Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukurois a ukulele virtuoso and composer known for his fast and complex finger work. His music combines elements of jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass, classical, folk, and flamenco. Shimabukuro has written numerous original compositions, including the entire soundtracks to two Japanese films, Hula Girlsand the Japanese remake of Sideways...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionComposer
Date of Birth3 November 1976
CityHonolulu, HI
CountryUnited States of America
I thought I'd grow up to be a teacher, or maybe run for political office.
I'm so touched. I had an awesome jam session in a classroom today.
When I played my first chord, I was hooked. I fell in love with the instrument.
They represent everybody. All the greats. Bill Cosby - one of my heroes. Now me? This is so incredible. I can't believe it! I'm so thankful.
I know a few chords on the guitar, but I wouldn't be able do a show or even be part of a jam session with one.
Blues, rock and hip hop are more about a lifestyle and culture than notes on a page.
The ukulele totally fits that whole hipster community or whatever you want to call it, but then at the same time it works great in nursing homes where senior citizens get together and play, and then as the traditional Hawaiian instrument with people doing the Hula and strumming the ukulele and singing.
Most of my ukulele heroes were traditional players from Hawaii, like Eddie Kamae and Ohta-san. There may not be uke stars in popular culture, but there are certainly pop stars that play uke - George Harrison, Eddie Vedder, Taylor Swift, Train, and Paul McCartney.
You know, Leonard Cohen is amazing, just a mastermind, and really one of the great geniuses of our time.
When you go into the studio or get up on the stage with people who have more experience or knowledge, you learn.
If I could do something with Paul McCartney it would be just amazing. Or Eric Clapton.
You know, I think music is very interactive. It's a - it's a language.
I always feel a little funny being in front of a lot of people trying to show them my approach to the ukulele, but I do enjoy it. I do get a little more nervous doing workshops rather than performing.
The ukulele has always appealed to the older generation.