JAKE SHIMABUKURO – SINGLE REVIEW AND ALBUM PREVIEW

On November 12th, acclaimed Hawaii-born ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro is set to release his most creatively ambitious project to date entitled Jake & Friends via the Mascot Label Group. The A list of collaborating musicians is amazing. From Willie Nelson and Bette Midler to Ziggy Marley and Lukas Nelson, the amount of contributing talent is extremely profound. Even Shimabukuro is astounded by the wealth of artistic musicianship that has assembled on his new record. He says: “I have to pinch myself when I see those names on my own album. It’s like, did that really happen?“.

Jake‘s incredible journey has taken him from local phenom to YouTube sensation. From playing small clubs to headlining the world’s most prodigious concert venues like the Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center and the Sydney Opera House. Over the past two decades, Jake has proven that there isn’t a style of music that he can’t play. While versatility for any musician is impressive, what differentiates Jake is his propulsive appetite to explore all musical genres. Whether it’s jazz, rock, blues or folk, Jake takes his ukulele to new heights. He uses his unique creative flair to transcend the normal and delve into a whole new innovative universe.

Recently, Shimabukuro dropped a two song single featuring compositions off Jake & Friends. The first is a stellar Moon Taxi cover. Teaming up with the popular alt-rock Nashville band, Jake revisits the group’s 2017 hit, “Two High”.  He even coxed singer/guitarist Trevor Terndrup, who is a fellow ukulele enthusiast, to join him on the instrument. The song is a romantic rendition full of delicate textures and Caribbean flavoring. Jake’s ukulele is spacey and ethereal while remaining heartfelt. Terndrup’s vocals are emotive and masterful. The minimalistic orchestration and sublime arrangement places the listener in a mesmerizing celestial ambiance. It’s just a dazzling track.

The next tune is a collaboration with the esteemed Willie Nelson. Jake joins Willie on his Hoagy Carmichael written standard, “Stardust”. The memorable pairing creates a track that is tender and organically honest. Nelson’s voice is deeply sincere and Shimabukuro‘s ukulele is gorgeously delightful. The many moods Jake rolls out of his instrument are all thoroughly spectacular. “Stardust” is lush with an infinite depth of glorious relaxed passion.

With a mixture of pride and relief, Shimabukuro expounds once again on his new full length: “Looking back on it all now, it feels like a dream. I grew up fantasizing that one day I might be able to meet my musical heroes, and here I am on my own record playing with them. That’s remarkable beyond words“.

 

‘Jake & Friends’ by Jake Shimabukuro
1. A Place In The Sun – feat. Jack Johnson and Paula Fuga
2. Sonny Days Ahead – feat. Sonny Landreth
3. All You Need Is Love – Jake feat. Ziggy Marley
4. Why Not – feat. Kenny Loggins
5. Smokin’ Strings- feat. Billy Strings
6. Find Yourself- feat. Lukas Nelson
7. On The Road To Freedom- feat. Warren Haynes
8. Come Monday- feat. Jimmy Buffett
9. Something- feat. Vince Gill and Amy Grant
10. Two High – feat. Moon Taxi
11. A Day In The Life – feat. Jon Anderson
12. Go Now – feat. Michael McDonald
13. Wrapping Paper- feat. Ray Benson & Asleep At The Wheel
14. Stardust – feat. Willie Nelson
15. The Rose – feat. Bette Midler
16. Get Together- feat. Jesse Colin Young

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To learn more about Jake Shimabukuro, check out his website

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Stream music:  Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud

Purchase:  Bandcamp / Amazon 

 

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