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 Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele virtuoso (USA), 22/03/2010
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Though some still have trouble pronouncing his last name and the instrument he plays, Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row) is recognized as one of the worlds most exciting and innovative ukulele (oo-koo-LAY-lay) players and composers. Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, Jake views the ukulele as an "untapped source of music with unlimited potential". His virtuosity defies label or category. Playing jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock, Jake's mission is to show everyone that the ukulele is capable of so much more than the traditional Hawaiian music - or corny showbiz routines - many associate it with. |
When you cried last time and, if no secret, for what reason? About two years ago at my younger brother's wedding - I was the Best Man.
There are some events during our life, when it seems as there is no way out. That could be tragic circumstances or such assessment of them. At that time, what's the thing to do? Pray and be grateful. Think about how wonderful life is and how lucky we are to be able to experience such an incredible range of emotions - especially love.
Could you please choose any event of last days, weeks or months, that has distressed you? It can be any happening on a local or international scale. How could you comment on it? It happens every time I watch the news. I wish that there was a station dedicated to delivering only good news. Why do we always focus on the bad stuff? Wouldn't the world be a better place if someone wasn't trying to convince us otherwise? I think there's a lot more good stories out there than bad. Stories of families being reunited, or people coming together to save their community. Miracles happen everyday and if we were to show those things on primetime television, we'd inspire millions of people to go out and make the world a better place.
There's always a new danger watching for humanity in its way, always a new temptation we're ready succumb to. What's the danger of our days? And what's the way to avoid this trap? One of the dangers that we face today is the "click" obsession. Technology is so amazing and information is distributed at lightening fast speed. We want things right now - everything should just be a "click" away. Shop for clothes? Click here. Order pizza? Click here. Send a birthday gift? Click here. We want things done this instant. Smart phones, laptops, digital cameras - these are things designed to make our lives more efficient and convenient. But is efficiency and convenience the path to happiness and fulfillment? As we become accustomed to this new lifestyle - our values begin to change. When everything becomes so easy, why would we tolerate anything that requires actual work? Like a marriage. Or, handwriting a letter. Maybe taking time to sit and talk with a friend in need - in person - not just sending text messages back and forth for an hour. I have friends that purposely don't answer their phones because they would prefer a text or email. Before cell phones, if you told a friend to have lunch with you at noon at the diner on the other side of town... You had to be there, because once that person left the house, there was absolutely no way to call and cancel. With cell phones, we have a tendency to make plans without commitment because we know that we can call and cancel 15 minutes before.
What are the main obstructions to apply humanities principles at our today's life? Could they be solved? We need to slow down and take control of our lives. Go to the beach, sit on the sand, stare out at the water, and strum an ukulele. If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a happier place.
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| Comments: 7, would be great to get one of yours... |
Maxime Leong, 23 Apr 2010 03:59 am |
| Jake is a god among them. If I were born as an instrument, I'd choose a ukulele played by Jake. |
Marrry, 10 Apr 2010 10:24 pm |
| amazing, wonderful, awesome... sorry, my english isn't enough, but i've just heard it live, and it was once and for all!!! |
Mari Chiba, 23 Mar 2010 03:57 am |
| "how lucky we are to be able to experience such an incredible range of emotions - especially love."I really like that part!! |
Helen Yoshida, 23 Mar 2010 03:39 am |
| I find the ukulele to be a happy instrument and more happiness needs to be spread around. Those 2 things- love and happiness- can never run out. |
Manny Dee, 23 Mar 2010 02:39 am |
| Fantastic, but really. Ukulele for everyone! |
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