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Ukulele virtuoso

Jake Shimabukuro / Katie Haverly
The Historic Rialto Theatre
Tucson, AZ
February 20, 2014
Katie Haverly
Katie Haverly

Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro

Review and photos by Mary Andrews

Jake Shimabukuro, born in Hawaii, is a 38-year-old ukulele master who started playing the diminutive instrument at the age of four. His solo career exploded in 2006 when a fan posted a video of him playing George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" without his knowledge. That video became one of the first viral videos on that site and Jake became an international star! He presently records for Hitchhike Records.

The concert began with a song penned by Jake called "Trapt." He held the ukulele close to his heart like a newborn baby and his hands covered the instrument when he stretched them out. He extracted notes that one could never imagine could be derived from a four-string "guitar." He moved freely on the stage feeling the music and transferring that feeling and energy to the audience.

Jake greeted the energetic crowd, "Hello Tucson! So great to be back here. This is one of my favorite places to come. Thanks for packing the house tonight. We have a brand new show. We're calling it the UKE nations tour. We are excited to be back. Was anyone here last year?" The crowd roared. From there, he introduced his bass player, Rich Glass, who accompanied Jake on a few songs and then disappeared until the end of the concert.

The first half of the show consisted of Jake's own compositions while the rest of the show was dedicated to some of his famous cover songs. His interpretation of the songs was nothing short of brilliant. To say he breathed new life in these songs is an understatement. There were many "pin-drop" moments during the performance. Mr. Shimabukuro's passion, joy and "guitar" wizardry were something to behold and the audience was eating it up.

Shimabukuro prefaced many of the songs with tidbits of information about his life and his compositions. Jake spoke to the audience about the birth of his son a year and a half ago. How he is growing up so fast and he is "just loving watching him grow." He has one more stop in Scottsdale before he can spend some time with his family. "But tonight, we are in Tucson and we are here to have a good time!" He proceeded to introduce the next song as a song he wrote about his son called "Gentle Mandolin."

One of the concert highlights was "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at the end of the show. Rich Glass returned to the stage for this one and it was magic. The two musicians played with a symbiosis that is rarely achieved by artists. The result was a standing ovation by all in attendance. The reward was the final song, a rousing version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."

The concert opener was Katie Haverly, a singer-songwriter from Tucson. Katie has been recording and performing for over 15 years. She accompanied herself on guitar. Her music has a indie folk flavor. She has a powerful voice and the grace and beauty to deliver her songs. The 30-minute set left the audience wanting more.
Selist
Trapt
Me And Shirley T.
143
Uke 5-0
Boy Meets Girl
Gentle Mandolin
Sakura
Blue Roses
Piano Forte
Dragon
Hawaiian Medley
In My Life
Ave Maria
Bohemian Rap
$5 Unleaded
Third Stream
While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Encore:
Hallelujah
Katie Haverly
Katie Haverly
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro

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