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]
at

13 comments:

  1. Anonymous2/04/2008 10:02 AM

    while my ukelele gently weeps-eeeps-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepsss

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous2/04/2008 10:24 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous2/04/2008 10:42 AM

    His playing sent chills down my spine. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kid Charlemagne2/04/2008 11:37 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. steve simels2/04/2008 11:45 AM

    KC --

    Amazing is exactly the word. Wow...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous2/04/2008 7:27 PM

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

    Jftb

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous2/04/2008 7:27 PM

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

    JftB

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous2/04/2008 7:29 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. steve simels2/04/2008 7:44 PM

    anonymous:

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. TJWood2/04/2008 8:10 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mister Pleasant2/05/2008 10:30 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous2/11/2008 1:02 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  13. Tere2/11/2008 5:28 PM

    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!!!

    ReplyDelete