Monday, February 04, 2008

The Sky is Crying

Last week's performance by The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, while quite wonderful, at least verged on camp. This performance of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" does not.



I had not previously encountered its auteur, the amazing Jake Shimabukoro, but he is (as you can see why) something of a god among contemporary uke players. He's going to be on Conan O'Brien on February 19th, so gentlemen -- start your TiVos.

[h/t Stu Daye]

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

while my ukelele gently weeps-eeeps-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepsss

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. Just Beautiful. Thanks, great start to my day.

Anonymous said...

His playing sent chills down my spine. Thank you.

Kid Charlemagne said...

I was gonna post this Steve after your last uke post, but didn't get around to it. Glad you did. Amazing.

steve simels said...

KC --

Amazing is exactly the word. Wow...

Anonymous said...

How cool is that!? It kinda makes me gently weep. :)

Jftb

Anonymous said...

How cool is that!? It kinda makes me gently weep. :)

JftB

Anonymous said...

stoopid blogger. i have to sign in as anonymous as it it and then i get double-crossed. :)

steve simels said...

anonymous:

Not to worry -- it is the repetition of something infinitely delightful.

TJWood said...

I checked out this and a couple of other videos by Jake S. (including a live version of "While My Guitar..."). George Harrison should have lived to hear this guy is all I've got to say. Beyond amazing.

Mister Pleasant said...

Jesus. I postponed playing this clip, thinking it would be typical Youtube Gong Show... er, I mean Americal Idol amateur fodder.

I could not have been more wrong. Not only is Mr. Shimabukoro technically amazing, but he plays with real conviction.

Thanks Steve.

Anonymous said...

MC- What passion and beauty! I hope to hear more of Mr. Shimabukoro and wish him much success that he deserves!

Tere said...

Jake's interpretations are exhilarating crescendos touching and extracting every form of feelings...ebbs of sweetness, sadness, tenderness, joy and bliss rolled into one...he is truly amazing!!!