Ukulele Virtuoso to Release New Live Album

       Hawaii's ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has announced the release of his latest album entitled Jake Shimabukuro -- Live.   This CD is a compilation of Shimabukuro's best performances from last year and captures the "in the zone" virtuosity and special charisma that is uniquely "Jake."  The 17-song CD includes 12 Shimabukuro originals and 5 covers including "jaw-dropping" versions of pieces by J.S. Bach and Michael Jackson.  "I enjoyed putting this album together, " says Shimabukuro, " because it preserved the feeling of each concert."  

       The ukulele is best known as the "mini-guitar" gently strumming in the background as hula dancers in grass skirts gently sway to the rhythm of the wind and the sea.  With lightning fast fingers and inventive new techniques, Shimabukuro proves that the ukulele has an endless palette of musical expression and enough fire power to dazzle the senses.  A star in the Hawaiian music scene, Jake has an enormous following in Japan and -- thanks to recent appearances on NBC's Late Show with Conan O'Brien -- is gaining popularity in the Mainland United States.  

       The Live album will be released  April 14th exclusively at Target Stores nationwide.   The album will be available online at Shimabukuro's online store on April 1st.  For more information visit the official Shimabukuro website at www.jakeshimabukuro.com.

       For an idea  of what the Live album has to offer, check out the following link to  Shimabukuro's performance of his latest hit "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." at

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSkp3uym5k