Hawaiian Concert Calendar
http://my.calendars.net/dcfanaddicts
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To view Jake’s current tour schedule, click here! Please login to the JKlub now to purchase your tickets! If you are not a member of JKlub, You can Join Now

JAKE SHIMABUKURO TO PERFORM WITH BETTE MIDLER IN THE PRESENCE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele virtuoso  from Hawaii, will perform his arrangement of the Beatles’ tune “In My Life” with Bette Midler for The Royal Variety Performance 2009 in Blackpool, England.   The Performance is presented annually in aid of the Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund (the EABF), whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen.  Acts lined up to appear include: Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg, Canadian singer and Grammy Award winner Michael Buble, teen superstar Miley Cyrus, and many more.   Midler, a multi-award winning performer also from Hawaii, has followed her fellow islander’s career and loves Jake’s arrangement of “In My Life,” a Beatles cover that appeared on Jake’s 2008 release, My Life.    “I was shocked to hear that Bette Midler knew my music.  I’ve been a huge fan of hers for many years,” said Jake.  “She’s like a queen of entertainment.  And to be performing with her for the Queen of England… it’s a bit too much for me.  I’m just so honored.”   The performance will be Jake’s first time to England and second time to Europe after touring earlier this year in Stockholm, Sweden, Pori, Finland, Nice & Paris, France, and San Sebastian,Spain.    Blackpool’s legendary Opera House is the largest theatre in the UK outside of London with a seating capacity of 3000.  The star-studded spectacle will take place on Monday, December 7 and be screened on ITV1, in the UK, later that month.  It will be produced by ITV Studios, the makers of the 2007 Royal Variety Performance, which attracted an impressive 9 million viewers.     The money raised from this event will help to maintain Brinsworth House in Twickenham, Middlesex – the entertainers’ retirement and nursing home which is run by the EABF.  For more information on Jake Shimabukuro visit www.jakeshimabukuro.com For more information on the event visit www.eabf.org.uk/royal-variety-performance/   Music Is Good Medicine Newsletter Music Is Good Medicine (MIGM) has just released their first e-newsletter entitled "Chameleon Quarterly". This newsletter was released as an interactive and visually rich PDF. The newsletter features past MIGM summaries ranging from Hawaii to Japan. It's a great excuse to slow down the busy day, relax, and enjoy the musical medicine Jake is involved in. - Please Download The PDF File Here - Official Site: www.musicisgoodmedicine.org Across The Universe Import It has been a long awaited arrival for this Japanese Import. Awhile back Jake released an all Beatles cover album, only in Japan. This album is filled with thirteen of Jake's favorite Beatles songs...all played on the ukulele. Including two very special collaborations with Cyndi Lauper and Yo-Yo Ma this album is sure to be one for the ages. - Available Here - My Life Import Also recently in stock is the full length import album "My Life". The mini six-song EP version was released in the U.S. However, the Japan release contains a full twenty tracks. Including the rare and emotional piece Ehime maru, which Jake wrote in memory of the tragic collision on February 9, 2001. - Available Here - These titles and more are available in Jake's online store and at very competitive prices. We hope you can enjoy the full scope of Jake's studio recordings from Japan and the U.S.! - Visit The Store Here - Annon Album Release Jake recently released a two-track mini album entitled "Annon". This album was released to mark the celebration of Shin Buddhism Founder Shinran Shonin's 750th Memorial. Jake wrote the title track, Annon, specifically for this album. Also included is the track "Ichigoichie" which was previously not released in the U.S. - Available Here - Other Japan Import Albums We also recently stocked more of the Japanese Import Albums. Jake's Japan album releases are very different from his U.S. releases and often contain tracks that have never been released in the U.S. They are a hot item and we are selling them at much cheaper prices than other online retailers. Experience Jake's recordings from Japan...they are unique! Sunday Morning Skyline Gently Weeps Ichigoichie Peace, Love & Ukulele YEAH. 2009-2010 Tour Updates - View Tour Page Here Jake is set to return from the 2009 Music Is Good Medicine Japan Tour! He will be finishing the year with a string of Mainland shows from the East to West coast. In the month of December, Jake has lined up many local Hawaii shows. Many of these local shows are free and help support a good cause. We hope you can enjoy Jake's music as we close out another fun and musical year! 12.09.2009 - Toys For Tots Concert - Honolulu, HI 12.11.2009 - Honolulu Marathon Luau Waikiki Shell - Honolulu, HI 12.13.2009 - Honolulu Marathon Finishing Line - Honolulu, HI 12.14.2009 - Jimmy Buffett's At The Beachcomber - Waikiki, HI 01.15.2010 - Orpheum Theatre - Phoenix, AZ 01.17.2010 - The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2010 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL 03.24.2010 - Edmonds Center for the Arts - Edmonds, WA 03.13.2010 - Admiral Theatre - Bremerton, WA 03.27.1010 - Maui Arts & Cultural Center - Kahalui, Maui, HI 05.21.2010 - E.J. Thomas Hall - Akron, OH

