Shakatak: Pioneers of British Jazz-Funk and Sophisti-Pop

Shakatak is a British jazz-funk and pop band that emerged from the vibrant London music scene in the late 1970s. The group achieved major commercial success in the early 1980s, becoming a staple of the UK charts and developing a significant international following, particularly in Japan where they achieved gold and platinum certifications.

Early career

Shakatak was formed in London in 1980 by keyboardist Bill Sharpe, guitarist Keith Winter, bassist Steve Underwood, and drummer Roger Odell. The band's polished, instrumental-focused sound was quickly picked up by the independent record label Polydor, which released their debut single "Steppin'" that same year.

This early release set the template for their signature blend of crisp funk rhythms and melodic jazz inflections. Their debut album, Drivin' Hard, followed in 1981, introducing the sophisticated vocal stylings of Jill Saward who would become a core member and the band's primary lead singer.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1982 with the single Nightbirds, which soared into the UK Top 10. This success was cemented by their second album, Nightbirds, which achieved Gold status in the UK and spent an impressive 70 weeks on the album charts.

This period marked Shakatak's peak commercial phase, establishing them as leading figures in the early 1980s jazz-funk and sophisti-pop movement. Their clean, studio-perfected sound found a ready audience on radio and in clubs, leading to consistent chart entries throughout the decade.

Key tracks

Nightbirds — This 1982 hit is their signature song, a sleek jazz-funk track that propelled them to UK Top 10 fame and defined their early sound.

Easier Said Than Done — A smooth vocal-led single from 1985 that showcased their pop sensibilities and became another major chart success.

Down on the Street — An earlier instrumental single that highlighted the band's tight musicianship and foundational funk groove.

Streetwalkin' — This 1984 track exemplifies their polished production and ability to craft catchy, sophisticated pop-funk.

Mr. Manic and Sister Cool — A later single from 1987 that demonstrated their evolving sound while maintaining their core jazz-funk identity.

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Shakatak maintained a prolific output, releasing over twenty studio albums and numerous compilations. Their sophisticated style resonated powerfully in Japan, leading to a string of successful tours and several albums achieving platinum sales there.

The band has collaborated with notable artists including Al Jarreau and Randy Crawford, further cementing their credibility in the jazz and soul worlds. Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, the core of Sharpe, Odell, and Saward has continued to record and perform, keeping the Shakatak sound alive for dedicated fans worldwide.

For listeners who enjoy the smooth, polished sound of Shakatak, several other UK artists from the same era explored similar territory. Level 42 shared a foundation in jazz-funk but incorporated a more prominent pop-rock edge. Incognito continued the tradition of sophisticated British funk with strong jazz and soul influences. Matt Bianco operated in the same sophisti-pop and Latin-tinged jazz realm during the 1980s. The Brand New Heavies revived the classic funk sound with a live band energy in the following decade.

The music of Shakatak remains a fixture on specialist radio formats, particularly on smooth jazz stations, classic soul and funk channels, and dedicated 80s music streams. Their polished productions are ideal for daytime and evening playlists, offering a sophisticated yet accessible blend of instrumental and vocal tracks.

You can hear the timeless jazz-funk and pop hits of Shakatak on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover where this pioneering British band