Ukulele is the new hip. And the humble instrument, too long associated with the late and certifiably bizarre Tiny Tim of Tip-toe Thru' the Tulips With Me fame, digs the sudden limelight.
Jake Shimabukuro is taking the ukulele to places that it's never been before. Over the past six years, the Hawaiian-born musician has transformed the diminutive four-string uke into an infinitely pliable instrument, capable of generating everything from crunching, effects-laden rock to sensuously swinging jazz.