Show '07 Review from The Bremerton Sun Newspaper

Hitchhike Records announces the release of not one, but two, new CDs by Jake Shimabukuro. His soundtrack music for the hit Japanese indie film "Hula Girls"; and a six-song EP, MY LIFE, which continues his popular release sectrum from, award winning CD GENTLY WEEPS.
Jake Shimabukuro

Jake Shimabukuro wins Hoku Award for Instrumental album: "Gently Weeps,"  (Hitchhike)

Bruce Shimabukuro accepts on Jakes behalf.

 

Jake Shimabukuro, Hawai'i's 'ukulele virtuoso,  performed on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on Feb. 19. 08

It will be his second visit to the show, but the first time he will perform solo.

 

Jake Shimabukuro on TV'S Last Call with Carson Daly
February 15, 2007 http://www.nbc.com/Last_Call_with_Carson_Daly/
 

Jake appeared on NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly on February 15, 07 as a special musical guest performing with the show's band.

This was Jake's second national TV appearance on NBC.

In December 2005, Jake appeared on the Late Show with Conan O'Brien.

About Carson Daly and "Last Call"
 Former host and executive producer of MTV's "Total Request Live" (TRL), Carson Daly transformed an afternoon music video program into a must-stop on the publicity circuit for musicians, movie stars and entertainers alike.

Since day one, "Last Call" has been the show that gives many of the hottest bands their first break on network television or on U.S. television.
While the show boasts diverse bookings in the worlds of entertainment, politics and sports, it is the progressive music bookings that have earned Daly his bragging rights amongst the late-night crowd.
 

     National Anthem performance on Jimmy Buffett's NEW DVD Live at Wrigley Field
http://www.jakeshimabukuro.com/wmv/wrigley.wmv

Gently Weeps is the solo ukulele CD that Jake's fans have been asking for, reflecting the repertoire of the live shows that have been perking ears and dropping jaws worldwide. Recorded in Nashville, Gently Weeps was produced by Mac McAnally, lead guitarist from Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer band.

"Recently, I've been touring a lot as a solo artist," says Jake, "and it was suggested to me that I record an album to directly reflect my live 'bandless' set. The songs I chose for this project are tunes I frequently perform at my shows. There are a couple of new ones, but these are mainly songs that I've been playing for a while."

Most notably is Jake's cover of Beatle George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Last year, a video clip of Jake playing this song in Central Park started circulating the internet and emails of support and amazement came in from places as far away as France, England, Germany, Sweden, Australia (where Jake will be performing in October) and Korea. The 12 solo tracks include fan favorites "Ave Maria," "Blue Roses Falling," "Spain," "Let's Dance" and "Misty."

In addition, there are five non-solo bonus tracks that allowed Jake to compose and arrange for some new kinds of projects. "I was recently hired to score the music for a Japanese movie titled, 'Hula Girl,' that was released in Japan earlier this summer," says Jake, "and the track 'Beyond The Break' is a surf tune I wrote that is currently being used for a television series" ('Beyond The Break,' by THE N television network) and was also selected as the 2006 Honolulu Marathon theme song."

A first for Jake, maybe the most surprising inclusion on the album is the vocal version of "Wish On My Star." Delightfully melancholy lyrics intertwine beautifully with Jake's gentle uke play. But no, that beautiful voice isn't Jake; it belongs to Hawaiian-born singer Jennifer Perri, who you may remember was the adorable young winner of Oceanic Cable's Kiddieoke-Plus Contest back in 1997.

"This project is something I began daydreaming about the first time I heard Jake play," says McAnally who first brought Jake's music to Buffett's attention.

