Bill Sharpe of SHAKATAK, on keyboards, Brit Funk and his new album with Imagination's Leee John

Bill Sharpe was appearing on Top of the Pops with Shakatak—and then returning to his day job at the BBC.

In this conversation with Steve Blame, Bill recalls juggling radio work with chart success, the encouragement he received from John Peel, and the Japan tour that finally persuaded him to become a full-time musician.

He traces Shakatak’s beginnings, the breakthrough with “Easier Said Than Done,” and the enduring appeal of “Night Birds” in Japan. Along the way, he talks about playing in a band with Trevor Horn, the Brit funk scene, and making “Change Your Mind” with Gary Numan.

Bill also discusses working with Don Grusin and creating Intimate Glow with Imagination’s Leee John, including “Take Me Back,” featuring Level 42’s Mark King.

A warm, funny conversation about musical curiosity, unexpected success and building a lasting career.

This is an archive interview. References to new releases, recent shows and touring reflect the time of recording.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and interview highlights
01:25 Meeting Bill Sharpe and his musical background
02:30 Piano lessons, practice and his mother’s encouragement
05:03 Studying music at Birmingham University
07:39 Bowie, Keith Emerson and music as an escape
09:39 Discovering Chick Corea, jazz fusion and George Benson
11:38 Choosing a BBC job over a band in Australia
14:18 Tracks: playing with Roger Odell and Trevor Horn
15:32 Recording an album through BBC training sessions
16:36 His father’s advice and family support
18:52 The musical roots of Shakatak
21:19 Nigel Wright and the idea behind Steppin’
22:25 Radio play, whistles and Polydor’s support
23:41 Making early records without creative compromises
24:45 Missing the Top 40—and Top of the Pops
26:01 Easier Said Than Done and preparing for television
27:27 Shakatak’s memorable early outfits
28:42 Chart success while still working at the BBC
31:21 John Peel, Night Birds and finally leaving the day job
34:07 Brit funk, Level 42 and friendly competition
35:53 Why Night Birds connected with Japan
37:43 Solo projects without leaving Shakatak
38:15 Recording in France—and drinking the vineyard dry
39:43 The opportunity to make a solo album
40:23 Gary Numan and Change Your Mind
41:32 How Gary’s voice transformed the track
43:32 Working with Don Grusin and meeting musical heroes
47:10 Leee John and the long road to Intimate Glow
49:03 The range of Leee’s voice
49:48 Creating the album and bringing in Mark King
51:27 A lasting career and finding younger listeners
53:21 The original lineup and appreciating life on tour
54:28 Closing thoughts and farewell

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