James Hill is a "great teacher" and IMO the best living ukulele player. I agree with the notion that Jake is the "most influential" (an opinion that can be found on the Ukulele Hunt site). To cast James Hill (as it so often it happens, not necessarily in this thread) as "a great technical player" can too easily become one of the most left-handed compliments of all time. IMO, he's the total package, and his collaborations and solo performances demonstrate that and emphasize that...with heart. So does his teaching.
Yes, the official position is that "there's really no greatest player." Not trying to splice this thread to a previous one or start a doomed to be a closed thread. Just stating what I've come to conclude. BTW, too frequently Jake S. himself suffers at the hands of those who find "technical accomplishment" some sort of liability. James Hill proves that teaching is not simply for "those who cannot do."
Didn't Roy Smeck also give lessons?
BTW, not a "virtuosity only" kind of listener and find much instrumental stuff not on my daily diet. But artists like James Hill (and doesn't Hill also sing?) and Jake maintain a standard and reference. Let's admit it: much of our favorite stuff can be based on truly great chord bashing. But there's still room to recognize greatness, esp. in the sense of comprehesive.
