Nice interview with Mr Vedder about the ukulele, and life generally!
Vedder uke interview
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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Vedder uke interview
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
30 Jun 2011
28 Jun 2011
28 Jun 2011T19:36
I do know however, via emails I receive from readers, that I have given that little push needed to many new uke players. In that sense, the blog is doing it's job.
But what about people and friends local to me here in the UK?
Well, I have been delighted recently to see somebody pick up the uke totally from scratch, and actually stick with it. Rewind back a few weeks, and I was playing in what is becoming something of regular ukulele jam at our local pub. We started late afternoon, drank too much, and played for hours. By the end of the night there were a couple of dozen strangers left, singing along at top volume, all having a great time. Also there, was a friend of ours. He won't mind me admitting this, but not a musician. I think I also recall him taking the mickey a little too (which would be totally fair by the end of the night as the playing was getting rougher and rougher).
Fast forward to a couple of weeks later, and we are at the same pub, about to start a similar jam session, and in walks the same guy with a glossy black Mahalo uke. It turns out that the uke playing had been on his mind. He was with his daughter who had been bought this very uke but showed no interest in playing it. He asked her if he could borrow it, and she agreed.
So, he arrives, uke in hand, and proudly explains that he is going to give it a go. He explains he knows nothing about ukes, and asks me to check it over. I've been quite vocal in the past about Mahalo ukes, simply because I don't rate their quality control - too easy to get a bad one. This one was in great shape though, perfect action and intonation pretty much spot on too. It wasn't in tune, and the strings needed stretching, but I gave them a few tugs and got the thing in tune.
In that first session, he used his time to watch our technique, how to hold, where to strum, that sort of thing, and had a great time!
A couple of weeks later and we are back for a ukulele session. This time he had prior agreed to join in again. This was no fad - he had clearly been practicing! Has a nice strum action going, and knows the position of a decent handful of chords. His biggest complaint? Sore fingertips - I explained, it happens to everyone. Despite the pain, he played on and has vowed to continue. He is reading the various uke sites, including this one and Ukulele Hunt, and has started building his own collection of song sheets and chords to learn.
I'm delighted. This new player came completely out of the blue. Before that first night I'm fairly sure he didn't even know I played a uke or wrote about it on this site, so as such, this was no 'hard sell'.
So, best of luck to him - hope he keeps at it. If you are out there thinking about playing, then give it a go!
(hang on though, I haven't warned him about Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome yet... Oh heck..)
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The birth of a new ukulele player
When I started this blog, it was with the sole intention of helping people start to play the ukulele. Being an Internet blog though, I'm just a bloke with a keyboard. I don't actually get to meet many people who read these pages.
I do know however, via emails I receive from readers, that I have given that little push needed to many new uke players. In that sense, the blog is doing it's job.
But what about people and friends local to me here in the UK?
Well, I have been delighted recently to see somebody pick up the uke totally from scratch, and actually stick with it. Rewind back a few weeks, and I was playing in what is becoming something of regular ukulele jam at our local pub. We started late afternoon, drank too much, and played for hours. By the end of the night there were a couple of dozen strangers left, singing along at top volume, all having a great time. Also there, was a friend of ours. He won't mind me admitting this, but not a musician. I think I also recall him taking the mickey a little too (which would be totally fair by the end of the night as the playing was getting rougher and rougher).
Fast forward to a couple of weeks later, and we are at the same pub, about to start a similar jam session, and in walks the same guy with a glossy black Mahalo uke. It turns out that the uke playing had been on his mind. He was with his daughter who had been bought this very uke but showed no interest in playing it. He asked her if he could borrow it, and she agreed.
So, he arrives, uke in hand, and proudly explains that he is going to give it a go. He explains he knows nothing about ukes, and asks me to check it over. I've been quite vocal in the past about Mahalo ukes, simply because I don't rate their quality control - too easy to get a bad one. This one was in great shape though, perfect action and intonation pretty much spot on too. It wasn't in tune, and the strings needed stretching, but I gave them a few tugs and got the thing in tune.
In that first session, he used his time to watch our technique, how to hold, where to strum, that sort of thing, and had a great time!
A couple of weeks later and we are back for a ukulele session. This time he had prior agreed to join in again. This was no fad - he had clearly been practicing! Has a nice strum action going, and knows the position of a decent handful of chords. His biggest complaint? Sore fingertips - I explained, it happens to everyone. Despite the pain, he played on and has vowed to continue. He is reading the various uke sites, including this one and Ukulele Hunt, and has started building his own collection of song sheets and chords to learn.
I'm delighted. This new player came completely out of the blue. Before that first night I'm fairly sure he didn't even know I played a uke or wrote about it on this site, so as such, this was no 'hard sell'.
So, best of luck to him - hope he keeps at it. If you are out there thinking about playing, then give it a go!
(hang on though, I haven't warned him about Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome yet... Oh heck..)
