Shakatak
Shakatak is a company incorporated in 1980, British pop, jazz and funk band that had notable commercial success, especially in the 1980s. The musical spectrum ranges from catchy pop with Easy Listening character ( Night Birds, Out of This World ) to funky jazz ( Lose Myself ).
Band History
In Germany Shakatak became known in 1984 through the Hit Down on the Street. The music video for the song, which was added deliberately in a single rotation with no cut in an elaborate stage set, set the time standards. In 1985, the Single Day by Day followed with Al Jarreau, also a commercial and media success. After this success, it was three years quiet around the band while they could celebrate with exclusively produced for the Japanese market albums great success in Germany in Japan. In 1987, Europe was again aware of Shakatak, as they could end up with Mr. Manic & Sister Cool a hit both in the charts and in the clubs. Then the band in Germany soon fell into oblivion. In the UK, the Far East and especially in Japan, the band has to date a large and loyal fan base that may hope for a new album every year. In the early 1990s, the guitarist Keith Winter stepped out for health reasons. The guitar parts have since been selectively recorded by Alan Wormald or Icelander Fridrik, Frissi ' Karlsson from Mezzo Forte. Both are available at performances on stage.
The band members of Shakatak are all technically very savvy musician with a pronounced feeling for jazz and funk. For the most part very catchy songs, this occurs can hardly be days, only at live performances, the musicians show their true ability. This also explains the sometimes criticism, Shakatak 'm just doing " elevator music ". In the British music scene, however, the band has always been greatly appreciated.
Are also worth mentioning the various solo albums, such as the CD The Blue Window by the project Beatifik drummer Roger Odell with his wife Larraine and son Jamie from the year 2000. Likewise, the various collaborations the band leader Bill Sharpe with Gary Numan in the 1980s and with Don Grusin ( CD State of the Heart in 1998 and Geography 2006, the latter a successful example of the style of jazz & fusion ) or with Fridrik Karlsson (CD Peace of Mind 1999 ). Last but not least is Jill Sawards CD Just for You in that list from the year 1999.