Music is a gift, and the ability to play it is a blessing. Be grateful for both.– Anonymous

Walking up the creaky wooden steps, there are, what seems like, hundreds of slippers all around the front door. Soft music floats through the air, inviting me to the back yard. Aunties and uncles fill every lawn chair, and the keiki run around in the freshly cut grass. There’s a warm breeze blowing, and at least a dozen friends strum along, kanikapila style, to a tune we all know and everyone sings the words to. These are the songs of my life. I am home. And I am grateful. —Jake Shimabukuro

By now, if you know the ‘ukulele, you might know the name, the innovator who is Jake Shimabukuro. He has captivated audiences around the world with his unique and dynamic style. With his mother as his first teacher of the instrument, Jake embraced a deep love and respect for the `ukulele and has explored new and unexpected ways to push the boundaries of what was possible on the humble four-strings. Each album has showcased his mastery of the instrument and his ability to weave together diverse genres to create a cohesive and captivating musical experience. He is undoubtedly one of the most innovative and exciting musicians of his generation, changing the perception of the instrument itself and breaking barriers of what kind of music it is capable of.

Enter his newest, and most personal, album yet. Grateful is a coming home for Jake. With a literal who’s who of Hawai`i-based musicians, this collection of songs is performed live, in studio with Jake’s friends, contemporaries, mentors, and heroes—all kanikapila style in a return to his roots. Grateful is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed duets album (Jake & Friends), including such artists as Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley, Bette Midler, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, and Kenny Loggins. It was these collaborations that inspired him to go back to the beginning and play with the musicians who first inspired him as he was growing up in Hawai`i. Jake shares a connection with each and every artist on this album.

In addition to his impeccable musicianship, Jake is also a gifted storyteller, weaving together musical narratives that draw listeners in and leave them spellbound. He wanted to bring the power of each artist’s stories to this album.