Jake Shimabukuro

Name: Jake Shimabukuro
Born: 3rd November, 1976 (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Profile: He is a ukulele virtuoso known for his complex finger work. His music combines elements of jazz, rock, and pop. He is also recognized as one of the world’s most exciting and innovative ukulele players and composers.

History: Jake's mother gave him his first ukulele lesson when he was 4 years old. It was a family tradition. His mother could play the instrument and it is a tradition in Hawaii. Growing up in Hawaii everyone picks up a ukulele at least once in their lives. He then grew into a deep passion to create and innovate this instrument. Experimenting with and inventing various techniques allows Jake to create sounds never thought possible on the tiny four-string, two-octave instrument. A true showman, his shows dazzle audiences with intricate strumming and plucking, electrifying high-energy grooves and deeply felt melodic ballads.

From a modest beginning performing at a local Honolulu café, Jake has gone on to play renowned and popular venues and festivals across the world. Occasional tours with Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band have broadened Jake’s experience, regularly exposing his virtuosity and charming stage presence to crowds of up to 50,000. Speaking of large audiences, Jake has also performed on national television shows such as The Late Show with Conan O'Brien, The Today Show, and Last Call With Carson Daly.

In his spare time Jake often visits schools to talk with and play music for the children of Hawaii, hopefully inspiring thousands to put their energy into learning about and playing music.

Jake is also making a name for himself as a film composer. The association with Jimmy Buffett led to his contributions to the soundtrack of the Buffett-produced film, Hoot. Shortly afterward, Jake scored the hit Japanese independent film Hula Girls. In 2009 Jake completed writing and recording the score for the Japanese version of the film Sideways.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Ukelele

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSkP3uym5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqaYmQZgrB4

"When you see a very well made instrument, you can buy a ukulele for up to $5000, and you hear one of that quality, you realize that this is no toy." - Jake Shimabukuro

"This four-stringed instrument is in theory, like other stringed instruments but your lowest tone is actually your third string and your two high strings are your first and fourth strings, that's what gives it that unique sound especially when you're playing chords." - Jake Shimabukuro

“When I played my first chord I was hooked, I fell in love with the instrument.” - Jake Shimabukuro