27 Jun 2011
27 Jun 2011T10:29
Ukulele gig report - boy it was hot!
Last night was another ukulele get together in our local pub for what turned into another mammoth strumming session. In the UK at the moment we are having a heat wave - boy, was it hot! Furious uke strumming in 30 degree heat certainly put a sweat on the forehead!
Still, armed with the Fluke and the Flea as ukes of choice, and several cold beers we played many songs and got some good mass singsongs going to.
As usual, by way of inspiration, the set list is below. Give some of them a try!
It's Alright Mama
I Will Survive
Keep The Car Running
Tonight You Belong To Me
You've Got A Friend In Me
Country Roads
Hello Marylou
Brown Eyed Girl
Days
Leaving Of Liverpool
Delilah
Thunder Road
Born To Run
African Skies
I Saw Her Standing There
I'll be Your Baby Tonight
Ain't she Sweet
In The Summertime
King Of The Road
Valerie
When you're Smiling
I Wanna Be Like You
I Walk The Line
Maggie May
Your Cheating Heart
Dream A Little Dream
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
9 To 5
Phew!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Read More »
Still, armed with the Fluke and the Flea as ukes of choice, and several cold beers we played many songs and got some good mass singsongs going to.
As usual, by way of inspiration, the set list is below. Give some of them a try!
It's Alright Mama
I Will Survive
Keep The Car Running
Tonight You Belong To Me
You've Got A Friend In Me
Country Roads
Hello Marylou
Brown Eyed Girl
Days
Leaving Of Liverpool
Delilah
Thunder Road
Born To Run
African Skies
I Saw Her Standing There
I'll be Your Baby Tonight
Ain't she Sweet
In The Summertime
King Of The Road
Valerie
When you're Smiling
I Wanna Be Like You
I Walk The Line
Maggie May
Your Cheating Heart
Dream A Little Dream
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
9 To 5
Phew!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
25 Jun 2011
25 Jun 2011T16:32
have given some thought to my top ten reasons why you should take up playing the ukulele. No particular order, but all good reasons in my view. Perhaps this may help to sway my readers who remain undecided!
1. They can be cheap
Whilst you can see some silly prices for high end, boutique or hand made ukes, for a beginner wanting to start playing, the initial outlay need not be high. Compared to buying a guitar, violin, or piano (which can be a serious financial consideration) a starter uke can be had for £30 in the case of the excellent Makala dolphin. Other good ukes exist around the £50 mark and at just over £100 you will see your first solid wood instruments.
2. They are happy instruments
Whilst I don't want to sound 'twee', my experience of playing in front of people with the uke is that they automatically make people smile in a good way! They have a happy, bright sound that is hard not to like!
3. They are easy to start to learn
Note, I didn't say they are easy, full stop! No instrument is easy and all require practice and dedication. The uke however is one of the easiest to start with. Many chords require a single finger only and new players can get a simple song out of one in an afternoon (my record is teaching a song to a total beginner in under ten minutes!)
4. They are portable
Size is the thing. Being small they are easily taken wherever you go. You can carry them on planes, easily throw them in the trunk of the car. Because of that you can always have one with you, meaning more practice. I have played mine in the passenger seat of my car whilst my wife was driving. Try that with a guitar!
5. They are sociable
More than any other instrument I play, the uke is by far the most fun to play with others at parties. It's the perfect singalong instrument, and I am losing count of the amount of people who have been introduced that way and the next time I see them they have bought one!
6. They can express your personality
Again, unlike other instruments, the uke can come in a bewildering range of styles, shapes and colours. Sure, you can have one that looks like a plain wood guitar, but you will also find bright pink if you like!
7. They are good with small children
Not a reason for everyone, but it works for me. Small children love to be sung to. If you are a parent, and can't play an instrument you will be amazed at how quickly you can pick up nursery rhymes on the uke. Speaking from experience with my daughter, adding a uke to song time brightens her face even more! I even bought her one of her own!
8. They are (generally) maintenance free
Assuming you didn't buy a duff instrument, there isn't much to go wrong. Just four strings to tune. Unlike a guitar, the strings also last for ages, so you are not swapping strings every two weeks.
9. You are playing alongside some huge famous names
If the uke is good enough for Elvis, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello,..... Need I say more?
10. You are joining a wonderful community
I play several instruments, but have never before come across such a helpful, friendly and positive community as those who play uke. These people will go out of their way to help you along!
So there you have it, some thoughts of mine that I hope help to sway you. If you already play, what were your reasons? Email me and tell me your story. If it's interesting, I'll put it on the blog!
Read More »
10 reasons to start playing the ukulele
have given some thought to my top ten reasons why you should take up playing the ukulele. No particular order, but all good reasons in my view. Perhaps this may help to sway my readers who remain undecided!
