Can the Ukulele Be Hip? You Bet, when Jake Shimabukuro is at the Strings

Just over 3 years ago Jake Shimabukuro was video taped while playing the ukulele at Strawberry Fields in New York's Central Park. The unassuming 'performance' was posted on the internet and with lightening speed Jake Shimabukuro's position as one of the most respected modern musical talents was secured.

His ukulele rendition of the classic George Harrison song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is an introduction to what the ukulele CAN sound like - in the inspired hands of Jake Shimabukuro. Having no idea who posted the YouTube clip, Shimabukuro acknowledges that this one song did more for his musical career than any of his prior musical accomplishments.

As amazing as the video clip is, seeing him live can only be described as... I am drawing a blank. There is no single word to describe it. I am sincerely stumped. Do yourself a favor and listen to the YouTube clip provided at the end of this review. Then you can fill in the blank with your own flowery adjective. In the meantime, I'll try to review this outstanding ukulele-playing musical phenomenon.

As it Turns Out, the Ukulele is Hip, Very Hip

Saturday night, Jake Shimabukuro made his Spoleto Festival debut at the College of Charleston's Cistern in Charleston, South Carolina. When he came on stage, the 32 year old looked younger than his years. His casual and unassuming manner was in sharp contrast with his complete mastery of the ukulele. More than 2000 people were held captive by his mesmerizing style. The audience was completely silent as he played. No fidgeting sounds or muffled coughs whatsoever. In fact, the only sound, other than the indescribable ukulele music, was the occasional sound of appreciation that bubbles up from deep within a person, almost without consciousness. Yes, there were times when audience members were actually groaning with appreciation and utter amazement. It was a collective celebration of human achievement.

Hawaiian born Jake Shimabukuro began playing the ukulele at the age of four and has been making incredible music on this 'novelty' instrument ever since. His fans have nicknamed him 'the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele' and, as I sat there listening to the sounds coming from that tiny string instrument, it was easy to understand why. This guy is a hard core rocker - on the uke.

During the Spoleto Festival concert, Jake Shimabukuro kicked things off with a Flemenco-styled number and then moved into an original song entitled 'Dragon' which was inspired by Eddie Van Halen and Bruce Lee. Interestingly, Shimabukuro considers Bruce Lee a major artistic influence on his music.

The best way to communicate the experience of witnessing Shimabukuro's live ukulele playing is to share a quote from his website: "One of my biggest heroes and influences was Bruce Lee, his philosophy and the way he approached his martial arts. I applied a lot of his philosophy and concepts and ideas towards playing the ukulele."

He goes on to say: "Even though I play the ukulele, it's not just about my fingers and my hands and my arms; it's about getting up on the balls of my feet and feeling that energy from my feet coming up through my hips and my back, all of those things. I do realize that you use your entire body to create sound."

To experience Shimabukuro play the ukulele is to understand exactly what he means in this quote. He does use his entire body to create sound. One young guy and a ukulele filled the entire College of Charleston's Cistern with palpable energy. The vibe was absolutely electric.

Shimabukuro peppered the evening with a few anecdotes about his musical awakening and how he enjoyed exploring every possibility the ukulele has to offer. His Saturday night performance covered a variety of sounds, from Bach (in D-minor) to Led Zeppelin to a lively rendition of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Noted for his rapid finger work, Shimabukuro artistically demonstrated the serious side of ukulele music to new fans at the Spoleto Festival.

This innovative and positive young musical talent is gifted in many ways. On his website he is quoted as saying: "It's an honor and responsibility to share the music you hear in your heart with anyone who wants to listen." Shimabukuro goes on to say: "Music is the language of the future. Music communicates pure emotion. Music is good medicine."

In his engaging and affable way, Shimabukuro shared the music in his heart with a grateful Charleston, South Carolina audience. He provided a brief introduction before launching into each tune. The range of music he played was quite diverse, combining elements of rock, pop, jazz, classical, blues and even Japanese koto music into the performance. Because of the varied musical styles, Shimabukuro performs each song as a mini-show unto itself. This arrangement works well as he charmingly interacts with the audience between songs. He clearly enjoys performing for and interacting with the audience.

Shimabukuro says the energy from the audience fuels his creativity. I say his creativity fuels the audiences' energy. Either way, the end result is pure joy.

Listen to Jake Shimabukuro and you'll see what the buzz is all about.

For more information on Charleston, South Carolina's Spoleto Festival, click here.

Sources:
Joyful personal experience
The Jake Shimabukuro website: www.jakeshimabukuro.com