Jake Shimabukuro – Ukulele Virtuoso
Jake Shimabukuro never thinks of himself as a ukulele virtuoso, but I beg to differ – along with many other individuals. Playing since the age of four, Jake plays the ukulele with great finesse and innovation. He plays jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock. He treats the ukulele as an eclectic instrument, giving a whole new meaning to stepping outside the box.
Since his debut in 2006, his virtuosity has led to many great achievements, collaborations, and performances with his best selling, “Gently Weeps,” album. The Hawaiian native started performing at a local Honolulu café, and continued to perform at venues worldwide. He has occasionally toured with Jimmy Buffet & The Coral Reefer Band, and with Bela Fleck & The Fleckstones. Jake has performed on a variety of television and radio shows, including NBC’s “The Late Show with Conan O’Brien,” and “The Today Show”. He has also been featured on NPR?s “Morning Edition and World Café,” Public Radio International’s “The World,” and Sirius/XM’s “The Bob Edwards.” Currently, the ukulele player/composer is expanding his talent as a film composer, and has started to find much success in that.
Passionate about music, Jake promotes that passion in many ways. He is a spokesman for the “Music is Good Medicine” organization based in Hawaii, and he travels to different schools to talk and play music for students.
Last year, Jake released his latest album, “Live,” in April 2009, which includes 12 original tracks of his own.
Asiance had a chance to interview Jake during his busy schedule.
I really enjoy touring, but being home in Hawaii for a few weeks out of the year is always pretty special.
ASIANCE: What is it about playing the ukulele that got you interested in playing the instrument until this day?
Jake: My mom started teaching me basic chords and techniques on the ukulele when I was four years old. I immediately fell in love with the sound of the instrument. The fact that the ukulele was very small made it easy to carry around. I could take it with me to the beach, park, a friend’s house, school, and family parties.
ASIANCE: Is playing the ukulele any harder or easier, in comparison with playing other instruments?
Jake: The ukulele is probably the easiest instrument to learn. With only four strings and a two-octave range, a person could learn to play it in about fifteen minutes.
ASIANCE: You’ve been deemed a ukulele virtuoso. When you hear that title, what comes to your mind? How do you feel about being a ukulele virtuoso?
Jake: I don’t think of myself as a virtuoso at all. I’m just a big fan of the instrument and I want more people to experience the peace and joy that the ukulele can bring.
ASIANCE: Your music is described as combining jazz, rock and pop. How else would you describe your music?
Jake: I always aim to play music that’s positive, healing and fun. Whether it’s a thundering bluegrass piece or a quiet ballad, I believe music should lift people’s spirits.
ASIANCE: You just released your new album, “Live.” Can you talk a little more about the album?
Jake: The “Live” album was an attempt to capture the interaction between the music and the audience. I believe the audience plays such an important role in creating the music – so capturing their energy on the recording makes the performance of each song complete.
ASIANCE: I know in Hawaii, you travel to different schools to talk with the school children and play music for them. How important is it that the youth of today have music in their lives?
Jake: I think it’s important for everyone to have music in their lives because it connects us to something greater than ourselves. Children love music and express that love freely. I think adults need music to remind us that we were once young and sometimes it’s not so bad to still think and act a little immature.
ASIANCE: You are also a film composer. Why were you interested in writing music for films?
Jake: I love writing music for film because it comes from a different place. Whenever I’m writing music for myself, I’m expressing my own experiences and emotions. When writing for a movie, you have to use your acting skills and try to get into the head or character of something totally different. It’s very challenging but I do enjoy it very much.
ASIANCE: What are some projects you’re working on right now? I hear that you’re currently on tour. How is that going?
Jake: Right now, I’m working on a new studio album. The recording consists mainly of original compositions, but I included a couple of my favorite covers – one being Bohemian Rhapsody. I’m currently touring through Europe and will be heading to Japan after this. I really enjoy touring, but being home in Hawaii for a few weeks out of the year is always pretty special.
ASIANCE: For people who are interested in playing the ukulele, what are some interesting tidbits of information that you would like to tell them before trying to learn playing it?
Jake: The most important thing is having fun! Play songs that you know and love and find other ukulele players to play with.
For more information about Jake Shimabukuro, please visit www.jakeshimabukuro.com.
He is truly a gifted muscian/performer.