Uke players similar to Jake?

Couloirman · Sep 30, 2011

I, like many of us, LOVE Jake Shimabukuro's music. That being said, I have listened to it all now many times over. Jake is what made me fall in love with the uke in the first place, but I need to branch out a bit and find other artists to listen to as well.

Any recommendations on who to listen to next? I have all of Iz's CDs, and all of Jake's but that's it. Who are your favorites?

PS: I see the sticky at the top of the forum, but I am specifically asking for artists with a similar style to Jakes and thought that maybe deserved its own thread.

sukie · Sep 30, 2011

Check out Craig Chee. A former student.

Also -- Jumping Flea.

Trinimon · Sep 30, 2011

Another former student of Jake's is Taimane Gardner. I've seen her play once when I was in Oahu a couple years ago and was blow away.

http://taimane.com/

Lori · Sep 30, 2011

James Hill http://jameshillmusic.com/

Derick Sebastian http://www.dericksebastian.com/

Lil' Rev http://www.lilrev.com/

Ken Middleton http://kenmiddleton.co.uk/default.aspx

Dominator http://www.dominator.ukeland.com/
–Lori

pulelehua · Sep 30, 2011

This is Taimane. Like Jake, but very unlike Jake, all at once. Which might be what you're looking for:

This is several serious players all playing together (sort of the variety pack):

gyosh · Sep 30, 2011

Brittney Paiva, Kalei Gamio, and Jason Arimoto area pretty cool too.

gyosh · Sep 30, 2011

There's also a YT video of Dominator and the K-Town Heroes playing Europa that is nothing short of amazing!!

Dougf · Sep 30, 2011

Here's James Hill back in his clean-shaven days.

I love this one:

ricdoug · Sep 30, 2011

Those mentioned above plus:

Aldrine Guerrero
Brian Vasquez and Lava Jam
Jeff Linsky
Narcisso Lobo
Horacio DeJesus
"Unkle Kiki" Johnny Pal
The Kalama Brothers

...to name a few more.

RyRod · Oct 1, 2011

Instrumentalists right?

don't forget about Herb Ohta Jr. and Daniel Ho!

*edit*

how did I forget Troy Fernandez and Imua Garza!!!

Waterguy · Oct 1, 2011

Taimane is without a doubt the most mesmerizing performer I have ever had the privilege to see.

Sébastien Dufour of Small World Project almost never gets mentioned here but he is also flat out amazing as a ukulele instrumentalist. Here's a sample of his work http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLBdALeoytk&feature=related .

I also want to mention Jody Kamisato and Chris Salvador, AKA Heart and Soul. If you've seen "Mighty Uke" (and if you haven't, you should), you've seen them. Here's a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgHYXEn3qfc

Have fun checking all these artists out Couloirman, some great suggestions here and I am betting more to come.

Dougf · Oct 1, 2011

Here's a fun one with James Hill, but it really showcases Michael Powers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL2wYSbGA0Q

Chris Tarman · Oct 1, 2011

I think Jake is a great player, and finding his "Gently Weeps" video on YouTube a couple of years ago is what inspired me to order a better ukulele than the P.O.J. soprano I had. But then I discovered James Hill. He's every bit the player that Jake is, but I think his music has more soul, and definitely more humor. He draws from a lot of influences, and doesn't go with the "over-produced band" sound that Jake sometimes has (more on his earlier stuff, I think).
I also really like the late John King. In fact, here's a video of James Hill and John King playing together:
I saw UU's own Aldrine Guerrero at the Denver Uke Fest in February, and was blown away.
I personally prefer playing old-timey, Tin Pan Alley type music on uke, but I enjoy and appreciate anything well-played.

gyosh · Oct 1, 2011

IMO Aldrine is just as clean and probably faster than James Hill. Both amazing!!!

AncientMatingCalls · Oct 1, 2011

gyosh said:
IMO Aldrine is just as clean and probably faster than James Hill. Both amazing!!!

Two very different styles of playing so its hard to compare, but that is definitely up for debate. See ode to a frozen boot for a reference on james' proficiency.

As far as Craig Chee goes, I wouldn't say he is similar to Jake. Can he focus in technical abilities at times? Sure. However statistically they are worlds apart in my mind. Singer/songwriter (Craig) vs. Fingerstyle instrumentalist (Jake). I feel there are two differing goals in their music.

Couloirman · Oct 1, 2011

You guys are awesome. Looks like Ive got some homework to do! Thanks so much for the suggestions

Steve vanPelt · Oct 1, 2011

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Kris Fuchigami. He's a UU member too. Saw him at the Tahoe fest earlier this year. Definately and up and comer.

PhilUSAFRet · Oct 1, 2011

I can see I've got a lot of players to listen to, but as of now, if I had to spend a relaxing evening listening to just one uke player, it would be James Hill

rasputinsghost · Oct 1, 2011

The Jumping Flea (Matt Dahlberg)'s playing style is very similar to Jake's.

Uke players similar to Jake?

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