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Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood Team Up for “Blues Experience” Album
Renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has partnered with drumming legend and Fleetwood Mac co-founder Mick Fleetwood to announce their forthcoming album, “Blues Experience,” set for release on October 18 via Forty Below Records.
The album’s debut single, “Rollin’ N Tumblin’,” has been premiered by Relix magazine. This collaboration aims to breathe new life into classic blues tunes, offering exhilarating reinterpretations of some of the genre’s greatest hits. Notably, the album will include a new song by Shimabukuro titled “Kula Blues,” inspired by the Maui area where Fleetwood resides.
“I’ve always wanted to do a blues album, and when Mick and I started talking about working together, I thought, who better to work with than Mick Fleetwood?” Shimabukuro said. The result is a dynamic fusion of their distinct musical styles, showcasing Shimabukuro’s innovative ukulele skills alongside Fleetwood’s powerful drumming.
The roots of this collaboration date back to the late 1990s when a young Shimabukuro met Fleetwood at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Their paths crossed again at a Fleetwood Mac reunion concert, leading to the recording sessions in Maui.
Joining them on the album are bassist Jackson Waldhoff and keyboardist Michael Grande. Special guest Mark Johnstone from The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band contributes keyboard work on “Need Your Love So Bad” and “Rockin’ In The Free World.” The band recorded nine tracks live in the studio during two intense three-day sessions, with slide guitar by Sonny Landreth on “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers.”
The first single, “Rollin’ N Tumblin’,” exemplifies their innovative approach. The track features Shimabukuro’s swirling, delay-drenched ukulele paired with Fleetwood’s tribal drumming, reflecting why Shimabukuro is often likened to the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” It transitions into a more traditional blues theme, enhanced by a Hammond organ, showcasing a blend of psychedelic jazz-rock.
“Mick’s energy is infectious. He pushes everyone around him, and it’s inspiring to see his movement and the way he hits the drums,” Shimabukuro shares. Fleetwood adds, “Jake and I had a full let-it-all-go moment on this one! A blues standard being given a wake-up call!”
“Blues Experience” promises to be a landmark release, combining the formidable talents of Shimabukuro and Fleetwood with fresh interpretations of blues classics. Fans can expect an album that is both bold and deeply rooted in tradition.
Shimabukuro’s versatility has made him one of the most innovative ukulele players in music history. Often compared to titans like Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis, his ability to traverse genres on the ukulele is unparalleled.
As a co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, Fleetwood has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is a key figure in rock history. With countless chart-topping albums and a Grammy Award, his impact on music is indelible.
The full track listing for “Blues Experience” includes:
- Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers
- Rollin’ N Tumblin’
- Need Your Love So Bad
- Kula Blues
- Whiter Shade Of Pale
- I Wanna Get Funky
- Still Got The Blues
- Rockin’ In The Free World
- Songbird
- Songbird (Mick spoken word)
With its blend of talent and fresh perspectives, “Blues Experience” is set to be a significant addition to the music landscape.
Learn more: HERE
