LexGo.com

Once you got past the sheer novelty of Jake Shimabukuro's worldly musical vision for an instrument as stylistically and culturally maligned as the ukulele, you discovered some delightful contrasts. At this taping of WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, where he was the lone guest, the Hawaii native, 32, approached the instrument almost as a classical utensil, from the studied flamenco design of Let's Dance to the light-as-air compositional fabric of Piano Forte.

Jazz Times

"While his cover material allows for the instrument's possibilities to be reconsidered, where Shimabukuro makes his most positive mark is in his own compositions, where he can chart new directions. "Me & Shirley T" ("about being a kid and drinking one too many Shirley Temples") is a brisk, flamenco-like study in obliterating rhythmic walls while the closing "Blue Roses Falling," a quiet, airy meditation, is akin to a bold John Fahey epic. Like Bela Fleck on the banjo, Jake Shimabukuro is making something up as he goes along-not too many can say that anymore."
- Jeff Tamarkin

Lexington Herald Leader

"Tours with such disparate artists as Béla Fleck and Jimmy Buffett, along with appearances on Late Night With Conan O'Brien since 2005, have provided Shimabukuro with some strong allies. But it has been through incessant touring and a series of six solo studio albums that word of his ukulele music has spread."
- Walter Tunis

This article was also reprinted in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

NBC Portland, Maine Segment

Check out Jake perform on WCSH Channel 6 in Portland, Maine!

Jake sat down with anchors from this widely popular news progam and talked about his music, as well as playing a few tunes. Enjoy a full 10 minute segment! You can view the video with the link above, or just click Read More.

Portlan Press Herald

"Shimabukuro's mastery and innovation have caught the attention of renowned artists such as banjo player Bela Fleck and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Shimabukuro has performed and recorded with both.

He's also toured with Jimmy Buffett and appeared on a variety of TV talk and radio shows. A video of him performing the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" made him a YouTube sensation.

But Shimabukuro didn't become a ukulele innovator overnight."
- Stephanie Bouchard

Daily Gazzette

"He remains connected to his home, and also his cultural roots in Japan, through his work for various organizations in Hawaii. For the past three years he's been a spokesman for Hawaii Tourism Japan, and he frequents the island nation on tour. He also spends much of his free time giving demonstrations in Hawaiian schools through a program called Music is Good Medicine."
- Brian McEihiney

UkeToob Video and Interview

Check out Jake with this exclusive UkeToob interview and performance!

Click Here To Watch Now

Feature on North Country Public Radio

"The world’s best-known, and some say most talented, ukulele player will be making two stops in the region this weekend, just before heading back on the road with Jimmy Buffett. Joel Hurd has a preview."

Click Here To Listen To The Audio Clip

Democrat and Chronicle

"Shimabukuro also blew away any concern that the slight Hawaiian with the 22-inch four-string instrument could make an impact in the giant Eastman Theatre. But, no worries; every ting of his instrument reverberated beautifully through the hall. And during "Sakura Sakura," you could have heard a pin drop, let alone the sound of his masterfully played instrument."
- Jack Garner

Democrat and Chronicle

"Certainly, reaching the last row was less of a worry when he stepped onto the miniscule late-night stage at the State Street Bar and Grille at the Rochester Plaza Hotel to jam with Rochester's Bob Sneider and band last summer. Those who came to burn off a little midnight oil were treated to one of the best late-night jam sessions of recent memory."
- Anna Reguero