Tim Akers and the Smoking Section 'Shake It Off'

Tim Akers & The Smoking Section are a Nashville-based group of session musicians whose collective resume covers literally THOUSANDS of artists. It's members are:
Tim Akers - leader, arranger, keyboards
Mark Baldwin - guitars
Tom Hemby - guitars
John Hammond - drums
Gary Lunn - bass
Blair Masters - synths
Eric Darken - percussion
Steve Patrick - lead trumpet
Michael Barry - 2nd trumpet
Mark Douthit - alto & tenor saxophones
Doug Moffet - tenor & bari saxophones
Barry Green - trombone
Joey Richey - lead & background vocals
Kim Fleming - lead & background vocals
Kim Keyes - lead & background vocals (lead on this video)
Gene Miller - lead & background vocals
Doug Sarrett - FOH mixer, tracking engineer

(additional people involved on this tune: Scott Williamson - mix engineer, Mike Haynes - mastering engineer)

[bluestar]

Nothing fake. This is music done right.

[johnventura]

I listen 3 or 4 times every week because I never get tired of this incredible musicianship

[RachelJonesSmoothJazz]

Every pop song they touch magically turns into REAL MUSIC :)

[tomgrassia]

RIP MAESTRO. Thank you for all the music.

[buggi]

R.i.P. Tim Akers and thank you for your wonderful music!😧

[DanSpomer]

There are exactly .0001 % of humans that can pull this off. Beautiful.

[waynejrice]

This is so incredible, but I fear that it can only be fully appreciated by musicians who know how amazing the playing is. The vocal is extremely well done; Ms. Keyes does a wonderful job taking a bubble gum-type song and elevating it. But the horns and the rhythm section, My God! That bass break, as complex as it was, was right in rhythm. The intonation, the time, the solos . . . Musicianship lives!

[gzablodski]

Best horn section I've ever heard!!! Outstanding band! KIM KEYES vocal is so hot!!! She is unbelievably talented.

[guppyfisk]

So many great comments here to find. I am as you blown away about that sick, amazing formation. I will be always deeply sad about the passing of Tim Akers way to early.

[DavidRussell]

That saxophone solo was absolutely fire

[TransformationalShiftEvents]

Tim Akers & the Smoking Section. Every musician, every instrument, every voice contributing, INCLUDING Kim Keyes; now I'm going to say it, "Oh MY GOD". These highly talented musicians ~ each note, their tight rhythm, solos and timing, and yes, especially the sax player; ALL OF THESE PEOPLE epitomize the best of the "Baby Boom" generation musicians; and, our LOVE for music that has rhythm, grooves, LIFE, FUNK and SOUL! Tim Akers and all of you that comprise "The Smoking Section" ~ THANK YOU for bringing such life, energy and soul to this song. THANK YOU !

[Mystery]

I just don't see how there could be a better band. The bassist kills me!!!

[esavienola]

The best version of this song I've ever heard. Period. :-)

[jamesn.osullivan]

This track is nothing but pure audio delight! The rhythm is so...SPICY. The chords are PERFECTION. The singing is FLAWLESS. Y'all need to release a CD of covers JUST LIKE THIS.

[MikePensini]

Words can not express how awesome this is.

[justebayme]

Not one person mentioned KIM KEYES, she is the one singing the song.  Kim is so talented.

[Michigan-and-MAGA-man]

2:23 thats some monster trumpet playing

[gjones]

this arrangement goes back and forth from lush to smokin just keep grinning every time I hear it! just the bell tones on bass???? just DAYUM! and the harmony guitar solos???? DAYUM! and the brass section? just DAYUM! and the, and the, and the...

[RockDocNeal]

Whenever I've had a bad day, I watch either this or their version of Uptown Funk and instantly I've got a big smile on my face and all is right with the world! Both covers are just absolutely perfect...fantastic playing, singing and arrangement and they look like they're having fun. Thank You, Tim Akers and all you smoking session players.

[yvesdevriendt]

Impossible to shake this off … it just keeps playing in my head ALL THE TIME