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A British jazz-funk combo that was formed in London in 1980; originally consisting of keyboardist Bill Sharpe, guitarist Keith Winter, bassist George Anderson, vocalists
Jill Saward and Jackie Rawe and drummer Roger Odell, the group scored an underground hit with debut single Steppin', cracking the British Top
50 the following year with the singles Livin' in the UK. Their debut LP Drivin' hard was also well-received, and with the 1982 follow-up Nightbirds,
Shakatak scored their first Top 20 hit in Easier said than done; the disc's title track also landed into the Top 10. 1985's Live preceded the release
of the group's next studio effort, Day by day. A series of largely instrumental albums including Niteflite were then issued exclusively in Japan, where
Shakatak enjoyed immense popularity; in the meanwhile 1988's Manic and cool was released internationally, highlighted by the singles Mr. Manic
and Sister Cool and Something special. Apart from Jackie's departure and Keith leaving due to ill-health, the remaining four people continue to
record and tour to this day with the addition of guitar and backing vocalists. (Complete and accurate bio was kindly provided
by Mr. Odell) |
