Posted on: Tuesday, August 24, 2004
CD REVIEW
CD reaffirms Shimabukuro's uke mastery
BY Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Jake Shimabukuro, who has elevated the 'ukulele to a centerstage solo instrument, should have a runaway hit in his new CD, "Walking Down Rainhill" (Hitchhike Records/Sony), out today.
As he's shown in live shows, he lets his fingers do the talking. His musicianship is dynamic as he brings the 'ukulele to new heights — flirting, laughing, prancing, even crying. There are no words, but you can sense the emotions.
Produced by Dr. Trey, the CD offers one aural snapshot after another of Shimabukuro's evocative style. The title song is a gentle, calming stroll; "Rainbow," with a jaunty flavor, is the new Honolulu Marathon theme song; "Heartbeat" percolates with romance; "6 in the Morning," as implied, is an early dawn "moment."
A Japanese tune, "Hikaru Kaigara," also has a soft eloquence.
"Grandma's Groove" is pure joy and abandonment, with a syncopation that projects and beckons audience response.
This could be the runaway hit of the CD; it has a snappy beat, a catchy melody and an unspoken invitation to participate — and yup, it can work for any listener, young and old alike, and suit any kind of radio programming.
Shimabukuro adds his personal touch to George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
And whoa, Shimabukuro also plays guitar on two tracks, "Equator" and a reprise of "Heartbeat."
His expressions are augmented by a network of stellar musicians: Noel Okimoto, Steve Jones, Michael Grande, Seann Carroll, Bryan Kessler, Randy Aloya, Garin Poliahu, Pierre Grill, Jimmy Funai, Corey Funai, Ryan Murakami, Daniel Pardo and even Dr. Trey. A making-of "Heartbeat" DVD is a bonus — it's always a treat when an artist can be seen and heard.
This is Shimabukuro's third showcase album, and it deftly demonstrates his dexterity with playful, soulful, romantic and reflective moods.
Listen to "Grandma's Groove" by Jake Shimabukuro. Audio sample available in mp3 format.
