Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Jake Shimabukuro @ Na Hoku O Hawaii Music Festival 2010

This is part 3 of 3. Jake is an amazing player. His skills and the speed at which he does them is inspiring. Look at how he has his whole body acting like a metronome. He clearly shows that the ukulele has a wide spectrum of musical genres that it can support.
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The ukulele is becoming deeply imbedded into pop culture. I am constantly hearing it played in commercial jingles -- I wonder what the corporate mind thinks about how the ukulele sound affects us? Have they discovered what the Hawaiian King Kamehameha felt when he heard the Portuguese mariners playing 130 years ago? Jake's hand must be an exemplication of the proverbial "Jumping Flea."
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These 4 string wonders have the advantage of being fairly easy to begin. As the amiable Israel Kamakawiwo'ole said, "Is Easy Brudda, 4 strings, 4 fingers." Is this third wave of mainland and worldwide ukulele renaissance the wave that breaks the ukulele through as a part of musical assimilation? Who knows, but this is a big wave and I am enjoying the ride. HU


Jake talks about the standard GCEA ukulele. Two octaves from C to C to C is where a childs voice seems to fit and gives the ukulele it's playfulness.


1 comment:

  1. One of the most exciting displays of musical
    prowess on any instrument ever, Jeff. Deserves
    far wider distribution throughout the ukulele world than it's receiving.

    ReplyDelete