Think Eddie Van Halen, George Harrison and Jimi Hendrix.
Those are just a few of the great musicians that critics invariably mention when Jake Shimabukuro performs. But here?s the twist ? Shimabukuro plays the ukulele.
“George Harrison loved the ukulele,” said Shimabukuro, who met Harrison?s widow, Olivia, when she attended one of his concerts. “She was telling me these great stories about parties they had where George Harrison got out his uke and they all started jamming together.”
Shimabukuro?s mom exposed him to all types of music while he was growing up in Honolulu. From Hawaiian to blues to rock, Shimabukuro was fascinated, buying himself books to learn to play instruments.
Anyone who?s been to Hawaii knows that when young men or women play the ukulele in shows, they always look somewhat embarrassed, as if they were hauling out something akin to an accordion ? an instrument stereotypically associated with years gone by. Shimabukuro never had that type of aversion to the instrument and said he can?t understand why others there do.
“The ukulele is such a simple instrument; I try to really expand on the other aspects of music, like rhythm, timbre, things like that,” he said. “I use those to my advantage.”
Shimabukuro is modest about his successes and those who liken him to the great guitarists.
“I think it?s really cool for the instrument,” he said. “Even five years ago, you wouldn?t associate the ukulele with those names. People are starting to see the instrument beyond the stereotypes. I?m just thrilled to play every chance I get.”
IF YOU GO
Jake Shimabukuro
» Venue: Rams Head On Stage, 33 West Ave., Annapolis
» Time: 2 p.m. Saturday
» Tickets: $21; www.ramshead onstage.com; 410-268-4545
