Gotta tell you about Live, the new CD from ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. Maybe you've been a longtime fan, or you're one of those folks who first saw Jake when he performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, or maybe this is the first you've ever heard his name. Whatever the case, you need to know that Jake Shimabukuro can play the hell out of a ukulele.

I know to a lot of people, the ukulele is largely considered a toy, or a novelty, or a musical joke instrument. But Jake ain't no joke. He seriously rocks on that thing, with a presence and technique that will make you rethink what the ukulele sound is all about. Get your head out of the luau.

If you've heard his previous albums, Dragon and Gently Weeps, you know what I'm talking about. However, I've never had the chance to see him perform live -- I'm told it's a whole other level awesome. This new album, while no substitution for the real thing, is a pretty cool approximation of the concert experience, with live cuts selected from a variety of Jake's best performances.

The CD includes twelve original songs (nine versions of his best-known compositions, plus four brand-new tunes), as well as Jake bring his unique uke stylings to five covers -- everything to Bach to George Harrison to Japanese folk. There's even an interpretation of Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Live is out this week, and is available pretty much everywhere. It's all good stuff, so I recommend checking it out. To learn more about Jake Shimabukuro, and see/hear more of his music, visit the official website here. Next, I'm hoping to see Jake live for real.