Posted on: Sunday, October 2, 2005
ISLAND SOUNDS
Enter the 'Dragon,' with Jake Shimabukuro shaking it up
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Jake Shimabukuro shows off his masterful touch — sometimes subdued, sometime frenetic — in "Dragon," his latest 'ukulele instrumental CD. Without words, he tells stories and paints pictures with passionate artistry.
Another instrumentalist, ki-ho'alu wizard Sonny Lim, demonstrates his award-winning style — clean, pure and uncluttered — in his first solo album.
And let's play catch-up and go, go, go for Go Jimmy Go, one that fell through the cracks.
"DRAGON" BY JAKE SHIMABUKURO; HITCHHIKE RECORDS
Genre: 'Ukulele instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: Jake Shimabukuro is taking the 'ukulele to heights it never enjoyed before: up, up and away. This latest endeavor (being released Tuesday here, after a long delay) captures the passion and the fury that are Shimabukuro — a consummate artist who mixes jazz, pop, rock, Latin and soul into a hybrid that could be termed Jake Jive, a soaring and frenetic playing style that dazzles the listener and is oozing with charm, elan and breathless artistry. The opening "Shake It Up!" track reflects one side of his pendulum — a free-wheeling, soul-stirring popster — and the closing "With You Always" is a specimen of his almost rock-star skills. In between, there's an abundant feast for the ears and the soul: the title track is a lot more subdued, capturing Shimabukuro's internalized emotions, at once evoking images of far-flung places, with hypnotic and dream-like nuances; a plaintive country spirit percolates on "Me & Shirley T"; "En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor," based on a Joaquin Rodrigo concerto, is masterful, imaginative and inventive. For all the frantic handwork and commotion he creates, Shima-bukuro remains a humble and dedicated trouper, delighting in sharing his wizardry with his fans. The session is sound and sensuous, with an orchestral overcoat (violins, cellos, string quartet) augmenting his solo instrument, and the CD brings concert-level poise and sass to the living room. Local luminaries such as Noel Okimoto (drums) and Dean Taba (bass) add dimension to the rich and robust sound; what comes through is his tireless energy, his uncanny eloquence, his boundless spirit, his ability to tell a story and paint a picture ... without benefit of words.
The outlook: Now that he's signed to the William Morris Agency, Shimabukuro is in the mainstream — and "Dragon" should reach a wider audience the more he tours.
Our take: This "Dragon" roars — and it's all about style and artistry.
"SLACK KEY GUITAR: THE ARTISTRY OF SONNY LIM" BY SONNY LIM; PALM RECORDS
Genre: Ki-ho'alu instrumentals.
Distinguishing notes: In the tradition of the first-ever Hawaiian Grammy Awardwinning CD ("Slack Key Guitar, Vol. 2") showcasing slack-key guitar, on which Sonny Lim performed, this first solo venture by the Big Island resident has all the elements of the earlier triumph. The purity of solo guitar prevails here, as Lim retains a simple, clean sound unblemished by production frills. He and producer Charles Michael Brotman wrote some of the originals, including "Hoku'ula" and "Donna's Smile" (a lovely postcard to Lim's wife) and there are homages to their Big Island base in Lim's "Mauna Kea Morning," Fred Punahoa's "Mauna Loa Slack Key" and a stunning "Kohala Medley" fusing three of Lim's favorite melodies upholding the beauty of the region. The tranquil performances quickly suggest a landscape of breadth and solitude, and Lim's touch is first-rate through and through. And as usual, the record label retains its sleek, identifying packaging impetus — clean, uncluttered like the contents.
The outlook: Should be a natural chart-buster follow-up to the landmark earlier CD; more of the same, without the whole gang.
Our take: Lim is in top-notch form.
"THE GIRL WITH THE FISHBOWL EYES" BY GO JIMMY GO; MOON ROOM RECORDS
Genre: Reggae, ska, world music.
Distinguishing notes: Go Jimmy Go's latest, out for several months, is one that fell between the cracks — so herewith, some crib notes, if you too, missed the boat.
The group's third CD is crammed with good vibes, stories set to music, party-hearty tracks.
"Set Me Free" was the first single off this disc; spirit and tempo are hallmarks of GJG's tunes, as characterized in the easy-flowing "Open the Door." It's toe-tapping, finger-snapping, soul-moving stuff.
Similarly, "'Til You Get There," "Every Road I'm On," "Goddess and Queens," "The Governor's Daughter" and "When You Cry" are vignettes that invite attention and involvement.
The outlook: Go Jimmy Go rightfully has evolved as the ranking ska combo and continues to be among the state's hardest-working troupers; this collection is easily its best yet, with retro-LP packaging adding to the pleasure.
Our take: Life in a "Fishbowl" is pretty good here.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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