Jake Shimabukuro Ukus Northampton

Road trip! Took the weekend off and saw Jake Shimabukuro tonight at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA. We saw Jake a couple of years ago with the Honolulu Symphony, but tonight was up close and personal in a relatively small club, just Jake alone with his beautiful ukulele. Jake is one of my favorite musicians, not only for his technique and style but for his presence. This is a guy who exudes a pure love for what he does and is truly a channel for universal spirit.

His playing gets better and better. He has even more technique (I see more of the Clapton-esque vibratos), his dynamics are more sophisticated, and his songwriting is maturing along with his capabilities. He has a story about every song and tells it like he were talking to a group of old friends, rather than a large crowd of strangers. He has a calm sense of comfortable joy that he shares in both his music, his on-stage banter, and in-person meeting with his fans. He is outrageously gracious, humble and appreciative of his success.

The audience at the Iron Horse was appreciative as well. Despite what appeared to be a sold-out crowd, there was absolute silence while Jake played. The only noise was the hustling of the wait staff as they made their rounds. No talking in the background, no chairs scraping on the floor or other movements. He held the audience in rapt attention through every number.

Yes, I brought my uku and Jake signed it for me. I said I wasn’t going to stoop to being a gawky fan, but I knew this would be a special night and I wanted something personal to remember it by. I had him sign it on the back, not the front. Not for others to see and wonder when I am playing it, but to help take me back to this special night and be inspired and feel the love all over again.

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