 Secret
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
3:31
A4 Physical Attraction
Written-By – Anderson, Saward
6:11
B1 City Rhythm
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
3:59
B2 I Must Be Dreaming
Written-By – Anderson, Saward
3:30
B3 Africa
Choir – London Gospel Choir
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
3:16
B4 Goodby Mickey Mouse
Written-By – Winter, Odell
4:07
B5 Vive La Fantasy
Written-By – Sharpe, Winter
4:40
Label: Polydor – POLH 24
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Jazz-Funk, Smooth Jazz
Down on the Street
Written-By – W.Sharpe, R.Odell 3:22
A2 Holding On
Written-By – G.Anderson Jr., J.Saward 4:34
A3 Summer Sky
Written-By – J.Saward, R.Odell 4:22
A4 Hypnotised
Written-By – W.Sharpe 4:28
B1 Don't Blame It On Love
Written-By – W.Sharpe, R.Odell 3:25
B2 Photograph
Written-By – W.Sharpe, R.Odell 4:25
B3 Watching You
Written-By – W.Sharpe, R.Odell 5:22
B4 Fire Dance
Written-By – W.Sharpe, R.Odell 5:00
B5 Lady (To Billie Holiday)
Written-By – W.Sharpe, R.Odell 3:11
Label: Polydor – POLD 5148
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1984
Genre: Jazz, Funk ,Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Smooth Jazz
Shakatak's Down On The Street (1984) is a defining jazz-funk/smooth jazz album, capturing the vibrant 80s dance scene with its blend of catchy melodies, synth-pop, soulful vocals (Jill Saward), and strong instrumental grooves, producing their biggest UK hit title track and hits like "Don't Blame It on Love" and "Watching You," solidifying their "blue-eyed soul" sound.
The vibe is polished, melodic, dance-oriented, featuring prominent keyboards, sax, and funk basslines, reflecting mid-80s production. Lead vocals are by Jill Saward, known for their clear delivery.
It features the Top 10 UK hit title track "Down on the Street," plus "Watching You" and "Don't Blame It on Love".
The album was a significant release, reaching No. 17 on the UK Albums Chart and a great entry point for new fans.
It Captures the quintessential sound and vibe of the 1980s and is praised for its high production quality, solid musicianship, and fusion of soulful elements. Essential for fans of 80s dance and soulful music.
Night Birds
Written-By – W. Sharpe, R. Odell
6:19
A2 Streetwalkin'
Soloist, Vocals – Jackie Rawe
Written-By – W. Sharpe, R. Odell
5:30
A3 Rio Nights
Trumpet – Stuart Brooks
Written-By – W. Sharpe, R. Odell
5:16
A4 Fly The Wind
Written-By – W. Sharpe, R. Odell
4:16
B1 Easier Said Than Done
Written-By – W. Sharpe, R. Odell
6:10
B2 Bitch To The Boys
Written-By – W. Sharpe, R. Odell
6:28
B3 Light On My Life
Lead Vocals – Lorna Bannon
Soloist, Saxophone – Dick Morrisey
Written-By – W. Sharpe, R. Odell
4:42
B4 Takin' Off
Written-By – W. Sharpe
5:06
Label: Polydor – POLS 1059
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Funk / Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Disco
Shakatak’s 1982 album Night Birds is a definitive, critically acclaimed British jazz-funk masterpiece, known for its smooth, melodic, and danceable sound. Featuring hits like the title track and "Easier Said than Done," it highlights polished production, skilled instrumentation, and catchy, soulful vibes that remain highly regarded by fans.
The album is a blend of jazz-funk and smooth jazz, characterized by a cheerful, polished, and sophisticated atmosphere. It is noted for its relaxed, "chill" feel, making it suitable for both dancing and easy listening.
Key Tracks:-
"Night Birds": The title track reached No. 9 on the UK charts, featuring a hypnotic bass line and soaring keyboard melodies.
"Easier Said Than Done": A top 20 hit known for its irresistible groove and melodic piano work.
"Streetwalkin'" & "Rio Nights": These tracks highlight the album's jazz-funk foundation, with guest saxophone solos by Dick Morrissey.
The album features strong musicianship, particularly from Bill Sharpe and Nigel Wright, with a focus on polished production that defines the early 80s UK jazz-funk sound.
It was the band's most successful album, featuring multiple top 40 hits and enjoying a 28-week chart run in 1982. It is highly regarded for its, albeit sometimes simplistic, memorable hooks and, in retrospect, seen as a classic of the genre.
Night Birds is widely considered a staple for fans of 80s jazz-funk and smooth jazz. Celebrated for its superb musicianship and "feel-good" atmosphere. It is frequently cited as a essential jazz-funk/soul collection item.
Out Of This World
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
5:17
A2 Don't Say That Again
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
4:41
A3 Slip Away
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
5:13
A4 On Nights Like Tonight
Written-By – Sharpe
5:08
B1 Out Of This World
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
5:44
B2 Let's Get Together
Lead Vocals – Gill Saward
Written-By – Sharpe
3:40
B3 If You Could See Me Now
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
6:53
B4 Sanur
Written-By – Sharpe, Odell
4:42
Label: Polydor – POLD 5115
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Funk, Jazz, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Disco
Shakatak
1-2 Invitations
1-3 Climbing High
1-4 Dreamtime
1-5 Paradise
1-6 Sea Dreamin'
1-7 Lovely Day
1-8 City Rhythm
1-9 Dejavu
1-10 Nothing But a Dream
1-11 Streetwalkin'
1-12 Golden Wings
1-13 Dark Is the Night
1-14 Livin in the UK
1-15 Brazilian Love Affair
1-16 One Day at a Time
2-1 Let's Start Over Again
2-2 Sunshine
2-3 Catwalk
2-4 All Because of You
2-5 Without You
2-6 Night Moves
2-7 Day By Day
2-8 Summer of Love
2-9 Jazz Creepin'
2-10 Steve Land
2-11 Low Down
2-12 Easier Said Than Done
2-13 Beautiful Day
2-14 Down on the Street
2-15 Night Ain't Over Yet
2-16 One for the Boys
2-17 Mr. Manic & Sister Cool
2-18 Paradise Garden
Label: Victor – VICP-64129
Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
Country: Japan
Released: 2008
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Smooth Jazz, Jazz-Funk