1. They can be cheap
Whilst you can see some silly prices for high end, boutique or hand made ukes, for a beginner wanting to start playing, the initial outlay need not be high. Compared to buying a guitar, violin, or piano (which can be a serious financial consideration) a starter uke can be had for £30 in the case of the excellent Makala dolphin. Other good ukes exist around the £50 mark and at just over £100 you will see your first solid wood instruments.
2. They are happy instruments
Whilst I don't want to sound 'twee', my experience of playing in front of people with the uke is that they automatically make people smile in a good way! They have a happy, bright sound that is hard not to like!
3. They are easy to start to learn
Note, I didn't say they are easy, full stop! No instrument is easy and all require practice and dedication. The uke however is one of the easiest to start with. Many chords require a single finger only and new players can get a simple song out of one in an afternoon (my record is teaching a song to a total beginner in under ten minutes!)
4. They are portable
Size is the thing. Being small they are easily taken wherever you go. You can carry them on planes, easily throw them in the trunk of the car. Because of that you can always have one with you, meaning more practice. I have played mine in the passenger seat of my car whilst my wife was driving. Try that with a guitar!
5. They are sociable
More than any other instrument I play, the uke is by far the most fun to play with others at parties. It's the perfect singalong instrument, and I am losing count of the amount of people who have been introduced that way and the next time I see them they have bought one!
6. They can express your personality
Again, unlike other instruments, the uke can come in a bewildering range of styles, shapes and colours. Sure, you can have one that looks like a plain wood guitar, but you will also find bright pink if you like!
7. They are good with small children
Not a reason for everyone, but it works for me. Small children love to be sung to. If you are a parent, and can't play an instrument you will be amazed at how quickly you can pick up nursery rhymes on the uke. Speaking from experience with my daughter, adding a uke to song time brightens her face even more! I even bought her one of her own!
8. They are (generally) maintenance free
Assuming you didn't buy a duff instrument, there isn't much to go wrong. Just four strings to tune. Unlike a guitar, the strings also last for ages, so you are not swapping strings every two weeks.
9. You are playing alongside some huge famous names
If the uke is good enough for Elvis, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello,..... Need I say more?
10. You are joining a wonderful community
I play several instruments, but have never before come across such a helpful, friendly and positive community as those who play uke. These people will go out of their way to help you along!
So there you have it, some thoughts of mine that I hope help to sway you. If you already play, what were your reasons? Email me and tell me your story. If it's interesting, I'll put it on the blog!
23 Jun 2011
23 Jun 2011T20:56
Amazing Jake
Shared to death on the net already, but not on this blog. I therefore figured that my readers needed to see this. How about this for inspiration? The amazing Jake Shimabukuro performs 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' on ukulele..
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T12:24
Every uke player should have this song in his or her arsenal, so have a listen to the video, and the chords and lyrics are below! The chords below are not quite as per the film, though you can find an excellent tutorial for the precise fingering on the Ukulele Hunt website HERE. The version below works for me though.
Oh, and I can't help you with the trumpet part, but you could try a kazoo!
There are a couple of odd chords in here. The Bbm6 is fingered by barring your first finger across the C, E and A strings at the first fret ( 0111), and the Bbm is a complete barre at the first fret and the G string at the third (3111)
Good luck!
I [F]know (I know)
You be[F7]long to [Bb]somebody [Bbm6]new,
But to[F]night you be[C7]long to [F]me. [Gm7][C7]
Al[F]though (although)
We're a[F7]part, you're [Bb]part of my [Bbm6]heart,
But to[F]night you be[C7]long to [F]me. [F7]
Way [Bbm]down, by the stream
How sweet it would seem,
Once [F]more just to[D7] dream in the [G7]moonlight, [C]
[X]My honey
I [F]know (I know)
With the [F7]dawn that [Bb]you will be [Bbm6]gone,
And to[F]night you be[C7]long to [F]me.
Just to[C7] little old [F]me.
Read More »
Tonight You Belong To Me - Chords
It's a perfect ukulele song, it was supremely used in the Steve Martin film 'The Jerk', and Eddie Vedder chose to cover it on his new Ukulele Songs album - Tonight You Belong To Me.
Every uke player should have this song in his or her arsenal, so have a listen to the video, and the chords and lyrics are below! The chords below are not quite as per the film, though you can find an excellent tutorial for the precise fingering on the Ukulele Hunt website HERE. The version below works for me though.
Oh, and I can't help you with the trumpet part, but you could try a kazoo!
There are a couple of odd chords in here. The Bbm6 is fingered by barring your first finger across the C, E and A strings at the first fret ( 0111), and the Bbm is a complete barre at the first fret and the G string at the third (3111)
Good luck!
