“Nashville Sessions”

Jake Shimabukuro

(JS, no serial number)

In 15 years as a solo artist, Jake Shimabukuro has taken the ukulele in many directions. There were times he placed strumming speed above all else and times when he chose to let every note “breathe” and be fully appreciated. He has explored the technical challenges involved in making a solid-body ukulele sound like a four-string electric guitar, and also celebrated the rich tones of the traditional acoustic instrument. With “Nashville Sessions,” recorded with Nolan Verner (bass) and Evan Hutchings (drums) in six days in January, and due for official release in the United States on Sept. 23, electronics take precedence. So does rock.

The second song on the album, an instrumental titled “6/8,” reminds the listener that Shimabukuro can rock hard when he wants to. The third cut, “Mud Man,” proves the point. Shimabukuro slows the tempo and brings the energy level down later with the appropriately titled “Ballad.” It’s a soothing break from the harder stuff.

In terms of career milestones, this is the first album for which Shimabukuro wrote or co-wrote all the songs. The liner notes mention that he used three sizes of acoustic ukulele as well as an electric uke in making these recordings — but don’t reveal where each instrument is used. Sharp-eared fans will take that as a challenge.

Visit JakeShimabukuro.com.

“Summer Sun” b/w “If That’s The Way That You Want It”

Greenwood

(Forest in Leaf GW0616)

Greenwood celebrates the summer of 2016 with this limited-edition “old school” 45-rpm vinyl single, featuring “Summer Sun” and “If That’s The Way That You Want It.” How old-school is it? Well, the group’s record label designates “Summer Sun” as the “A side” (which radio stations were supposed to play). Both songs are accurate remakes of the original hits by Hawaii’s Jamestown Massacre and Diamond Head, respectively. Accurate remakes were expected of local Top 40 bands in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Both are available on Greenwood’s CD, “Lost in Paradise,” but the 45 is a great memento of a live gig. As Hawaii businessman Bud Shasteen used to say, “Vinyl is final.”

Visit greenwoodhawaii.com.

“Embrace the Change”

Dennis Soares

(Elation)

Multifaceted composer/musician/record producer Dennis Soares is hands down one of the most prolific artists in Hawaii, albeit much better known on the Big Island than in Honolulu. This collection of original improvisational instrumentals is Soares’ 103rd CD and his eighth project pairing slack key with instruments that complement its soothing sound.

Soares writes that his objective is to “create improvisational works in open tuning.” To keep everything as “live” as possible, he resisted the temptation to go back and redo recordings. Soares’ fans will appreciate his intent and enjoy the beauty of the music exactly as it is.

Visit 808ne.ws/2bAA1OD.