While his uke gently weeps
Virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro rocks out on ukulele
By Bliss 11/19/2009
With its diminutive size and high voice, the ukulele is generally treated more like a joke than a serious musical instrument. But to virtuoso musician Jake Shimabukuro, the uke is a global goodwill ambassador. “It’s one of the very few instruments in the world where you can just mention the name and people will smile or laugh,” Shimabukuro says while recalling encounters he’s had on tour. “I really believe that music should bring joy to people; it should make people feel good. And ukulele’s definitely an instrument that does that. ”Born in 1976, the amiable Hawaii native has been playing the ukulele since he was 4. He’s released at least 10 CDs, including this year’s “Live,” which have reaped accolades for his speed, precision and style.
His steady tour schedule includes regular swings through Canada, Europe, Japan and the US, and last year he was invited to give a private show for filmmaker — and fellow uke player — Francis Ford Coppola.
“It was in Napa Valley at his winery,” Shimabukuro says. “He’s a ukulele player, believe it or not. We actually jammed a couple songs together. He’s amazing, but he’s the most down-to-earth person I’ve ever met. … Warren Buffett [is] another huge ukulele enthusiast. It’s crazy. Ukulele players are in good company. ”In concert, Shimabukuro’s own sophisticated compositions are bracketed by covers of classic rock and pop hits like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and Chick Corea’s “Spain.” He says he recently spent two weeks working out an arrangement of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” that he’ll probably play at Haugh Performing Arts Center Sunday. “I love the simplicity of it,” he says of the ukulele. “I basically have four strings and two octaves. … Because the instrument is so simple, when you’re playing more complex music you have to be very selective with what notes you choose to play or how you voice your chords. You have to make sure that everything you play counts.”
Many musicians become jaded by the rigor and intensity of touring, but Shimabukuro is grateful for the full schedule. “Ukulele players aren’t generally busy people,” he acknowledges with a laugh.
“Whenever I have free time I can’t help but pick it up and play it, I love it so much. It’s kind of addicting. I’m doing concerts a lot, but even after the concert I’ll come back to the hotel room and play. So I definitely know that I’m doing the right thing. I’m doing what I’m passionate about and I’m truly doing what I love. It’s a real blessing, and I never want to take that for granted.”
Jake Shimabukuro performs at Haugh Performing Arts Center at Citrus College, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora, at 2 p.m. Sunday; $26. For more information, call (626) 963-9411. jakeshimabukuro.com.
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