I [F]know (I know)
You be[F7]long to [Bb]somebody [Bbm6]new,
But to[F]night you be[C7]long to [F]me. [Gm7][C7]
Al[F]though (although)
We're a[F7]part, you're [Bb]part of my [Bbm6]heart,
But to[F]night you be[C7]long to [F]me. [F7]
Way [Bbm]down, by the stream
How sweet it would seem,
Once [F]more just to[D7] dream in the [G7]moonlight, [C]
[X]My honey
I [F]know (I know)
With the [F7]dawn that [Bb]you will be [Bbm6]gone,
And to[F]night you be[C7]long to [F]me.
Just to[C7] little old [F]me.
21 Jun 2011
21 Jun 2011T20:15
Eddie Vedder performs Without You, on Ukulele
Promoting his new album, Ukulele Songs, Eddie appeared on Letterman the other night. He performed Without You on his uke, which was marked with a nice message in tribute to Clarence Clemons, who died at the weekend.
Enjoy.
Read More »
Enjoy.
T14:10
There were a massive 427 votes, and the voting went like this.
Never played a uke, not interested - 2 (0%)
Thinking about buying first uke - 73 (17%)
Beginner with a starter uke - 198 (46%)
Beginner wanting to upgrade - 96 - (22%)
Advanced Player - 58 (13%)
The results are immensely helpful to me, and I would like to think that I have the balance of content right on the site (if not - do shout!)
My readers are mainly beginners who have just started, but I have a good readership of those not yet with a uke and considering one, and those who have a beginner uke and want to upgrade. Of course, it is also great to read that I have some advanced uke player readers!
Thanks again!
Baz
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Ukulele Poll - RESULTS - What type of player are you?
In my last Got A Ukulele poll, I asked you what type of ukulele player you were. The poll has closed and the results are in!
There were a massive 427 votes, and the voting went like this.
Never played a uke, not interested - 2 (0%)
Thinking about buying first uke - 73 (17%)
Beginner with a starter uke - 198 (46%)
Beginner wanting to upgrade - 96 - (22%)
Advanced Player - 58 (13%)
The results are immensely helpful to me, and I would like to think that I have the balance of content right on the site (if not - do shout!)
My readers are mainly beginners who have just started, but I have a good readership of those not yet with a uke and considering one, and those who have a beginner uke and want to upgrade. Of course, it is also great to read that I have some advanced uke player readers!
Thanks again!
Baz
T14:04
Hi Bazmaz!
I read your article and I would like to share my story with your readers. My artist name is "Krapo" and I am in France.
I discovered the ukulele when I heard a singer / musician / songwriter whose band is called Milk & Fruit Juice - http://www.milkandfruitjuice.com/ecoute/. He made the opening song for a french TV show called NerdZ. I was amazed that what I had mistaken for a toy guitar could produce such beautiful sounds. So I ordered a cheap ukulele online and thought I would figure out how to play it.
I first used it for a contest where the TV show's host asked the audience to write him a love letter in order to win a limited edition Zelda Nintendo DS Lite. As he is a huge Zelda fan, I decided I would send a video of me singing a stupid song about him on the music of Zelda instead. And I won!
This made me realize how fun it is to rearrange songs and share them on the Internet. So I opened a YouTube Channel and created many original music arrangements, most of which feature an ukulele. I love playing unexpected songs with unexpected arrangements, so on the ukulele I played metal songs like Chop Suey by System Of A Down, or Love You to Death by Type O Negative. I also used it for videogames music like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Sunshine.
Now I am preparing live solo concerts in which I would alternately play the guitar, the ukulele, and my Nintendo DS's music software, covering all kinds of styles (pop, rock, metal, TV shows and cartoon themes, videogames musics, etc).
If this sounds interesting to you, please visit my website: http://krapo.wordpress.com
Thanks Krapo - an interesting take on what to play on the uke - I too love playing the unexpected!
If you too have a ukulele and want to share your story, how you got involved, or just what you like about it, click the contact me page at the top and email me about it. The perfect way to inspire new players!
Read More »
Me And My Ukulele - Krapo
Hot on the heels of Rae Carter yesterday, today we cross the English Channel in the Me and My Ukulele series, to say hello to Krapo!
Hi Bazmaz!
I read your article and I would like to share my story with your readers. My artist name is "Krapo" and I am in France.
I discovered the ukulele when I heard a singer / musician / songwriter whose band is called Milk & Fruit Juice - http://www.milkandfruitjuice.com/ecoute/. He made the opening song for a french TV show called NerdZ. I was amazed that what I had mistaken for a toy guitar could produce such beautiful sounds. So I ordered a cheap ukulele online and thought I would figure out how to play it.
I first used it for a contest where the TV show's host asked the audience to write him a love letter in order to win a limited edition Zelda Nintendo DS Lite. As he is a huge Zelda fan, I decided I would send a video of me singing a stupid song about him on the music of Zelda instead. And I won!
