As the holiday season envelops us in its warmth, music often serves as the perfect backdrop. This year, the enchanting sounds of Jake Shimabukuro’s 'Tis The Season' album bring a unique twist to the usual festive melodies. Renowned for his ukulele prowess, Shimabukuro is not only capturing holiday spirits but also collaborating with musical greats like Yo-Yo Ma and Michael McDonald.
Holiday Harmonies with a Hawaiian Touch
When you think of holiday music, the gentle strum of a ukulele might not immediately come to mind. But that’s precisely what makes Jake Shimabukuro’s approach so captivating. His new holiday album, 'Tis The Season', swaps snow for sand, offering listeners a Christmas experience with a Hawaiian flair.
Stellar Collaborations
Shimabukuro’s album isn’t just about inventive takes on holiday classics. It features a star-studded lineup, including an archival performance with the late Jimmy Buffett and a unique appearance by Michael McDonald. Interestingly, McDonald isn’t delivering his signature vocal prowess here. Instead, his ukulele playing subtly complements the album’s tunes, with Shimabukuro amusingly noting, "I should have put something on there like 'featuring Michael McDonald on ukulele' because people don’t realize that’s him playing."
A Global Stage on the World Cafe
Jake Shimabukuro's music reaches a vast audience through platforms like the World Cafe Words and Music Podcast. Here, his holiday melodies are showcased to listeners worldwide, spreading festive cheer far and wide.
Listeners of the podcast can enjoy a 19-minute musical journey, capturing the essence of Shimabukuro’s latest creation. Tracks like "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," "Mele Kalikimaka," and "Winter Wonderland" capture the holiday spirit in new and innovative ways. This collection of acoustic holiday songs paints a picture of Christmas not with snowflakes and fireside chats, but with the gentle waves and warm sands of Hawaii.
The Production Behind the Magic
The creation of this special episode of the World Cafe was a team effort. Produced and edited by Kimberly Junod, with digital production by Miguel Perez, and engineered by Chris Williams, the podcast episode forms a beautiful tribute to holiday music. Thanks to the collective efforts of the World Cafe team, including programming and booking coordinator Chelsea Johnson and line producer Will Loftus, the music of Jake Shimabukuro finds its soulful spotlight.
So, what better way to celebrate the festive season than with the soothing sound of a ukulele? Jake Shimabukuro’s 'Tis The Season' isn’t just another holiday album; it’s a musical celebration that brings the beach to the holidays, reminding us all that warmth can be found not only in the hearth but also in the strings of a ukulele.