"Our goal with this CD is to introduce Jake to people who have yet to see him," says McAnally. "In a live show there is the advantage of visual image and the energy of an audience. Jake is a very kinetic player live, so in the studio we wanted to free him from the normal studio setup which is being locked down within inches of a microphone. Instead we used a "vortex" of 11 high quality microphones to create a space in which he could move around if he wanted. We used a pair just above the ears for the sound he hears as he plays and a pair about four feet in front for the listener perspective. We placed a couple mics overhead and then just walked around placing a few of our favorite old ones in good sounding spots in the room."
Track Listing

In the Hands of a Master, the Ukulele Is No Toy

 

Enlarge

Growing up, Jake Shimabukuro played traditional Hawaiian tunes with his mother. His repertoire has grown since then.

Shimabukuro plays snippets to demonstrate different musical styles:

• Traditional Hawaiian ukulele

• Strumming

• Flamenco

Jake is a multi award-winning artist, who began his recording career with Jon Yamasato & Lopaka Colon; son of musician Augie Colon (Lopaka now plays percussion and bird calls for Henry Kapono), as their original group "Pure Heart".  In 1999 winning Most Promising Artist, Best Island Contemporary Album and Album of the Year as voted by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists; and Entertainer of the Year, as voted by the public.

Mahalo Matt for the update.

 

2006 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

Congratulations Jake!!!
2006 Na Hoku Hanohano Favorite Entertainer of the Year Award Winner

The 'Favorite Entertainer' award is determined by popular vote - the people's choice.
Thank you all so much for supporting Jake!

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006 Hokus    Hey!!  Well, I'm still on cloud 9 after that wonderful evening of Hawaiian music, ONO food, and heart-felt speeches.  This year's Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Ceremony was a special one for me.  It was the first time that I was nominated for an album that I produced myself.      That night, our team accepted the award for "Favorite Entertainer of The Year!"  We were all so excited, and I almost didn't make it to the stage in time.  I was so confused, I ran out with my ukulele thinking that it was time for me to perform.  It took me a few seconds to realize that everyone was applauding because I had won the award.  I get so nervous at these functions that my brain turns to mush!!  Ha!!      After my acceptance speech, I headed back stage to set-up for my performance.  I played an unplugged version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."  It was very difficult to relax and play when all of my heros were sitting out in the audience.      Overall, it was an unforgettable night!  I saw a lot of friends that I haven't seen for years and witnessed some magical performances by some of Hawaii's finest artists.      Thank you so much for all of your support.  Keep listening to the music of Hawaii.  Take care and I hope to see you around. Aloha, Jake Shimabukuro

 

click on              

Video clip of Jake  Shimabukuro  playing George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" in Central Park, NYC?
"Twenty-five-year-old Honolulu resident Jake Shimabukuro is a 'ukulele virtuoso--the Angus Young or Jimi Hendrix of the tiny four-stringed instrument. Onstage, he can't stand still; he runs all over the place, leaping off monitors and commanding amazing sounds with his nimble fingers." One who blends the sweetness of traditional Hawaiian music with the bomb-blast and showmanship of arena rock.

Jake Shimabukuro featured on Conan O'Brien Dec. 14th
Jake performed Tuesday.(December 13, 2005 12:35 AM EST)
NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien featured Jake all the way from Hawaii, to play his fiery ukulele live in his first nationally televised performance!

            http://starbulletin.com/2005/11/18/features/story01.html
            Conan_O'Brien
            Jake Shimabukuro
            http://www.imdiversity.com/villages/asian/arts_culture_media/pc_jake_shimabukuro_0705.asp

JAKE’S DISCOGRAPHY:

Pure Heart: "Pure Heart" (1998)
"Pure Heart 2" (1999)
"Pure Heart 2.5 Christmas" (1999)
 

 Solo

Yeah, Jake Shimabukuro

Sunday Morning (2002)
Crosscurrent (2003)
Walking Down Rainhill (2004)
Dragon (2005)
Gently Weeps (2006)

Hula Girls (2007)

 MY LIFE (20070

An instructional DVD called "Play It Loud"