This made me realize how fun it is to rearrange songs and share them on the Internet. So I opened a YouTube Channel and created many original music arrangements, most of which feature an ukulele. I love playing unexpected songs with unexpected arrangements, so on the ukulele I played metal songs like Chop Suey by System Of A Down, or Love You to Death by Type O Negative. I also used it for videogames music like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Sunshine.
Now I am preparing live solo concerts in which I would alternately play the guitar, the ukulele, and my Nintendo DS's music software, covering all kinds of styles (pop, rock, metal, TV shows and cartoon themes, videogames musics, etc).
If this sounds interesting to you, please visit my website: http://krapo.wordpress.com
Thanks Krapo - an interesting take on what to play on the uke - I too love playing the unexpected!
If you too have a ukulele and want to share your story, how you got involved, or just what you like about it, click the contact me page at the top and email me about it. The perfect way to inspire new players!
20 Jun 2011
20 Jun 2011T09:58
In the tail end of November 2009 I was asked by my friend Jackie if I could tune a ukulele which she had bought for her son Joe for Christmas. I had never knowingly heard a ukulele before this and had no idea how to tune one but thought it can't be much different from a guitar. I had previously played guitar so I agreed. Initially, I had no idea how to tune the thing. so I hit the internet looking for an online tuner, which was actually quite easy to find. I picked up my laptop and went to her house to tune what could only be described as a toy instrument (Joe was only 4 at the time.) It wasn't until I had it in tune and tried the few chords provided on the same site that I that this could be quite a fun instrument to learn. I went home to my partner to discuss and we agreed I would get one.
Trawling the net I found Ukulele Underground and joined the site immediately. I quickly realised that people who played ukes were extremely friendly and helpful and gave me lots of advice on a first purchase. I decided on a Kala ASMC ukulele. I was a bit wary - over one hundred pounds for something I have never played was a lot of money, but coming from 15 years playing guitar I am well aware cheap instruments are cheap for a reason. I decided to buy from a man called Musicguymike (MGM) in the USA as everyone had raved at how helpful he was and that he set up all his ukes before despatch. I went for it and then sat waiting for two weeks for it to arrive from America. With hindsight I wish I had discovered the Southern Ukulele Store before I did this, as I was stung by customs charges!
I learnt the hard way, definitely. That said, the advantage of having one that would take two weeks to deliver was I was effectively able to play the instrument in my head before I'd even touched it due to me being able to play guitar which was a huge bonus.
I found the tutor Ukulele Mike online and learned hey to play Hey There Delilah. When the uke eventually arrived I fell in love with the beauty of it instantly. I tuned it up and played the tune I had learned. It found it was easy for me to play which was a huge bonus!
I then decided to record me playing it after only an hour or so of holding one and posted it on Youtube, as that seemed to be what a lot of players were doing on Ukulele Underground. After I posted I found I was getting a lot of really kind comments from people who were shocked I could play it so quickly. This spurred me on to carry on posting on Youtube under the name raecarter82.
18 months later I now have 75 videos posted and so many more views than I ever thought possible. I'm even playing in pubs now and have started professionally recording a song I wrote in studio of Quay West Records in Gosport, Hampshire. It seems only yesterday that I first picked up that toy uke, as I still feel that same excitement when I player the infectious little thing! It has definitely brought the love of music back to me. I hope this inspires some to discover or rediscover they love of music through the ukulele also. Thanks for reading.
Rae
Thanks Rae - you certainly have risen quickly in the uke world - good luck for the future! See below for a vid of Rae playing live supporting What Is Life For and for the opening of Quay West Studios in Gosport. To go from never playing a uke, to performing on a professional stage in under two years is staggering! And to keep an eye on Rae and his gigs - look at his FACEBOOK PAGE
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Me And My Ukulele - Rae Carter
Continuing my series, Me And My Ukulele, where ukulele players worldwide share their stories with you. I hope they inspire you. This time, say hello to Rae Carter, from Portsmouth, UK.
Photo - Credit - Copyright Marcus Maschwitz Photography
In the tail end of November 2009 I was asked by my friend Jackie if I could tune a ukulele which she had bought for her son Joe for Christmas. I had never knowingly heard a ukulele before this and had no idea how to tune one but thought it can't be much different from a guitar. I had previously played guitar so I agreed. Initially, I had no idea how to tune the thing. so I hit the internet looking for an online tuner, which was actually quite easy to find. I picked up my laptop and went to her house to tune what could only be described as a toy instrument (Joe was only 4 at the time.) It wasn't until I had it in tune and tried the few chords provided on the same site that I that this could be quite a fun instrument to learn. I went home to my partner to discuss and we agreed I would get one.
