Crosscurrent

by

Jake Shimabukuro

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Who knew you could make a ukelele sound like this? Well, I guess somebody did but I didn't. I bought this disk after I heard Jake interviewed on NPR, figuring to send it along to my 16 year old nephew who's something of a whiz kid on stringed instruments. It was gonna be a challenge. After listening to it several times, especially on long drives, I got back on Amazon and ordered Robin his own copy. I'm keeping mine. A couple of the cuts admittedly seem to be more about technical skill or cross-market appeal (I'll let you decide which ones), but on most of the cuts that considerable skill is put to artistic use. Jake Shimabukuro brings joy to the world and while there are probably higher callings, there are few that are more needed. I'll be buying more of his disks for myself and for Robin (Jake and Nickel Creek are high on his Xmas list this year).

No question that JS is a skilled ukulele player. However, why he chose to record an album of fluff is a mystery. About half of what is on this album is the kind of vacuous nonsense churned out by Dave Koz, Boney James, and the rest of those prancing chimps. Souless noodling, I'm afraid.

This is background music and boring! There are touches of lyricism on Wish on My Star, Mrs. Robinson, and Hana. Overall, though, this is garbage.

Here's a clue when listening to any music: If the backing sounds canned, toss the CD.

Here's a clue when considering Hawaiian music: Pay absolutely no attention to what so-called reviewer Wayne Harada says. He praises every single album. If you read his superficial writing, you would get the impression that Hawaiian music is unique in that every single album and track is great. [I kid you not! I live in Hawaii and, as far as I know, the only time WH has had a negative response is to a single track on a comedy album!]

Finally, having said all of the above, Hana is the only track on this album that is worth a listen.