HULA GIRLS   Read from Seattle Film Festival    1. On the Road   2. Walking Down Rainhill   3. The Dance   4. Touch   5. Hawaiian Eyes   6. Opening Day   7. Hula Girl   8. Heartbeat   9. Heartbeat - Reprise   10. Touch   11. Hula Girl -Acoustic Version   12. Local Boys   13. Walking Down Rainhill -alternate   14. Wish On My Star   1. Graduation   1. Hula Girl                                                                                                           Jennifer Perri, Miho Teruya (vocals)

MY LIFE

1.		Time After Time
2.		Going to California
3.		In My Life
4.		Somewhere Over the Rainbow
5.		Here, There and Everywhere
6.		Ice Cream

Jake gained internet popularity from a video of him playing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by the Beatles in Central Park. He played with the band on the Last Call with Carson Daly TV program on February 15, 2007 (reaired April 24, 2007)

                                                                              Gently Weeps

DRAGON LISTEN

Shimabukuro  releases  Dragon. The self-produced album features Shimabukuro's "Dream Team" rhythm section of Royal Hawaiian Band drummer and Hoku Jazz Album of the Year award winner Noel Okimoto and in-demand bassist Dean Taba (David Benoit, et al).
"We're all very excited about this project," Said Shimabukuro. "Producing my own album has been such a challenging but very rewarding experience. Dragon is really an honest and sincere portrait of me trying to grow as an artist and a person as well. Now when I listen to it, I remember all the hard work, frustrating and fun times. It's like an audio photo album that always makes me smile."
Onstage, Jake performs similar antics—running across the stage, jumping off monitors, using delays, sweeping runs, pedal effects, playing to the crowd—except his weapon of choice is the ukulele, the sedate cousin of the more feral guitar. “Dragon” is the number-one spot in Japan’s otherwise pop culture obsessed society, and also in Margaritaville alongside Jimmy Buffett. Together, they have created tropical paradise islets in cold East Coast states playing alongside each other.

This time, he went old-school by recording to analogue two-inch tape, meaning that the music was played live to tape, without the option of editing it later. He had to practice harder, and has accepted these performances as “snapshots in time.”

His trademark flourishes are evident throughout, including his dual-handed picking technique and lightning-quick strumming. (Shimabukuro advises other players to change their uke strings every two months, but I doubt there is anyone who wears out strings as quickly as he.) The compositions are all originals, though one is based on a classical guitar concerto, and he has a wide range of instrumentation throughout, including flute and organ, drumming by jazz player Noel Okimoto, and some stunningly beautiful string arrangements by Honolulu Pops conductor Matt Catingub.

The self-produced album features Shimabukuro's "Dream Team" rhythm section of Royal Hawaiian Band drummer and Hoku Jazz Album of the Year award winner Noel Okimoto and in-demand bassist Dean Taba (David Benoit, et al).
"We're all very excited about this project," Said Shimabukuro. "Producing my own album has been such a challenging but very rewarding experience. Dragon is really an honest and sincere portrait of me trying to grow as an artist and a person as well. Now when I listen to it, I remember all the hard work, frustrating and fun times. It's like an audio photo album that always makes me smile."
Onstage, Jake performs similar antics—running across the stage, jumping off monitors, using delays, sweeping runs, pedal effects, playing to the crowd—except his weapon of choice is the ukulele, the sedate cousin of the more feral guitar.

 Jake performed in Hawaiian Margaritaville alongside Jimmy Buffett at The Shell. Together, they have created tropical paradise islets in cold East Coast states playing alongside each other.
www.jakeshimabukuro.com/

Mahalo to Matt Bedard @ HITCHHIKE RECORDS
PR & Marketing Coordinator  JAKE FAN CLUB Details at www.jakeshimabukuro.com 

 Shows for Jake Shimabukuro 

Our New Concert Calendar listing most of the popular Live Concerts on and off island. 

09 - 10 Tour Information
(please click links for more details.)

