Jake Shimabukuro, the ukulele virtuoso and composer from Hawaii, made an appearance through Spectacle Live before a sold-out crowd at Jane Pickens Theater on Saturday night.
His abilities know no bounds and his stylings are unparalleled for any instrument but become even more remarkable when performed on a ukulele. He dazzled the audience with two sets, the first being more acoustic and the second “more crazy”. His program began with a traditional Japanese song and then moved through a mix of material some of which he had played while a part of Jimmy Buffet’s Coral Reefer Band for 6 years.
His take on Jeff Beck’s “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” with a tone that was highly reminiscent of Beck was very powerful and moving. He infused his work with elements of every genre; jazz, rock, classical, folk, flamenco, all genres. Shimabukuro’s stage presence is very engaging and energetic and his essence is reverent as he offered appreciation for the theater, the stage lighting and all the staff, by name! He engaged fans before and after the show for selfies, autographs and simply to visit.
Shimabukuro spoke of his rise to international fame in 2006, when a video of him playing a virtuosic rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was posted on YouTube without his knowledge and became one of the first viral videos on that site.
His second set included electric bass player, Jackson Waldhoff and the material became more rock oriented with the occasional use of a looper allowing him to multiply and stack rhythm parts thus giving him the opportunity to play ripping leads on top of the foundation he had built. He has been influenced by movies and loved Bruce Lee. He imagined Eddie Van Halen playing on a Bruce Lee film and then demonstrated brilliantly. He also imagined playing Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” then carried it out encouraging the very willing audience to sing all the parts.
This brought a standing O at its conclusion and some more Queen power rock. The energy level was very high and after he did his encore, folks were wishing for more. He was open for requests and literally spun a medley on the spot of the songs he had heard folks call out. It was effortless, touching, genius and spellbinding. If we are fortunate enough to have Shimabukuro return to this area do not miss the chance to witness his greatness.
The world is a better place for the gifts he brings and the supportive message he offers for kids to pursue their passion, whatever it is, and to not use drugs.
Shimabukuro is a one of a kind!
Photo Gallery
All photos by Jack Casey / What’sUpNewp.
