Perfect Smile

by Jonathan WidranOne of the most popular European fusion acts of the 80s, this five piece ensemble (featuring vocalist Jill Saward on half the tunes) combines Bill Sharpe's snazzy synth and acoustic piano work with Keith Winter's breezy guitar to create yet another ready ready product high on the all important catchiness concept and dependent on melody. While not as dynamic as T-Square, not as unique as Wishful Thinking and not as innovative as Spyro Gyra, Shakatak found a comfortable home among listeners hungry for MOR pop jazz. Nothing too challenging, but likeable nonetheless. More recent efforts on Instinct Jazz have been more groove oriented, indicating that the group has evolved with the times.