Shak Nasti

Jim Abbott - Orlando Sentinel

This CD reminds me of a show I went to in Wisconsin, where the place was absolutely packed and four people were up on stage jamming as everyone in the crowd was dancing, drinking, and socializing. That's how I imagine a Shak Nasti show to be--laid back and an all-around good time. Shak Nasti has a reggae/ rock sound, with well-rhythmed arrangements mixed with a variety of sounds in each song. Tim Turner has a smooth voice that resonates well with the guitars, percussion, saxes, flute, congas, and pedal steel. Shak Nasti proves that they can play stellar music with all different kinds of instruments. - Connections Magazine, Orlando

Shak Nasti won CD of the Year by a Band at the DeLand Fest, October 8th, 2005 - DeLand Original Music Festival

Yes they are. Their music - a vibrating tapestry of jazz, reggae, pop and funk woven with licks of blue-eyed soul and psychedelic rock. Listening to the group instantly grants access to our long-term memory banks where heart-felt recolections are stored of favorite artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, The Police, Stevie Winwood, Steely Dan and Geggy Tah to name a few. Instilling such diversity of musical styles into their process clearly reflects the three men’s great musical aptitude and could never be mistaken as imitation by anyone who is musically aware. No, what Shak Nasti offers is steeped with flavor uniquely their own and has earned the group a large following up and down our lush peninsula.

Tonight, Shak Nasti, who are Tim Turner, Matt Lapham (also in The Absinthe Trio) and Rion Smith (also in The Absinthe Trio as well as a percussionist for the Blue Man Group show at Universal), will be celebrating the release of their second full-length recording, A Way Inside, at the Enzian Theater in Maitland. This event has generated a buzz of excitement and curiosity since the venue is more popularly known for showcasing independent films rather than independent music acts. What might not be well known is the fact that the “pit” seating area was actually created for Phillip Glass and his orchestra when they used to play at the Enzian way back in the day. Yep. Took me by surprise as well.

Chris Blanc, Director of Operations for Enzian, Eden Bar and the Florida Film Festival says that tonight’s event is an experiment and is part of the Enzian’s ongoing strategy to diversify offerings and appeal to the tastes of a broader public.

“If all goes well, we can expect to see more of this type of thing at the theater on possibly a monthly basis,” Chris said.

Shak’s CD “A Way Inside” is a danceable, singable, groovable collection of thoughtfully crafted songs that produces instantly likeable hits for my play list. Summer Sun, Sunsation and My Mia all appealed to the word lover in me and I quickly found myself singing along to themes of sex, love and sad endings after just a few listens. There are musical surprises tucked into all the nooks and crannies of the tracks and performances by guest musicians layered throughout the recording shoot this release over the top.

This will not be a regular Shak show by any means. Four well-known and beloved Orlando musicians will be joining in the jam: Chris Charles on sax, Ito Colon on percussion, Mike Ryan on guitar and Chris Davis on keyboards. And don’t count film completely out of the equation at tonight’s show. Prior to the band and also during their intermission, Orlando producer Dave Segal will premier “Bootleg on the Big Screen,” which is Dave’s ongoing art and culture documentary.

The music of Shak Nasti challenges you to stay seated tonight so be sure to wear your boogie shoes cause there will definitely be some dancing going on. - Mirioam Lorenzi