Trawling the net I found Ukulele Underground and joined the site immediately. I quickly realised that people who played ukes were extremely friendly and helpful and gave me lots of advice on a first purchase. I decided on a Kala ASMC ukulele. I was a bit wary - over one hundred pounds for something I have never played was a lot of money, but coming from 15 years playing guitar I am well aware cheap instruments are cheap for a reason. I decided to buy from a man called Musicguymike (MGM) in the USA as everyone had raved at how helpful he was and that he set up all his ukes before despatch. I went for it and then sat waiting for two weeks for it to arrive from America. With hindsight I wish I had discovered the Southern Ukulele Store before I did this, as I was stung by customs charges!
I learnt the hard way, definitely. That said, the advantage of having one that would take two weeks to deliver was I was effectively able to play the instrument in my head before I'd even touched it due to me being able to play guitar which was a huge bonus.
I found the tutor Ukulele Mike online and learned hey to play Hey There Delilah. When the uke eventually arrived I fell in love with the beauty of it instantly. I tuned it up and played the tune I had learned. It found it was easy for me to play which was a huge bonus!
I then decided to record me playing it after only an hour or so of holding one and posted it on Youtube, as that seemed to be what a lot of players were doing on Ukulele Underground. After I posted I found I was getting a lot of really kind comments from people who were shocked I could play it so quickly. This spurred me on to carry on posting on Youtube under the name raecarter82.
18 months later I now have 75 videos posted and so many more views than I ever thought possible. I'm even playing in pubs now and have started professionally recording a song I wrote in studio of Quay West Records in Gosport, Hampshire. It seems only yesterday that I first picked up that toy uke, as I still feel that same excitement when I player the infectious little thing! It has definitely brought the love of music back to me. I hope this inspires some to discover or rediscover they love of music through the ukulele also. Thanks for reading.
Rae
Thanks Rae - you certainly have risen quickly in the uke world - good luck for the future! See below for a vid of Rae playing live supporting What Is Life For and for the opening of Quay West Studios in Gosport. To go from never playing a uke, to performing on a professional stage in under two years is staggering! And to keep an eye on Rae and his gigs - look at his FACEBOOK PAGE
18 Jun 2011
18 Jun 2011T10:36
Lorraine started her career as an events manager, but all that changed when she fell in love with the ukulele. She was bitten by the bug, set up a uke jam night, and before long set up a teaching business giving ukulele lessons and actually qualified in teaching to help her along in that regard. She has since become a well known name in the UK uke world, and has been interviewed by the Guardian, and appeared on TV.
Hi Lorraine, so tell me how you started out.
I used to work at festivals (I still do at Glastonbury), and a friend recommended I see The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. I loved them so much I signed up to their website. I received an email from them to say that they were running uke workshops and I signed up. I enjoyed the classes so much that I asked the others in the group if they would be keen to jam with me on a regular basis. That's how the jam night UKULELE WEDNESDAYS started. I knew I wouldn't practice on my own and jamming with others would help spur me on. I had also recently given up smoking. You might say that I have replaced one addiction with another!
Tell me more about Ukulele Wednesdays. How does it work?
Ukulele Wednesdays is a free, open jam night held at the Royal George, Goslett Yard in London. There is a songbook we produced that you need to print and bring down with you. It's all very democratic, and people shout out the next song that will be sung and we go with that.
What have been the highlights for you?
There have been so many. I never imagined that so many people would come from all over the world to Ukulele Wednesdays. It is entertaining every single week. We have had everything from celebrity guests to a recent flaming tuba visit. We've had people come along from the other side of the world. I also didn't imagine that I would get on with the ukulele so well that I would be able to form a band, Karauke , or that we would play on Radio 1 (sound clip HERE ), among other great gigs all over the place. I'm really happy that a lot of my friends would want to learn the uke and that they prompted me to become a teacher, a job which I truly love and feel thankful I'm able to do - I love seeing people get the spark for playing in the same way I felt when I first started. I teach via LEARN TO UKE
I read that Learn To Uke has been a success, it seems like a great idea.
Learn To Uke is going really well. I re-trained as a teacher, so I teach in schools, I also teach teachers via INSET sessions how to teach their children whole class instrumental lessons with ukulele, and I teach adult groups in London. Each type of group is very different, but I enjoy it all.
So, as a seasoned uke player, what are your top tips for beginners?
On a technical level, concentrate on the chords you find tricky, and repeat those until your fingers make them naturally.
On a general level, don't hesitate. Get playing! Get your friends playing! You'll feel an enormous sense of well being playing songs that you like on the ukulele. It's such a social instrument, it deserves to be played, enjoyed and loved.
I couldnt agree more! Thanks Lorraine.
Check out my other Got A Ukulele Interviews HERE
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Ukulele Interview - Lorraine Bow
I was delighted to conduct another interview recently, this time with ukulele player, teacher, band member and club organiser Lorraine Bow!
Lorraine started her career as an events manager, but all that changed when she fell in love with the ukulele. She was bitten by the bug, set up a uke jam night, and before long set up a teaching business giving ukulele lessons and actually qualified in teaching to help her along in that regard. She has since become a well known name in the UK uke world, and has been interviewed by the Guardian, and appeared on TV.
