Jake Shimabukuro: Live in Japan

Jeff Tamarkin on March 30, 2016

Over the past decade and a half, the Hawaiian-born Jake Shimabukuro has forevermore changed the world’s perception of the ukulele—never again will it be considered a novelty or toy instrument. Although his virtuosity is now recognized worldwide, Shimabukuro has always been received most enthusiastically in Japan, so it makes good sense that he record his most recent live album there. The setlist is more recap than push forward, but it never gets old hearing what Shimabukuro does with Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” which closes out the show in a note-perfect, 10-minute rendition. Some of the not-so-high-profile tunes elicit as much awe, though: “Travels,” the title track from the uke god’s album released last year, is nearly orchestral in its breadth, while “Passport” incorporates fleet-fingered chord changes atop a choppy, hoppy groove. Pure delight.

Artist: Jake Shimabukuro
Album: Live in Japan
Label: Entertainment One