HSTracks V4N3
http://www.hawaiianstylemagazine.com/article/articles/116/1/HSTracks-V4N3/Page1.html
By Douglas King
Published on 08/10/2007
Jake Shimabukuro‘s latest album, Gently Weeps, demonstrates why he remains one of Hawai‘i’s premier ukulele players, avidly sought for concerts from the U.S. Mainland to Japan. (Shimabukuro was profiled in HS Vol. 4, No. 2.)
Douglas King
Jake Shimabukuro‘s latest album, Gently Weeps, demonstrates why he remains one of Hawai‘i’s premier ukulele players, avidly sought for concerts from the U.S. Mainland to Japan. (Shimabukuro was profiled in HS Vol. 4, No. 2.) Gently Weeps
Jake Shimabukuro
Hitchhike Records
www.hitchhikerecords.com
Jake Shimabukuro‘s latest album, Gently Weeps, demonstrates why he remains one of Hawai‘i’s premier ukulele players, avidly sought for concerts from the U.S. Mainland to Japan. (Shimabukuro was profiled in HS Vol. 4, No. 2.)
This album includes 17 tracks of the finest ukulele artistry, including original compositions as well as cover songs such as George Harrison’s classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Chick Corea’s “Spain.” While the songs are definitely recognizable, Shimabukuro has made unique arrangements of each with his own trademark stylizing.
Of his original work, “Let’s Dance,” and one of five bonus tracks, “Angel,” stand out as favorites. “Let’s Dance” has a Spanish flair to it, and offers a funky tempo and flair not found in any of the previous tracks. “Angel,” is a soft, almost haunting tune. One can imagine sitting under a full moon reminiscing about a lost love when listening to this plaintive melody.
On the first dozen tracks, Shimabukuro is the only musician playing a solo ukulele, and this album is truly stripped of any effects and digital trickery. The result is an absolutely pristine recording of the artist’s playing, unadulterated in any form. The five bonus tracks include some of his work for film and television, including the theme song and music from movie “Hula Girl” and from the television show “Beyond the Break.”
Gently Weeps is the type of album that you study as you listen. The complexity and artistry must be, should be, savored and enjoyed, note by note. A true work of art by a true artist.
Hitchhike Records
www.hitchhikerecords.com
Jake Shimabukuro‘s latest album, Gently Weeps, demonstrates why he remains one of Hawai‘i’s premier ukulele players, avidly sought for concerts from the U.S. Mainland to Japan. (Shimabukuro was profiled in HS Vol. 4, No. 2.)
This album includes 17 tracks of the finest ukulele artistry, including original compositions as well as cover songs such as George Harrison’s classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Chick Corea’s “Spain.” While the songs are definitely recognizable, Shimabukuro has made unique arrangements of each with his own trademark stylizing.
Of his original work, “Let’s Dance,” and one of five bonus tracks, “Angel,” stand out as favorites. “Let’s Dance” has a Spanish flair to it, and offers a funky tempo and flair not found in any of the previous tracks. “Angel,” is a soft, almost haunting tune. One can imagine sitting under a full moon reminiscing about a lost love when listening to this plaintive melody.
On the first dozen tracks, Shimabukuro is the only musician playing a solo ukulele, and this album is truly stripped of any effects and digital trickery. The result is an absolutely pristine recording of the artist’s playing, unadulterated in any form. The five bonus tracks include some of his work for film and television, including the theme song and music from movie “Hula Girl” and from the television show “Beyond the Break.”
Gently Weeps is the type of album that you study as you listen. The complexity and artistry must be, should be, savored and enjoyed, note by note. A true work of art by a true artist.