PRODIGY

Saw Jake Shimabukuro at Yoshi's Jazz house last night. I just love the vibe of this club, I would see practically anyone there as an excuse to take in the music and the energy. And pretty much everybody who's anybody has played there, all the heavies. If you're in the Bay Area and never've been, then go, and tell them Roman sent you. They'll say, 'who?' After I saw my first show there, I actually went home and researched the architect and designer so when I'm ready, they can design my home theatre or new restaurant, or both.

Did I mention that Jake is from Hawaii and plays the ukelele? Not the 'Tiny Bubbles' variety of course, more like Hendrix, Paganini, Chick Corea, Bach, Bela Fleck. During Jake's energetic and passionate two-hour solo set I found myself mesmerized, holding my breath, and on the edge of my seat by both the musician and the music. During the encore Beatles cover, "Here, There and Everywhere" I was actually on the verge of tears, I was so overwhelmed by the song's beauty. True art, no matter what the form, has the ability to do that.