Alessandro Cerquetelli (aka Overload DJ)
The song I want to talk about in today’s “remember” is the work of Shakatak, an English band founded in 1980 (and still active today), essentially famous for two top ten hits in the UK singles chart of those years: “Night Birds “of 1982 and, above all, the well known” Down On The Street “of 1984 … but, in my opinion, the real pearl of the group is this:” Steppin ‘Out “(1982), track A4 from the album” Invitations “.
Musically and technically solid group of the epic English “Jazz-Funk” scene of the early 80s, always regularly in the charts from the first single, the Shakatak in the current line-up are still very popular especially in the Far East and Japan, where they record for the JVC Records. A little (and unfairly) underestimated in our country, at the time they wrote “Funky-Soul / Disco” style pieces of exceptional level for rhythm, arrangement, class and elegance: a mix expertly built on George’s unmistakable, vigorous funky bassline. Anderson and Bill Sharpe’s typical jazzy piano tour, a joy for the ears not only of quality Disco lovers, but also of the most refined lovers of Jazz music and … audiophiles! … How can we fail to underline the meticulous care in the work in recording room and mastering!… The sound speaks for itself… In short, a production worthy of the best Polydor UK tradition! Enjoy!
Shakatak “Steppin’ Out” (*)
“Invitations” [1982] (2383 652 Polydor Ltd., London – Made in Holland)
