Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood
Blues Experience
40 Below
What we have here is the blues filtered through a laid back Hawaiian vibe. Jake Shimabukuro has been called the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele. He’s probably the highest profile proponent of Hawaiian sounds recording today. Mick Fleetwood from Fleetwood Mac is a resident of Hawaii and a legendary drummer. It’s inevitable that when two stellar musicians meet, they will eventually get around to jamming.
Blues Experience was recorded over two, three-day sessions with bassist Jackson Waldhoff and keyboard player Michael Grande filling out the sound. Special guest Mark Johnstone from The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band also plays keyboards on “Need Your Love So Bad” and “Rockin’ In The Free World.” The set is composed of blues and rock standards. Jake’s ukulele sounds like an amped up electric guitar. He makes liberal use of effects to add shimmer and shine to his playing. It’s blues adapted for warm, tropical nights at a tiki bar on the beach.
Some of the best moments are the spacey rendering of “Rollin’ N Tumblin’” and a haunting take on “Whiter Shade of Pale.” I don’t think “Rockin’ in the Free World” works that well as an instrumental. Jake’s original tune, “Kula Blues,” is a dreamy interlude. The opening track, “Cause We’ve Ended as Friends,” features a sultry slide guitar lead from Sonny Landreth.
Blues Experience brings laid back island vibes to the blues. It’s a great record to chill out with and focus on the good times and let your blues evaporate.