 Snehasish Mozumder & Som
Jake Shimabukuro
and The Derek Trucks Band

Thursday, August 13, 2009 6:00 PM
Damrosch Park Bandshell

Lincoln Center New York City Out of Doors
http://www.lincolncenter.org/show_events_list.asp?eventcode=-67082

08.13.2009

Lincoln Center

New York ,NY USA


08.19.2009

Iwaki Performing Arts Center

,Fukushima Japan


08.22.2009

Ebisu Garden Hall

,Tokyo JAPAN


08.23.2009

Ebisu Garden Hall

,Tokyo JAPAN



Show Event Details
08.30.2009

Osaka NHK Hall

,Osaka Japan



Show Event Details
09.09.2009

Niigata City Music and Culture Hall

,Niigata Japan



Show Event Details
09.10.2009

Kosugi Bunka Hall

,Toyama



Show Event Details
09.11.2009

Cyukyo Daigaku
Bunka Shimin Kaikan

,Aichi Japan

09.13.2009

Torigin Bunka Kaikan

,Tottori Japan


09.14.2009

Act City Hamahatsu

,Shizuoka JAPAN


09.16.2009

Matsuyama Shimin Kaikan

,Ehime Japan


09.17.2009

Kochi Kenmin Hall

,Kochi Japan


09.18.2009

Hiroshima Aster Plaza

,Hiroshima Japan


09.19.2009

Bunkamura Orchard Hall

,Tokyo Japan


09.27.2009

Zepp SENDAI

,Miyagi Japan


09.29.2009

Iwate Kyoiku Kaikan

,Iwate Japan


09.30.2009

Aomori Shimin Hall

,Aomori Japan


10.01.2009

Saitama Geijyutsu Gekijyo

,Saitama Japan


10.02.2009

Kamakura Geijyutsukan

,Kanagawa Japan


10.03.2009

Biwako Hall

,Shiga Japan


10.06.2009

Zepp Fukuoka

,Fukuoka Japan


10.07.2009

Miyazakishi Plaza

,Miyazaki Japan


10.08.2009

Miyakono-Jyo-Shi Sougou Cultural Center

,Miyazaki Japan


10.10.2009

Kumamoto Kenritsu Gekijyo

,Kumamoto Japan


10.12.2009

Nagasaki NCC & Studio

,Nagasaki Japan


10.14.2009

ZEPP SAPPORO

,Hokkaido JAPAN


10.17.2009

Sinkobe Oriental Theater

,Hyogo Japan


10.21.2009

San Francisco Jazz Festival
Davies Symphony Hall


San Francisco ,CA USA

11.07.2009

Kahilu Theatre

Kamuela,HI USA


11.07.2009

Kahilu Theatre

Kamuela,HI USA


11.12.2009

The Ark

Ann Arbor,MI USA

11.13.2009

Manchester's Craftman's Guild

Pittsburgh,PA USA


11.14.2009

Amway Arena With
Jimmy Buffett


Orlando,FL USA


11.15.2009

Tupelo Music Hall

Londonderry ,NH USA


11.17.2009

John Paul Jones Arena
With Jimmy Buffett


Charlottesville,VA USA


11.19.2009

Anthology

San Diego ,CA USA



11.20.2009

Grace Theater

Oceanside,CA USA


11.21.2009

Victoria Gardens

Rancho Cucamonga ,CA USA


11.22.2009

Citrus College - Haugh PAC

Glendora,CA USA



12.14.2009

Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber

Honolulu,HI USA
FREE

01.15.2010

Orpheum Theatre

Phoenix,AZ USA


01.17.2010

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2010

, USA



Edmonds Center for the Arts

Edmonds,WA USA
Date: 3.12.2009 7:30PM Event Information: Venue: Edmonds Center for the Arts
410 4th Ave. N
Edmonds, WA
USA
Phon
URL:
Venue Information: Cap:665 Door Time: Opening Act: Price: $25.00-$30.00 FanClub Presale Dates: Public Tickets: Venue
Website Map:
View Larger Map



Admiral Theatre

Bremerton ,WA USA
Date: 3.13.2009 8:00PM Event Information: Venue: Admiral Theatre
515 Pacific Avenue
Bremerton , WA 98337
USA
Phone
URL: http://www.admiraltheatre.org
Venue Information: Door Time: Opening Act: Price: $18.00-$30.00 FanClub Presale Dates: Public Tickets: Venue
Website Map:
View Larger Map

For Full Tour Listing Click Here

visit www.jakeshimabukuro.com  for more concert info

"Incognito"  Bruce Shimabukuro & the BS Band 
(Uketree)
Bruce Shimabukuro has largely been known until now as "Jake's brother," but with his debut album he steps forward as a composer and ukulele virtuoso in his own right.

