Shakatak, the legendary English jazz-funk band, is returning to Cape Town for just one show on Saturday, 30 September, as part of their 40th anniversary world tour.
“This music still glows as brightly as that first hearing…Shakatak aren’t just a band, they were the soundtrack to our lives”
RONNIE SCOTT’S House Magazine (UK)
Book at Ticketmaster
https://www.ticketmaster.co.za/event/40th-anniversary-of-shakatak-tickets/995
I chatted to Bill Sharpe the keyboard player last week.
The band, comprising Jill Saward (lead vocals), Bill Sharpe (keys), Keith Winter (guitar), George Anderson (bass) and Roger Odell (drums), will be heading to the Mother City for a night fans will foster, forever.
Today Shakatak amplify their live shows with Jacqui Hicks (backing vocals, saxophone & flute) or Debby Bracknell (backing vocals & flute) and Alan Wormald (guitar & backing vocals).
Shakatak have enjoyed a level of success, and career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music – but then Shakatak is a particularly unusual group.
Due to the nature of their music, their fanbase is far-reaching while always retaining an ‘underground element’. This paradox sees the band, known primarily as serious jazz/funk musicians, enjoying high ‘cult’ status and instant recognition as a much-loved household favourite.
Thanks to their successful recording career, Shakatak has firmly established itself as a vibrant live act, combining astute musicianship with a sense of fun that translates perfectly with audiences worldwide to this day.
Shakatak scored several major hits, “Night Birds” (1982) and “Down on the Street” (1984), plus a further 12 entries in the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles.
The group is still active, selling out tours, particularly in Japan and the Far East, and commonly produces a new album every two years on JVC Records.
From their first release in August 1980 to their first 1981 album, Drivin’ Hard, the band’s singles and albums have entered the charts throughout their careers.
The release of 1981’s “Easier Said Than Done” gave Shakatak the radio exposure needed for their first Top 20 hit.
The follow-up, “Night Birds” (1982), was their first single to reach the Top 10
The self-titled album on which the track appears also gave Shakatak their first gold record, entering at number four and remaining in the UK charts for 28 weeks.
Shakatak’s fifth album, Down on the Street (1984), delivered the standout classics “Down on the Street” and “Watching You”, both of which had great success and brought them love and attention from new audiences around the world.
The following year saw the release of the group’s second live album, Live! (1985), which was recorded in Tokyo and London.
“Something Special” (1987), closely followed by the night club and chart hit “Mr Manic & Sister Cool” from their next LP, Manic & Cool (1988).
In the 1990s, the band achieved success in the US when two of their albums went Number One on the contemporary jazz charts while also being awarded the Japanese Grammy for Best International Instrumental Album six years running.
Expect a hits-filled evening with all the classic fan favourites, and perhaps even a few unexpected treats too!
Thank you, Bill, for your time.
What is your purpose?
To create music to make myself happy and hopefully other people too
What does music mean to you?
It’s been my life for over 40 years so very important! As well as good food.
Our music is about…
Feeling, love, fun and connection.
What is your motto?
In life have something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to
Fame is about…
15 mins
Retirement will happen when…
I’m in the ground.
I don’t do…
interviews
I would love to co-write with…
Stevie Wonder
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
At my piano or in the studio
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Writing and creating new music.
The song you must do during every show?
Night Birds
Any funny moments on stage?
Too many to mention
My heroes are…
Keith Emerson, Herbie Hancock, Lyle Mays, Pat Metheny to name a few in music.
My style icon is…
Issey Miyake
Which living person do you admire most and why?
Barack Obama. Because he’s Barack Obama.
What is your most treasured possession?
My 1923 Bosendorfer piano
It’s your round; what are you drinking?
A nice white Burgundy
Dream gig to do?
Anywhere close to home
What makes you stand out?
Not showering for 3 days
Any nicknames?
None I can say
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
Gardener
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Just need one Perfect smile
Greatest Movie Ever Made?
Dr Zhivago
What book are you reading?
The Glucose Goddess
What song changed your life?
Can’t Buy Me Love
Who do you love?
Everyone
What is your favorite Word?
Discombobulated
Top of your bucket list?
A hole in one
Your greatest achievement?
The “Night Birds” album
What do you complain about most often?
Brexit
What is your biggest fear?
Not being able to write new songs
Happiness is…
A big bed with fresh cotton sheets
On stage, I tend to…
Play the piano
The best life lesson you have learned?
Always expect the unexpected
What has been your favorite journey so far?
To travel the world with Shakatak
Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?
Anything to do with cancer research and hospices.
Wishes and dreams?
Good health and happiness for everyone including me.
Post the show in Cape Town the band continue the tour as follows
YouTube link
Social media links
https://www.facebook.com/ShakatakUK/
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