Hi Lorraine, so tell me how you started out.
I used to work at festivals (I still do at Glastonbury), and a friend recommended I see The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. I loved them so much I signed up to their website. I received an email from them to say that they were running uke workshops and I signed up. I enjoyed the classes so much that I asked the others in the group if they would be keen to jam with me on a regular basis. That's how the jam night UKULELE WEDNESDAYS started. I knew I wouldn't practice on my own and jamming with others would help spur me on. I had also recently given up smoking. You might say that I have replaced one addiction with another!
Tell me more about Ukulele Wednesdays. How does it work?
Ukulele Wednesdays is a free, open jam night held at the Royal George, Goslett Yard in London. There is a songbook we produced that you need to print and bring down with you. It's all very democratic, and people shout out the next song that will be sung and we go with that.
What have been the highlights for you?
There have been so many. I never imagined that so many people would come from all over the world to Ukulele Wednesdays. It is entertaining every single week. We have had everything from celebrity guests to a recent flaming tuba visit. We've had people come along from the other side of the world. I also didn't imagine that I would get on with the ukulele so well that I would be able to form a band, Karauke , or that we would play on Radio 1 (sound clip HERE ), among other great gigs all over the place. I'm really happy that a lot of my friends would want to learn the uke and that they prompted me to become a teacher, a job which I truly love and feel thankful I'm able to do - I love seeing people get the spark for playing in the same way I felt when I first started. I teach via LEARN TO UKE
I read that Learn To Uke has been a success, it seems like a great idea.
Learn To Uke is going really well. I re-trained as a teacher, so I teach in schools, I also teach teachers via INSET sessions how to teach their children whole class instrumental lessons with ukulele, and I teach adult groups in London. Each type of group is very different, but I enjoy it all.
So, as a seasoned uke player, what are your top tips for beginners?
On a technical level, concentrate on the chords you find tricky, and repeat those until your fingers make them naturally.
On a general level, don't hesitate. Get playing! Get your friends playing! You'll feel an enormous sense of well being playing songs that you like on the ukulele. It's such a social instrument, it deserves to be played, enjoyed and loved.
I couldnt agree more! Thanks Lorraine.
Check out my other Got A Ukulele Interviews HERE
T09:18
Love it!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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UOGB - Wuthering Heights
The wonderful Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain's take on the Kate Bush classic, Wuthering Heights.
Love it!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
17 Jun 2011
17 Jun 2011T07:55
Hi, I'm Joey, I'm 29 and a disabled student and writer living in Swindon, UK. I've been playing Ukulele for about 10 months now - and coming up to my year mark on August 31st!
So, why did I start?
I had a friend online who was posting photos of her ukulele "collection". She was buying Soprano Ukuleles in all different colours, the reasoning behind it is not something I remember. Anyway, after seeing her Ukuleles, I thought that I would like to have one, but that's as far as the thought went. I went to have a haircut last August and on the way back to the car saw some musical instruments in the window of the local Sue Ryder Charity Shop - one was a Ukulele, so I went in and saw they had a purple one! (Favourite colour ever!) I asked about prices and seeing that I had some cash left over from the haircut I decided to take the plunge and buy her. I wasn't like my friend though, I wanted to learn to PLAY her! Not just have her as a pretty, kooky decoration!
I went online when I got home and tuned her (I named her Astrid, that's a whole nother story!) and then started looking for websites to help me learn. I found your blog actually and then from there Ukulele Underground, and after about a month (if that) I bought my second Uke, an Ohana SK10S (called "Lilo") and learnt all about upgrading strings and everything.
How the times have changed since then! I now have 5 Ukuleles in total (my third came about a week after Lilo!) and although I still have Astrid, she's not my "go-to" Uke. I play her still, but not as often. I love the music, I love the atmosphere, I love the way other Ukulele players just like you because you're a Uker!
I also started my own blog - http://4ukulele.blogspot.com/ if you want to see recent videos of my playing. I'll never be a prodigy at it, but I'm having fun and that's what counts right?
Thanks Joey! And remember, if you want to help inspire new players by sharing YOUR story, then CONTACT ME
Read More »
Me And My Ukulele - Joey Paul
Continuing the series where you, the reader, shares your ukulele stories with the world. This time, say hello, Joey Paul!
Hi, I'm Joey, I'm 29 and a disabled student and writer living in Swindon, UK. I've been playing Ukulele for about 10 months now - and coming up to my year mark on August 31st!
So, why did I start?
I had a friend online who was posting photos of her ukulele "collection". She was buying Soprano Ukuleles in all different colours, the reasoning behind it is not something I remember. Anyway, after seeing her Ukuleles, I thought that I would like to have one, but that's as far as the thought went. I went to have a haircut last August and on the way back to the car saw some musical instruments in the window of the local Sue Ryder Charity Shop - one was a Ukulele, so I went in and saw they had a purple one! (Favourite colour ever!) I asked about prices and seeing that I had some cash left over from the haircut I decided to take the plunge and buy her. I wasn't like my friend though, I wanted to learn to PLAY her! Not just have her as a pretty, kooky decoration!
