| An article in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin talks about how Jake and Jimmy Buffett first met:
Buffett had been a fan of Shimabukuro’s music, but it was a longtime member of his Coral Reefer Band, guitarist and vocalist Mac McAnally, who convinced him that “this kid is the real deal.”
McAnally had heard Shimabukuro live and suggested to Buffett that the Hawaii musician should sit in for a few songs during the band’s April show at the Waikiki Shell (April 19, 2005).
“I’ve got a pretty good instinct about these things, but I really trust Mac more than me,” Buffett said. “But this band isn’t a democracy, so I went to Ala Moana Center — with a hangover mind you — to buy one of his CDs just before my concert.” After a listen: “I agreed with Mac.”
The next day, during a visit to the Waikiki Local Motion surf shop, Buffet saw a poster that said Shimabukuro would be doing a private performance in the store, to be broadcast live to Japan.
“I left a note with Local Motion to give to Jake saying I liked his (music) and to call me if he had the time,” Buffett said. “I wanted him to sit for some songs.”
Shimabukuro was speechless when he learned the details. “I thought, no way, is this a joke?” Shimabukuro said.
He played two encores with Buffett at the sold-out Shell Concert that night, including one song with Henry Kapono. When he finished a solo piece, Buffett whispered, “Passing the torch, Jake. Now run with it.” |
