F.A.M.E 

"Well, first of all, despite how ultra-impressive this CD and all Jake's work is, you really have to see him in concert to fully appreciate what he does. The guy is without question the prime exponent of the ukulele, but he's brought the instrument well outside its customary parameters and into a realm never before guessed. Start with Let's Dance: Prelude / "Let's Dance for an example of both the elegant and speedster sides of him, then work your way slowly through the rest of the long disc, 'cause there's plenty to enjoy. 'Ere long, you'll understand why he's been lionized for more than a decade now."
- Mark S. Tucker

Jambands.com

"A quick perusal of Shimabukuro’s 10 releases, and you discover a depth to his material that ranges from originals to covers of Led Zeppelin, Chick Corea, Sarah McLaughlin, Cyndi Lauper, Simon & Garfunkel, Celine Dion, Franz Schubert and Joaquin Rodrigo. He recorded Across the Universe, a Beatles tribute album that comes out in Japan with plans for a North American release later this year. It’s a fitting endeavor since, thanks to YouTube, his version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” made him an international sensation. Coming out on April 14 is Live, a fitting compilation of his abilities recorded at shows in the U.S. and Japan."
- John Patrick Gatta

World Music Central

"Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has taken the venerable small Hawaiian musical instrument to new heights. Shimabukuro is one of the finest ukulele performers today. During his live concerts, he shows his dazzling virtuosity and eclectic taste. His latest recording is a brilliant collection of original pieces and well known songs by other composers that were made at various live performances throughout the world."
- ARomero

No Depression.com

"Watching Shimabukuro cast his four-stringed spell for about an hour and a half, you'd be surprised he could single out just one song that stresses his digits, because they all seem plenty physically challenging to play. And yet, he somehow makes the process look relatively effortless."
- Peter Blackstock

Star Tribune

"Here is a description you don't hear every day: Jake Shimabukuro is a spellbinding solo ukulele player.

On "Live," a concert CD to be released Monday, a day before his solo gig in St. Paul, he unleashes a frothy, sonic spray of colors and churning rhythms from his uke -- the runt of the litter of American stringed instruments."
- Britt Robson

Honolulu Star Bulletin

Hawaii's own ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has been a regular on Buffett's tours since 2005. Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band welcome Shimabukuro with open arms whenever a date in the uke master's busy schedule opens up.

"The sad thing about today's world is that there seems to be a diminishing amount of authenticity everywhere in music. Jake, on the other hand, is a great, authentic performer and an incredible musician. I'm certainly in awe of that. The first time I watched him in a small club on Oahu, I just thought he was incredible live." - Jimmy Buffett
- By Gary C.W. Chun

San Francisco Chronicle

"Anyone unfamiliar with Shimabukuro who finds his rendition of the national anthem on YouTube will be in for a shock. The tune rarely has packed such an emotional punch, and you won't believe sounds like that could possibly be made on a ukulele, a tiny four-string instrument generally associated with luaus and Tin Pan Alley shtick."
- David Rubien

The New York Times

"The dawn of this third great ukulele era can be traced to 2006, aficionados say, with the appearance of a video on YouTube by Jake Shimabukuro, a Hawaiian-born ukulele player."
- Allen Salkin

Norwich Bulletin

"With Arthur Godfrey and Tiny Tim gone, Jake Shimabukuro might just be the best ukulele player on the planet. Joking aside, he would have been the best even if both singers were still around, since they used the uke more as a prop than a proper instrument."
- Ed Symkus

The Bluegrass Special

"That's when the real Shimabukuro magic happens, because his are performances that can be enjoyed whether one is engaging with the history informing the method, the exhilarating musicianship, or the entrancing mood conjured in deeply introspective interpretations."
- David McGee