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 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.
There's no ego when you're a ukulele player.
Growing up, the ukulele was always a respected instrument. It's a big part of our culture. It wasn't until I started traveling outside of Hawaii that I realized people didn't really consider the ukulele to be a real instrument.
Bill Gates recently picked up the ukulele. And Warren Buffett is a huge ukulele fan. I even got to strum a few chords with Francis Ford Coppola. It blows my mind that these people, who have everything in the world they could want, have picked up the ukulele and found a little bit of joy.
Because if everyone played the ukulele, this world would be a much happier place.
The ukulele is the instrument of peace,
You know, the ukulele itself is not a very loud instrument, all right? And, you know, compared to like a trumpet, right? A trumpet is really loud.
There's something about the ukulele that just makes you smile. It makes you let your guard down. It brings out the child in all of us.
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.