Love this
4
By soundbbg
I love this one, Rolling in Deep and More Ukulele is my favorite.
Love it
4
By d.lee3493
I love this album really great to listen to. The orchestra in the background is a good touch but sometimes can make jake underwhelming. I which he can put his version of "while my guitar gently weeps"
Great Album!
4
By Jake dino
Just saw him in concert a few hours ago. Really sick stuff!! Album worth buying
Great album, but over produced
5
By russellbarnett
I have been following Jake for several years now, and have grown to love the intricate and clean playing that has been prevalent on his past two albums (gently weeps, 143, Blue Roses Falling, Let's Dance, etc.). On my first listen through this new album I was turned off by the orchestra as it seemed to drown out the uke on some of the tracks (such as Gentlemandolin and Missing Three).
Fortunately, only three days after the album was released I was able to see Jake live, and was given the opportunity to listen to the new songs played pure and solo, and I instantly fell in love with the new album. On subsequent hearings I no longer dwell on the orchestra too much, but I still wish it was gone.
Some of my favorite tracks on Grand Ukelele are "More Ukelele" and "Island Fever Blues", and by no coincidence these are solo Jake tracks with no backup orchestra. I hope that on the next album he will go back to just recording himself!
Refreshing
5
By Spokane_Man
I FINALLY had the opportunity to see Jake in person recently in Spokane, WA (a cool Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso in Spokane, WA! Wha?). Beyond his phenomenal musical talent, his personality shines through a genuine and warm. To me, that speaks volumes. It was awe-inspiring how he is able to fill an entire theater with just four strings and two octaves (three, if your stretch your fingers really far, a la Jake).
My only reservation for this album is the orchestration. I don't feel it's overpowering or distracting, as others have mentioned. It just seemed unnecessary to me.
Wish list: I would LOVE a collaboration album of just Jake and an eclectic assortment of other musicians (Bela Fleck, Yo Yo Ma, Victor Wooten, etc.) stripped down. All this music is probably already out there waiting to be assembled (think "...Featuring Nora Jones"). That would be a musical dream come true!
Less is Best...but still great music.
4
By FlynHawyn05
Saw Jake in concert in Irvine, California last night...AWESOME! I purchased the album three days prior to going to the concert and I have to say that there is something definitely more pure when you listen to Jake, and only Jake, play the ukulele. The album reminds me of the times my father would listen to old records (LP, 33 speed, played on a phonograph...old school) of Alfred Apaca, Danny Kaleikini, Brother's Cazimero, Arthur Lyman, Benny Kalama...with the accompanying orchestra. At times, the instrumental seems to drown out the sounds of Jake's ukulele. Still, you can't go wrong with the music selection on the Grand Ukulele album. But, I don't think you can go wrong with any piece if Jake is playing it on his ukulele. Mahalo for the new album and Mahalo Nui Loa for the wonderful performance in Irvine, CA.
Great album, but overproduced
4
By PoorTuco
Saw him at his CD release party for this album where he performed nearly all of the songs on the new album and a few of his old hits (Gently Weeps). I cannot rave enough about the live show (where he was unaccompanied), but I'm a little less impressed by the album. All of the orchestral accompaniments feel unnecessary and overproduced. Still worthwhile for a fantastic cover of Rolling in the Deep and his emotional take on Akaka Falls.
WOW
5
By Bear4242
Amazing!!!!
Jake hits it…for a triple
3
By expatlife
Not a home run (in my opinion) but for anyone who enjoys his music, you'll be satisfied. It's a wonderful listen but the dynamics and WOW! moments of previous albums aren't there (or perhaps they're too subtle for my untrained ears.) For me, this is a CD I'd play for friends but it doesn't have those songs where I say to my friend, "Oh my god, you've gotta hear this part! It'll blow your mind!" Still a big fan and will forever be one. Thanks for all your wonderful music, Jake!
Amazing!
5
By TallgrassCOblusky
Wow, once again I am blown away again by the masterful playing of Jake Shimabukuro and now he is accompanied by a full band and orchestra! truly amazing! The first song on the album, Ukulele Five-O, has so much energy and it's awesome to hear that song featured with a full band. This album will be in heavy rotation for a while on my playlist! Thanks Jake!
