Don't Blame It On Love: Piano/Vocal/Guitar (Piano Accompaniment)
Don't Blame It On Love Sheet Music Preview

Don't Blame It On Love: Piano/Vocal/Guitar (Piano Accompaniment)

By Roger Odell / By William Sharpe / As performed by Shakatak

Item: 35-DS00041662
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 5
SKU: 35-DS00041662

More about this title

About the Composer: Roger Odell

Roger Odell is a keyboardist and composer best known for his work with the British funk band Shakatak, where he helped define the smooth, groove-oriented sound that made the ensemble a staple of 1980s contemporary jazz and funk radio. His compositional approach balances accessible pop sensibilities with genuine harmonic sophistication, creating material that rewards both casual listening and serious musicianship.

Why we love this

This track captures the infectious energy of 1980s funk-pop without relying on clichéd horn stabs or oversimplification. The piano accompaniment sits perfectly in a contemporary idiom that feels both nostalgic and timeless, making it ideal for singers who want to explore groove-based material with real harmonic substance.

What to expect

Smooth and propulsive, with that distinctive Shakatak shimmer. The groove sits just behind the beat, creating forward momentum without urgency, while the harmonic palette keeps things sophisticated beneath the accessible surface.

Who it's for

Vocalists and pianist collaborators tackling contemporary pop-funk repertoire; singers building chops in groove-based styles and syncopated phrasing. This works well for young professionals recording original material or exploring the 1980s pop-funk catalog.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the kick drum and hi-hat pocket first; the groove lives in the pocket, not the melody. Once your rhythm section has that locked, everything else settles into place naturally.
  • Treat the piano comping with light touch and space. Resist the urge to fill every gap; the syncopated hits need silence around them to breathe.
  • Shape the vocal line around the talk-singing style typical of Shakatak's catalog. This song works best when the singer commits to rhythmic precision and conversational phrasing rather than belted lyricism.
  • Bring out the bass movement underneath the vocal phrases. The harmonic motion happens in the low end, so balance your mix to let that foundation speak.

How to use it

Pair this with other contemporary jazz-funk standards to build a set that bridges pop and instrumental traditions. It's equally effective in a cabaret-style performance or as a feature for a vocalist developing command of syncopated, talk-sung material.

Skills your students will build

  • Syncopated rhythm reading and execution in funk-pop idiom
  • Groove-based phrasing and laying back behind the beat
  • Comping with minimal fills and space management
  • Harmonic awareness in contemporary jazz-funk progressions

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