In
the long lasting time of their band history they were welcomed
worldwide at countless festivals. This year for example they
traveled to Germany, The Netherlands, Japan, Mexico, Serbia,
Bulgaria and Lithuania. They have released numerous albums in a
period of nearly four decades. We talk about UK's first ambassadors
of Brit Funk, the legendary group Shakatak.
Their new album Times and Places was released in Europe and
US in September, 2016 and in Japan already in July. Shakatak are
vocalist Jill Seward, keyboardist Bill Sharpe, drummer Roger Odell
and bassist George Anderson. Guest musicians on this album are Alan
Wormald (guitars), Jacqui Hicks and Debby Bracknell (background
vocals), Derek Nash (saxes) and Ron Burgundy (flute).
I Will Be There singer Jill Seward promises in a skillful way
of melodic bliss. Bill Sharpe shares the melody with flavored key
strokes.
On Time And Place Jill spreads her optimistic view of our own fate and
personal relationship. Check In displays joy and lightness
of heart in Bill's effortlessness and fluffiness playing the piano
in a wonderful flow with some brush pats of Derek Nash on soprano
sax.
Heads To The Sky reaches out the gospel of a better world, we
can create with our own hands. We have only
allow love to touch our hearts. On the soulful ballad
Haunting Jill sums up the feelings of a not extinguished
passion. Carry On celebrates the emotional win based
on such human values as humanitarianism, personal freedom, tolerance
and solidarity wrapped in an energetic disco beat pack.
Coralie describes the grow of a beauty which leaves behind
her mark in the world of men. Who can
capture the splendor of a woman in sounds? The song is very
close to the characteristics of acoustic sun rays. Cape Town
is a mélange of jazz and pop featuring a tribute to South Africa's
mega city. Supreme prowess of all musicians speaks for itself.
Goodbye To The City is the swan song of a forsaken, who has lost his
roots. Wonderful sets to the previous topic a counterpart of vocal
jubilation. The group supports singer Jill Seward with smoking instrumentation.
On Sand And The Sea the ensemble expresses their affinity for the ocean
and for a good life around in a harmonic ebb and flow. Open Skies is an
amazing piano interlude by maestro Sharpe.
How Do You Sleep At Night is an elated and swinging song about revenge.
The instrumental Mr. Fanatical covers the more progressive side of the
formation. With the final Movin' On the band says Good Bye to their
loyal fans with the promise of a hopefully see you soon.
With Times And Places Shakatak present the full potential of an
experienced live group. With demanding flawlessness the band delivers another
proof of excellence in their continuous career.