The fluidity of this man's hands is just breath taking

I was at Floydfest festival in Virginia about 12 years ago when I saw him perform this tune. He was on the main stage, we were all on the grass on the top of a mountain and the sun was setting when he performed this. Everyone there was mesmerized as his fluid use tones melded with the purple sky and orange clouds. I will never forget it.

🌴🌴 It's very rare that you see someone who actually becomes as one with an instrument ,he puts his heart and soul and feels every movement of the strings, he truly is an inspiration to all of us that play Ukulele ,many thanks to mom and pop Shimabukuro for creating their rendition to somewhere over the rainbow ! 🌴🌴. 🌺.

I’ve seen this young man play in person and he is fabulous.

I love how your music is combined with the sound of wind and trees. It's so extraordinary that my mind can totally relax when hearing this peace of gorgeous melody. Keep your work shining!

it really is hard not to fall in love with a musician, no?

I'm at his concert right now amazing guy !

Table of contents: 0:05 - Greetings 0:15 - Heartfelt talk 1:57 - More heartfelt talk 1:59 - Melt your heart 3:21 - HOLD ON TO YOUR PANTS 4:18 - Epic end fistbump You're welcome.

Jake is easily one of the most talented song writers/interpreters ive ever seen. He just made Over the Rainbow into a completely beutiful new version, while still holding true to the reasson it was made. MUCH LOVE TO UKELELE PLAYERS

Every time I see Jake, in person or on youtube, I'm blown away anew by his calm matter-of-factness, and the love he has for the craft of his music. Truly one of the biggest music geeks I've ever seen. Aloha!

First off, amazing. Brilliant. As a kid who grew up in the 70s and 80s, I never thought I’d hear the names Alan Parsons and Kip Winger in the same video...ever...😀😀😀

I got to see Jake live back in 2001 at a fundraiser for victims of 9/11 at the Waikiki Shell!! He was amazing then as a kid and his skill and talent have only been honed to perfection. I love listening to him play. Can't wait until he comes to South Carolina in February 2014!!

Jake! Loved listening to your "over the rainbow" that song brings tears to my eyes. Don't know why! Your very talented..thank you for sharing

That was just beautiful. I love how you play it so naturally, and with so much emotion. Such a sweet melody from a timeless movie...

Beautifully played, Jake! Thanks oh so much for doing such a pure rendition of this great song.

This brought me to tears. It took me in and out of my whole childhood and back. The birds in the background actually made it even more powerful.

so gentle and calming

Jake is the best. You can learn so much from his lessons

Ahhhh Master Jake, that gave me goosebumps. Thank you for sharing such beautiful talent for the world to see. Aloha to you.

he visited my school multiple times and he's just amazing kalihi kai always welcomes him he's an amazing ukulele player and the ukulele club always welcomes him and looks up to him he's just extraordinary it's sad though that i believe there is no ukulele club in kalihi kai anymore but i hope it forms again we miss ms. komatsu

Jake is a very down to earth nice guy, also signed my uke, it was a privilege to meet him and see him play

Oh my God it's my favorite song oh my heart ❤ 💙 💜 💖 💗 💘 love it

This is wonderful. I'd been wanting to learn to play the song myself, but almost every single tutorial or other rendition on youtube imitates the Izzy version, which, lovely as it is, actually bears very little resemblance to the original. And while this is rather above my skill level, it's still a huge pleasure to hear. Thank's Jake! You are without question the best.

Abosutley beautiful, Jake. You really got the true essence of the song!

Jake Simabukuro is my hero...I am constantly inspired whenever I hear him play. :)

I was walking down 6th Street in Austin during sxsw years ago. I heard some fantastic blues and went in. There was Jake playing a used painted l8ke a pineapple. Kill8ng some SRV. Playing behind his back and behind his head. Absolutely jaw dropping good! Stevie would have loved it!

Judy Garland would certainly hear her own voice in that beautiful rendition: historically, very respectful and lovely to hear. Thank you for recording and posting this, Jake. I can hardly wait to hear you play live.

Jake: Fire dragon born in 1976 we miss you here in Lancaster PA! Hope you can return someday!

I love the sound of the Ocean breeze in the background. That is so awesome. Somewhere 'IZ' is smiling.

I heard Jake play live in Scottsdale and his versatility and variety of musical genre was truly amazing. Inspiring for a new ukulele player!

Jake Shimabukuro may be the greatest Uke virtuoso of all time. Such a tremendous talent and spirit. I do wish he would have mentioned Iz Kamakawio'ole here as he's the one who popularized this song for Uke.

You’re sooo good, Mr Jake! So inspiring for a beginner like me!

Beautiful. You are the best. Thank you.

One word only? FANTASTIC!

Oh God it's always a pleasure to hear you!

We just saw him at the McCullam Theater in Palm Desert. My youngest daughter of 6 could not get enough, she is non stop talking about how amazing he is, and I really must agree. In fact her main Christmas gift this year is now going to be a ukulele. So thankful for the oppertunity to see him play...loved the first song he wrote at age six too.

What a talented young man. Seems like you were born with a uke in your hand.. Thanks

This is one of the most beautiful versions I've heard of this song.

