A few months ago, one of the hottest tickets in Seattle was for a sold out, two-night stand by ukulele sensation Jake Shimabukuro. If you caught one of his performances at Jazz Alley, you would know why he is often referred to as one of the “most innovative and exciting musicians of his generation.” 

Now, Shimabukuro is teaming up with legendary drummer Mick Fleetwood on a collaborative album, “Blues Experience.” Given the name of their project, the duo will join forces to take on classic blues tunes with a fresh take. The album also features an original composition by Shimabukuro, “Kula Blues,” a tribute to the Maui area where Fleetwood resides.

In fact, it was in Hawaii a couple of decades earlier where a young Shimabukuro first crossed paths with Fleetwood at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaiian Music Awards). Shimabukuro was there performing with singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins. Years later, he met up with Fleetwood in Nashville where the idea for “Blues Experience” came together. That connection eventually lead to the recording sessions in Maui.

Shimabukuro and Fleetwood are joined by a solid cast of musicians on the album. If you were at Shimabukuro’s gig at Jazz Alley, you would have heard the talents of bassist Jackson Waldhoff, who is also joined on the album by keyboardist Michael Grande. Special guest Mark Johnstone from The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band adds his keyboard magic to two tracks. And, slide guitarist Sonny Landreth makes a guest appearance on the Jeff Beck/Stevie Wonder classic “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers,” to round out the recording. 

Expect some psychedelic jazz-rock along with the unmistakable foundation and beats of Fleetwood behind the set. “Blues Experience” is due out on October 18 via Forty Below Records.