Renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and legendary drummer Mick Fleetwood have joined forces to release a captivating rendition of the classic “Whiter Shade Of Pale.” This reimagining of Procol Harum’s iconic track marks the second single from their highly anticipated collaborative album, Blues Experience, set for release on October 18th via Forty Below Records.
Their version of “Whiter Shade Of Pale” brilliantly reinvents the timeless classic, blending Shimabukuro’s masterful ukulele work with Fleetwood’s dynamic drumming to create a sound that is both hauntingly ethereal and powerfully uplifting. The track captures the essence of the original while infusing it with fresh energy, showcasing the unique synergy between these two iconic musicians.
Reflecting on the project, Mick Fleetwood expressed his enthusiasm: “This is a song I’ve always wanted to play. The original by Procol Harum is a classic, and working on this version with Jake brought a new level of passion and dynamics. It feels like a gift to finally play and record this song!” Shimabukuro echoed this sentiment, stating, “Mick suggested this song, and it felt like an anthem from the start. His drumming gave it an incredible feel, and I was just transported by the sound.”
Blues Experience promises to be a powerful blend of styles, marrying Shimabukuro’s innovative ukulele techniques with Fleetwood’s legendary rhythmic touch. The album features bassist Jackson Waldhoff and keyboard player Michael Grande, along with special guest Mark Johnstone on tracks like “Need Your Love So Bad” and “Rockin’ In The Free World.” Recorded live over two intense three-day sessions, the album also includes contributions from slide guitar virtuoso Sonny Landreth on the Jeff Beck/Stevie Wonder classic “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers.” Fans can expect an album that not only pushes musical boundaries but also pays homage to the enduring power of the songs they love.