Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood (from the album Blues Experience

Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood (from the album Blues Experience

Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood (from the album Blues Experience available on JS Records/Forty Below Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
At first, it may seem somewhat surprising to find Mick Fleetwood teamed with ukulele virtuoso and YouTube sensation Jake Shimabukuro. But then again, Fleetwood appears to be between gigs given the uncertain status of his namesake outfit, and Shimabukuro has built a career reprising classic songs and occasionally rubbing shoulders with his idols. Consequently, their collaboration seems built on convenience if nothing else.
 
As a result, Blues Experience seems a somewhat rote exercise in shared musicality, perhaps an attempt to simply bide some time before the next major project comes along. Even the title, Blues Experience, hints at the fact that the two are taking a generic approach. Yet, with a set of songs consisting of nine contemporary classics — and most tracks familiar fare at that — the duo still manage to ply their instrumental abilities to good effect. Each of these cuts soar on the strength of Shimabukuro’s searing solos and the sweep of some riveting arrangements, but even in the guise of soaring soundscapes, they seem as if they’d be best suited as background music for an especially dramatic cinematic scene.
 
Regardless, the familiarity factor plays heavily into their favor, especially since songs such as “Whiter Shade of Pale”, “Rollin’ N Tumblin’”, Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World”, and the late Christine McVie’s “Songbird”, have, to varying degrees, become frequent fodder for any number of dedicated Blues practitioners in recent years. That said, a dynamic solo from guitarist Sonny Landreth helps add extra sizzle to a cover of Jeff Beck’s “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers”, making it the album’s most singular stand-out.
 
Ultimately then, Blues Experience is an interesting and intriguing showcase for two decidedly prolific musicians that will entice fervent followers to concede some curiosity regardless. (by Lee Zimmerman) 
 
Listen and buy the music of Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood from AMAZON
 
Visit the Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood website for more information