Acclaimed ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has partnered with drumming icon 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 already been premiered by Relix magazine. This collaboration aims to infuse freshness to classic blues tunes, offering exhilarating and memorable 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 impressive fusion of their distinct musical styles, showcasing Shimabukuro’s innovative ukulele skills alongside Fleetwood’s powerful drumming.
The start 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 has recorded nine tracks live in the studio during two three-day sessions, with slide guitar by Sonny Landreth on “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers.”
The first single, “Rollin’ N Tumblin’,” showcases their innovative approach. The track features Shimabukuro’s swirling, beautiful 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 an amazing mixture 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 hallmark release, combining the inexplicable 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.