International ukulele jazz and drums virtuoso, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., has given fans of jazz, the ukulele, and the world music community one big reason to celebrate; the release of "Rhythm & Uke" (Pass Out Records). Abe's musical offering showcases his two main tools of the trade, featuring melodic and inspiring solo ukulele pieces alongside light jazz arrangements of ukulele, acoustic bass and drums.
"Rhythm & Uke" is available now on www.passoutrecords.com, CD Baby, iTunes, and Amazon.
The release of "Rhythm & Uke"
arrives a month ahead of Abe's headlining performances at several major Asian ukulele
festivals in Thailand and the Philippines. With eight (8) original compositions
and two (2) tasty reinterpretations; jazz standard "I'll Remember
April" and the Japanese hit song "Namida No Kiss," "Rhythm
& Uke" further solidifies Abe as one of the shining stars and unique
voices performing the ukulele. His innovative approach to jazz improvisation on
the ukulele is natural, with a personal style that appeals to purists and new
fans alike. Abe is an accessible artist, composer, and educator who continues
to foster innovation and creativity for the ukulele and its rise to global
popularity.
To keep things in perspective, the Hawaii-raised
Abe is first and foremost a drummer, playing since the age of four. He picked
up the ukulele for the first time while attending college at Boston's Berklee
College of Music as a Music Education major. His previous full-length ukulele
releases were awarded with a Hawaii Music Award and Na Hoku Hanohano Award
("Hawaiian equivalent of a GRAMMY"). As a drummer, he was named a
semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute 2012 drum
competition, a breeding ground for the next generation of jazz artists.
Abe's drum endorsements include: Paiste Cymbals,
Vic Firth sticks, Canopus Drums, and Beato Bags. He proudly endorses the
following ukulele products: Ko'olau Ukuleles, Fusion Bags, and Kaminari cables.
Currently based in Los Angeles, California,
another one of Abe's unique skill set is that of a "juggler;" one who
can manage his performing duties as an ukulele recording artist, sideman on
drums, vibraphone, ukulele, composer/educator/author and musical director.
