The Blues Experience album features a collection of eight cover songs along with one original composition, “Kula Blues”. The album includes the focus track, "Rockin' in the Free World”, a dynamic rendition of Neil Young's 1989 single which Fleetwood describes as a “…classic that transformed into an off-the-wall version. Glad I was in shape to play this more than a few times before we settled for this take!" Fleetwood also noted that, like many tracks on the album, this song has rarely been approached in an instrumental format, making it a standout.
The album also offers a fresh, instrumental take on Little Willie John's "Need Your Love So Bad," a song that holds special meaning for Fleetwood, as Fleetwood Mac had previously recorded a version. Mick reflected on the collaboration with Jake Shimabukuro, praising Jake's extraordinary ‘ukulele artistry and describing the instrumental interpretation as "a melodic painting" that brings the song to life in a way that transcends traditional vocal versions.
A standout track on the album, the duo’s rendition of “Rollin’ N Tumblin,’” drew critical praise as the first single. Relix magazine describes it as an “amalgamated musical category of psych and jazz-rock taking the track from a standard presentation to experimental and otherworldly with a genuinely unique rhythmic display paired with swirling strums...” This redefines the possibilities of the ‘ukulele, adding weight to Shimabukuro’s reputation as “the Jimi Hendrix of the ‘ukulele” (Guitar Player).
Mojo Magazine raves, “Shimabukuro conveys delicacy as well as visceral power. Who knew the humble ‘ukulele could be such a viable blues-rock vehicle? No wonder Fleetwood is a keen collaborator. Extraordinary stuff.” Blues Experience pushes the boundaries of traditional blues, adding new textures and sonic layers that elevate the genre.
In addition, the album includes a touching instrumental version of Christine McVie’s iconic composition, "Songbird." Fleetwood poignantly shared, "’Songbird’ unfolded in the studio… not only with its new musical approach but the depth of what we were playing brought on my full awareness that Christine McVie had truly flown away. For me, that was a moment to absorb such a huge loss."
The upcoming album, Blues Experience, promises to be a powerful fusion of their distinct musical styles, blending Shimabukuro’s innovative approach to the ‘ukulele with Fleetwood’s legendary rhythm. Fans can look forward to an album that pushes boundaries while honoring the timeless quality of the music they both cherish.
Joining Shimabukuro and Fleetwood on the album are bassist Jackson Waldhoff and keyboard player Michael Grande. Special guest Mark Johnstone from The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band also lends his keyboard prowess to "Need Your Love So Bad" and "Rockin' In The Free World." Over two intense three-day sessions, the band recorded nine tracks live in the studio, with Sonny Landreth contributing slide guitar to the Jeff Beck/Stevie Wonder classic "Cause We've Ended As Lovers."
Blues Experience promises to be a landmark release. It combines the formidable talents of Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood with fresh, innovative interpretations of blues classics. Fans can expect a bold and forward-looking album that is deeply rooted in tradition.
Blues Experience is set to captivate fans when it hits the shelves today, October 18.
Track Listing:
- Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers
- Rollin’ N Tumblin’
- Need Your Love So Bad
- Kula Blues
- Whiter Shade Of Pale
- I Wanna Get Funky
- Still Got The Blues
- Rockin’ In The Free World
- Songbird (Mick spoken word)
Over the past two decades, Jake Shimabukuro has proved that there isn’t a style of music that he can play. While versatility for any musician is impressive, Jake showcases his transcendent skills as he explores his seemingly limitless vocabulary, with a variety of genres, on perhaps the unlikeliest of instruments: the 'ukulele. Called "one of the hottest axemen of the past few years [who] doesn't actually play guitar" (Rolling Stone), Jake Shimabukuro has become one of the most exceptional and innovative 'ukulele players in the history of the instrument—an artist who has drawn comparisons to musical titans such as Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis.
As drummer and co-founder of one of the best-selling bands of all time, FLEETWOOD MAC, Mick Fleetwood has sold over 100 million records worldwide and established his place in rock ‘n roll music history. Having created a distinctive sound that endures today, the GRAMMY-award-winning artist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. With countless chart-topping albums and singles, the band’s 1977 album Rumours remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. Fleetwood completed the An Evening With Fleetwood Mac Tour in 2019 and, in 2015, the On With The Show world tour, where he toured as a five-piece for the first time since 1998, featuring the five band members from the classic and most successful lineup back together, with Christine McVie rejoining band mates Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. The tour sold out arenas across the globe and showcased the classic hit songs from the band’s career that spans more than four decades.
Forty Below Records is an independent record company based in Los Angeles. It was founded in 2013 by two-time Grammy® nominated Producer and Songwriter Eric Corne. The label has established itself as a home for legacy artists to flourish and an incubator for new talent to develop. Its eclectic roster includes John Mayall, Joe Louis Walker, Sugaray Rayford, Jaime Wyatt, Freedy Johnston, Danielle Nicole, The Bacon Brothers, Philip Sayce, Charlie Musselwhite, JD Simo & Luther Dickinson, Sam Morrow, Dom Martin and Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood.
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