I first saw Jake play when he was very young in Hawaii at the Navy Exchange!

I literally clapped behind my screen man, his playing style is just absolutely majestic and unique! I love it so much!! :)

I love your interpretation. This is so wonderful. Thank you

I am new to Ukulele and heard your name. I set out to find you and listen to your music. You surpassed my expectations. You all all that and then some. 😃

How could 100 people dislike this beautiful song?

What a beautiful and sensitive rendition of this song.

Wow! Tears falling because this is so beautifully played by Jake! I saw this artist in Chattanooga at Nightfall! Just amazing stuff!

Whew!! I just finished transcribing this beautiful gem in it's entirety. Ukulele tab.

My wife and I got into a fight today. I said, let me search for Jake to rescue me and here I land. Now Im happy and smiling. Emotions.

I saw a rainbow at the background. It's beautiful. Awesome.

Wow. Just beautiful. If I could play just one song on any instrument that beautifully, I would die a happy man. Thank you Jake!

One can really tell that he's been at it since he was 4. So very nice!! Definitely at the top of his game.

Handsome man, beautiful arrangement, lovely, sweet song. What more could you want? Thank you, Jake.

New Fan here i love what you do your music is so inspirational to me.You are The Reason i have Regained my Passion For Music again! and the reason i have choose to pick up piano and instruments again.Thank you Jake.

Jake is a great talent. I like his positive attitude and style. It always makes me happy to see his performances.

he can really make that ukulele sing... his covers give me peace

I found this guy today on here, wow, beautiful.

Awesome! It was amazing watching your fingers. I just bought my Ukulele yesterday and love it - trying to learn ... long way to go. Thanks for the beautiful song.

genuine love and devotion. and talent.

This is so peaceful. I love it.

Gorgeous! Excited that I'll be hearing you live in Maryville next month. :~)

Absolutely stunning.

Thank you! That was something else!

Jake : Iz would be proud of you bro......hoping to see you soon in Colorado.....need to buy those tickets before they are gone. Just watched your PBS special Life on 4 Strings. Thanks for sharing. Aloha, Theo

If there's anyone who doesn't tear up listening to this brilliant performance, then that person just doesn't like music all that much.

You should play this as your last song in every set. Really impressive

Very nice performance. Lovely as a matter of fact!

Going to see him tomorrow and hope to get my uke signed as well

Just beautiful. Thank you..

ta musicalité mon amis , est une vrais source d'énergie et de bien être , merci pour tout ce que tu nous partages :)

I just wanna give this guy a hug...

This video inspired me to buy an ukelele, hopefully I can play half as good as he does one day. What an incredible artist.

This song was made for the ukulele. The melancholy of the arrangement is magnified by the limitations of the ukulele. Less is more. Thank you, Jake! Tip of the hat to Bruddah IZ as well!

Highest skills of ukulele, lovely composing of Over the rainbow.You are the ukulele devil🤣🤣🤣🤣😜😜😜🙈🙈Love it very much.Thanks for sharing.This is one of my favourite song.Have great weekend Jake👌

That was so beautiful and inspiring. I've read the original book and it's as inspiring.

Lovely song Jake and thanks for your comments on Dixon's Uke Play of Official Paragone

Amazing. Beautiful. Talented. Perfect!

Very nice. Best version I've heard in a long time.

That was just so beautiful, memories and a few tears :( but it was Wonderful,

That was perfect. Thank you, Jake!

I met him and got my uke signed

Went to the Place of Fine Arts in San Francisco with a very special friend and seen a spectacular show.

That is just great and what an inspiration to practice my ukulele's even more. Thanks Jake!!

Wow. That was just beautiful.

Was lucky to Listen to the JPR interview!! Rocked it!

노래도 함께 해 주셨으면 그 고운 음성과 아름다은 멜로디에 흠뻑 더 빠질 수 있을것 같은데요 ^^;;; 멋지십니다~~저도 우크렐레 연습중이거든요. 이제 2개월차에요. 제이크님이 제게 큰 감동을 주셔서 저도 열심히 연습해 볼께요 ^^

You are fabulous, how very beautiful that was!

Just beautiful - thanks Jake :-)

Still here after 9 years! :D

I LOVE your music!

so lovely

My favorite Uke, performance of Over the Rainbow!

Beautiful !

Very talented musician. Here's one for you Jake - 'Child of Snow' ( Ryuichi Sakamoto). Love to hear your rendition of this.

This guy is amazing. God bless you

Man, I love the way you make a uke sing!

So beautiful, as usual !

You're my cousin hayashi San miss you much brother miss you... Lots 1986 gives meaning

Incredibly done. Bravo. I will say something, which I mean with the utmost respect and that is that song was first made famous on the uk by brother IZ, whether we admit it or not. If you are a fan of the ukulele, the first time you ever heard this song, it was from him. So ya, composed by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, but I would also tip my hat to the man who inspired us all to play this on the Uk. In my humble opinion.

I strive to be able to strum and finger pick at the same time!!!!!! It’s like playing the piano on strings!!!

Beautiful

Beautiful.