Artists
These certainly aren’t all of the ‘ukulele artists, but they are some of my favorites.
David Kamakahi
‘Ukulele: Koaloha Custom Tenor w/Cut-away
Strings: Worth Clear Heavy Polymer Low-G
Pickup: Fishman Prefix Pro Onboard
Effects: Boss DD-6 delay
Playing Since: age 15
Discography:
David Kamakahi entered the world of music in kind of an odd way; when he first started teaching himself ‘ukulele he hid the fact from his dad (Rev. Dennis Kamakahi). He kept practicing in secret for about five months, then one day Uncle Dennis needed an ‘ukulele player for one of his gigs. David got the job, and he ripped it up. Now years later, David is one accomplished guy. He has been recorded on numerous albums and was featured on the movie “Lilo & Stitch 2” in the song “Always”. He is also a 1st Dan black belt and a member of the International Karate Federation.
Herb Ohta Jr.
‘Ukulele: Herb Ohta Jr. Signature Line Tenor Koaloha
Strings: Worth Clear Heavy Polymer Low-G
Pickup: Fishman Prefix Pro Onboard
Effects: Boss DD-6 delay
Playing Since: age 3 (stopped playing for five years when he was 12)
Dicography – Solo:
- ‘Ukulele Nahenahe (2010)
- Cocolo – ‘Ukulele J Ballads (Japan import – 2010)
- ‘Ukulele Journey (2007),
- ‘Ukulele Breeze (2005),
- ‘Ukulele Romance (2003),
- ‘Ukulele Dream (2001),
- Pure and Simple (1999),
- Ka Hanauna Hou (1997)
Duo:
- 2 to Three Feet: ‘Ukuleles in Paradise 3
- Step 2: ‘Ukuleles in Paradise 2 w/Daniel Ho (2006),
- ‘Ukuleles in Paradise w/Daniel Ho (2005),
- Hana Hou w/Keoki Kahumoku (2005),
- Treasures of Aloha w/Keoki Kahumoku (2002),
- Hawaiian from the Heart w/Keoki Kahumoku (2000)
Books: Discovering the ‘Ukulele, Exploring the ‘Ukulele
Herb Ohta Jr. learned his first song on the ‘ukulele from his Grandma when he was three; it was “Happy Birthday”. Herb took lessons from his father Ohta-San up until age 12 when he started to have other interests. He continued playing music through high-school, but played the viola, not the ‘ukulele. Inspired by the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau at 17, Herb once again became interested in Hawaiian music and the ‘ukulele. Now Herb teaches ‘ukulele 6 days a week, and continues writing and performing his awesome music.
Jake Shimabukuro
‘Ukulele: Tenor Custom Built Kamaka
Strings: D’Addario J71 Pro Arte
Pickup: Fishman Acoustic Matrix NT1
Playing Since: age 4
First Gig: Honolulu Café
Dicography:
- Peace, Love, Ukulele (2010)
- Live (2009)
- Hula Girls (2007)
- My Life (EP) (2007)
- Gently Weeps (2006)
- Dragon (2005)
- Walking Down Rainhill (2004)
- Sunday Morning (2002)
DVDs:
- Play Loud ‘Ukulele (2005)
- Million Miles Away (2005)
Using old-school playing skills and techniques never heard of by most of us, Jake Shimabukuro has become one of the best known ‘ukulele players in the world. Jake’s mom taught him his first chord at age four “I was hooked,” he said. Although lately he has decided to tone down his playing, Jake was known as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ‘ukulele” because he so often plays through a distortion pedal. After years of playing Jake has successfully recorded seven albums, made two DVDs, and played and recorded with numerous well known artists like Bela Fleck, Ziggy Marley, and recently Jimmy Buffet.
