Ukulele master dazzles Saipan

It is quite easy to dismiss the ukulele, a small four-stringed, two-octave instrument with seemingly limited musical range.

Yet as ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro starts strumming those strings, the instrument comes to life, his talented fingers evoking music of extraordinary depth and range. Jake amplifies the ukulele’s natural acoustic sound and combines it with his passion for music, producing melodic and intense arrangements.

Jake’s astounding talent was in full display Thursday last week, when the Hawaiian-born and raised musician took center stage at Saipan World Resort’s open theater for a show called “A Magical Night of Ukulele with Jake Shimabukuro.”

As early as 6pm, hordes of people were already at the open theater to reserve the best seats, while groups of children clutching ukuleles of their own actually sat on the floor in front of the stage for a close -up view of their idol.

They were not disappointed. Celebrated for his lightning-fast fingers and a repertoire that transcends musical genres, Jake showcased his virtuosic dexterity and high performance level, leaving the audience mesmerized and yearning for more.

His repertoire was highlighted by his rendition of George Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Jake infused his signature style intensity to the song’s melancholic overture. Another hit that night was the flamenco-inspired Let’s Dance which, to the cheers and delight of the audience and especially the kids, was performed in a progressively swift cadence.

Jake’s ukulele skills has earned him the title of “Jimi Hendrix of Ukulele,” who happens to be one of his heroes. Still, he remains self-effacing about it. “To just be mentioned in the same sentence as Hendrix is really the highest honor.”

Jake’s talent has made him one of the world’s top ukulele players. He has toured with internationally acclaimed musicians, performed in prestigious venues, and has been invited to various music festivals.

This was not the first time for Jake to visit Saipan. He came here first in September 2005 to perform during the 20th anniversary of HANMI, held at Saipan World Resort’s Diamond Hall.

Jake gladly accepted HANMI’s invitation to be on Saipan once again to perform in a show that would benefit both HANMI and Beautify CNMI.

“I believe in their cause. We should take care of our environment,” said Jake, adding that, before the concert, he planted a flame tree with the people of Beautify CNMI. “I would like to visit that tree in the future,” he said.

HANMI president Lynn Knight said they learned of Jake’s popularity during his first visit here and wanted to accommodate more people for his second visit. “This time, we tried to get a bigger venue and bring the [ticket] prices down so people can afford it. We also saw that he had a very strong appeal with children so we tried to design it as a family event.”

Indeed, part of Jake’s charm is his magnetic appeal with the youth. Before Thursday’s concert started, Knight encouraged all the kids who are willing to and those who have brought their ukuleles with them to sit right in front of the stage.

Because of this positive influence on children, Debbie Winkfield, the General Music teacher at Saipan Community School, had asked HANMI if Jake could visit her students during his 2005 visit. The request was granted with pleasure. “It was on a Saturday. All my students came on a Saturday. It was quiet; there wasn’t anyone but them. It was an amazing performance,” she said.

Winkfield narrated how that one meeting with the ukulele genius changed the lives of many of her students. “From that [experience], these kids have grown up now. They’ve been playing amazing music. They have something to be passionate about. It improved their studies, their attitude, everything. It brought them to a higher level. We have him to thank for, for his contribution to the kids. You can see he doesn’t leave until everyone gets an autograph or a picture. They look up to him as a role model. [It’s] really wonderful. We are so happy to put our endorsement to someone who’s doing good for the kids. And we are just so happy that they brought him back.”

Jodel Fernandez, an eighth grade student at SCS, was one of the students fortunate enough to watch Jake perform during his visit at SCS in 2005. She said that watching Jake perform is very inspiring. “I kind of like the uke more than I did before. I practice more and now I play better with the uke,” said Fernandez.

She added that Jake’s rendition of George Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps has always been her favorite. Incidentally, the video of his performance of the song in New York’s Central Park circulated in the Interned and has played a significant part in his career.

For 11-year old Fred Cruz, it was his first time to see his idol perform live. Cruz has been playing the ukulele for two years now. He particularly loved Jake’s Let’s Dance because “it was really fast.”

During one of his spiels, Jake recognized Winkfield and all the children whom he had the privilege of meeting during his first visit to Saipan.

When asked how he feels about his positive impact on children, Jake said he is greatly honored. “They actually inspire me, too. I see their passion and enthusiasm, and that encourages me to keep playing, to keep doing what I do.”

Jake’s latest album, “My Life,” features cover tunes, which includes the Beatles’ In My Life, Sarah Mclachlan’s Ice Cream, and Led Zeppelin’s Going to California.

He has no plans of resting on his laurels, though. Jake sees himself as a sponge that can still absorb more. “I just want to keep playing, keep learning. I’m still a student of music, and I will be until I can’t play anymore.”