Gary Akiona (guitar) and Jody Kamisato (bass) are the core members of his band. Track-by-track performance credits aren't provided, but several other musicians participated, including Jake, on guitar! The ukulele tracks are all Bruce, however, and he is clearly a front-runner for "Best New Artist" at the 2007 Hoku Awards.

The immediate impression is that Bruce, like Jake and Canadian virtuoso James Hill, is more interested in rock than pop or other traditional material. Several of his originals are delicate demonstrations of his skill as a technician. Others are more about shredding it rock 'n' roll style. There's no harm in yet another uke player's renditions of "Wipeout" and "Miserlou," but here's hoping he digs a little deeper in his next search for vintage rock instrumentals.

There's nothing here that's not worth hearing, but the most interesting cut is the finale. Shimabukuro shares some unscripted comments about his music and sings a final original, "Bits and Pieces." Yes, he can sing, too!

 "Cognito Town"
 "Pipeline"
 "Bits and Pieces"

BOTH BROTHERS got an early start on the instrument. Jake was 4. Bruce says he was "around 6."

Competition? Sibling rivalry? That's not how it is with Jake and Bruce Shimabukuro. Five years apart in age -- Jake's 26, Bruce 21 -- they share an intense love for the ukulele and consider themselves "best friends" as well as brothers."People that didn't know me at all would ask me to play something, but I guess I never got frustrated about it because I do play. If I didn't play the ukulele, I guess it could get frustrating, but my whole life, too, revolves around the ukulele in a different way (and) because of Jake I do have a lot of opportunities."

The opportunities Bruce enjoys mostly involve teaching.
"People ask us what it's like (to have a brother who also plays professionally), but with our relationship the music doesn't matter. He's my best friend, and although we hardly go to each other's gigs, we go when we can and we try to support each other," Jake said.

Bruce agrees.

"I guess people think we're competing against each other -- a rivalry thing -- but for me, when I play music, it's a job, and when you're out there you try to make it as fun as possible for yourself and the audience. Everybody wants to make work fun," Bruce said, adding that he doesn't move around the stage the way Jake does.
JAKE'S RISE TO international fame as been well documented since he first surfaced as part of the dynamic trio Pure Heart in 1999, then formed Colón with Lopaka Colón after Pure Heart split in 2000, and finally introduced himself as a solo recording artist with his Hoku Award-winning solo album, "Sunday Morning," in 2002.
Bruce has gone pretty much unnoticed by the general public until recently -- although Jake notes that his brother also contributed to the Pure Heart albums; his name is there in the liner notes -- but that's changing. "He's developing so fast as a performer that it's scary -- I tell myself I'd better keep practicing or he's going to surpass me!"

And that's not bad at all for a guy who some people may still think of as "Jake's brother."

Bruce Shimabukuro debut solid;
By Wayne Harada  March 8
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Another Shimabukuro — that's Bruce, Jake's brother — strums out his own identity in his 'ukulele solo debut.
"INCOGNITO" BY BRUCE SHIMABUKURO AND THE BS BAND; 'UKULELE RECORDS
Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals (with one vocal by guitarist Eric Lee, another by Shimabukuro)

Distinguishing notes: Not hiding in his brother Jake's shadow, nor riding his coattails, Bruce Shimabukuro's solo CD launch is as exciting and precise as Jake's (who guests on guitar). Strumming skills clearly run in the family; the mix of material includes new and adopted tunes, with frenetic fingerwork as well as subtle, understated plucking. The variety in style and texture could help develop Shimabukuro's reputation. "Goodbye Again" is sweetly romantic, "Pipeline" is a guitar -and-bass update of the surf-themed classic, and Lee's vocal "Walk Me to the Stars" has a country-folksy troubadour's posture. A composer who yearns to sing, he walks the plank somewhat on a "bonus" vocal, "Bits and Pieces," prompting a query: Could this be a preview of a future vocals-and-uke CD? Note, too, that his is the first track to sign off with "kanpai" (a derivative of "banzai").

The outlook: Since Bruce used to teach with Jake when Jake ran an 'ukulele studio, there's already some appeal to his brand of ukemanship.
Our take: There's room for another Shimabukuro on the air and in your CD collection.

 Mahalo To Jake for his outstanding contribution to Hawaiian Music

Special Appreciation to Matt for sending updates

CD's are only featured to introduce fans to the music, not to show favoritism

slideshow photos by Lea Cook

Site Contrived Jan. '01 Launched Apr. '02