I need something like make i.e. dependencies + executing shell commands where failing command stops make execution. But more deeply integrated with shell i.e. now in make each line is executed in separate context so it is not easy to set variable in one line and use it in following line (I do not want escape char at end of line because it is not readable). I want simple syntax (no XML) with control flow and functions (what is missing in make). It does not have to have support for compilation. I have to just bind together several components built using autotools, package them, trigger test and publish results.
I looked at: make, ant, maven, scons, waf, nant, rake, cons, cmake, jam and they do not fit my needs.
Given that you want control flow, functions, everything operating in the same environment and no XML, it sounds like you want to use the available shell script languages (sh/bash/ksh/zsh), or Perl (insert your own favourite scripting language here!).
I note you've not looked at a-a-p. I'm not familiar with this, other than it's a make system from the people who brought us vim. So you may want to look over that.