I went online when I got home and tuned her (I named her Astrid, that's a whole nother story!) and then started looking for websites to help me learn. I found your blog actually and then from there Ukulele Underground, and after about a month (if that) I bought my second Uke, an Ohana SK10S (called "Lilo") and learnt all about upgrading strings and everything.
How the times have changed since then! I now have 5 Ukuleles in total (my third came about a week after Lilo!) and although I still have Astrid, she's not my "go-to" Uke. I play her still, but not as often. I love the music, I love the atmosphere, I love the way other Ukulele players just like you because you're a Uker!
I also started my own blog - http://4ukulele.blogspot.com/ if you want to see recent videos of my playing. I'll never be a prodigy at it, but I'm having fun and that's what counts right?
Thanks Joey! And remember, if you want to help inspire new players by sharing YOUR story, then CONTACT ME
16 Jun 2011
16 Jun 2011T23:01
Without further ado...
LONGING TO BELONG - LYRICS AND CHORDS PROVIDED PURELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES!
Intro:
C,F,C,F
C F
I'm falling harder than I've
C F
ever fell before
C F
I'm fallin faster, hoping
C F
I'll land in your arms
Dm A
Cause all my time is spent here
F G7
Longing to belong
C F C F
to you
REPEAT CFCF
C F
I dream of circles perfect,
C F
eyes within your face
C F
My heart's an open wound that
C F
only you replace
Dm F# G
And though the moon is rising,
Dm F# G
can't put your picture down
Dm F# G C F C F
Love can be frightening when you fall
Dm A
And when the time is right,
F G7
I hope that you'll respond
Dm A
Like when the wind gets tired
F G7
and the ocean becomes calm
Dm A
I may be dreaming but I'm
F G7 C F C F
longing to belong to you
Play out repeating
C,F,C,F
Read More »
Eddie Vedder - Longing To Belong Chords
The popularity of the new Eddie Vedder Ukulele Songs CD seems to know no bounds. My review of that album can be found HERE, and as you will see, it is highly recommended by this uke site!
Thought I would work out some more chords for another popular song on the album - this time Longing To Belong. (check the Ukulele songs and chords page above where you will also find chords for the track Sleeping By Myself HERE)Without further ado...
LONGING TO BELONG - LYRICS AND CHORDS PROVIDED PURELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES!
Intro:
C,F,C,F
C F
I'm falling harder than I've
C F
ever fell before
C F
I'm fallin faster, hoping
C F
I'll land in your arms
Dm A
Cause all my time is spent here
F G7
Longing to belong
C F C F
to you
REPEAT CFCF
C F
I dream of circles perfect,
C F
eyes within your face
C F
My heart's an open wound that
C F
only you replace
Dm F# G
And though the moon is rising,
Dm F# G
can't put your picture down
Dm F# G C F C F
Love can be frightening when you fall
Dm A
And when the time is right,
F G7
I hope that you'll respond
Dm A
Like when the wind gets tired
F G7
and the ocean becomes calm
Dm A
I may be dreaming but I'm
F G7 C F C F
longing to belong to you
Play out repeating
C,F,C,F
T11:09
Available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/74732166/panda-ukulele-pandalele
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Pandalele!
First we had the Pac Man ukulele, now the pandalele! I love these!
Available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/74732166/panda-ukulele-pandalele
T10:03
They are on the lookout for a fifth member - see below!
Close harmony ukulele act seeks male singer/player
Close harmony vocal and ukulele ensemble seeks a male ukulele player who can sing, hold a harmony and move a bit.
Dirty Martini is a fresh new five-piece cabaret group, performing an intoxicating cocktail-lounge repertoire of swing and standards from Andrews Sisters to Cab Calloway via Dusty Springfield. Kitsch but classy, sublime harmonies and with its tongue always in its cheek, Dirty Martini will gig regularly and have fun along the way.
Rehearsals at bright, airy [and free!] Waterloo studios. Auditions with the group and it’s Music Arranger in late June.
Contact: dirtymartini@email.com
Read More »
How do you fancy auditioning for a ukulele group?
I am always happy to help a good ukulele cause, and was interested when Mark from the ukulele ensemble 'Dirty Martini' recently got in touch.
They are on the lookout for a fifth member - see below!
Close harmony vocal and ukulele ensemble seeks a male ukulele player who can sing, hold a harmony and move a bit.
Dirty Martini is a fresh new five-piece cabaret group, performing an intoxicating cocktail-lounge repertoire of swing and standards from Andrews Sisters to Cab Calloway via Dusty Springfield. Kitsch but classy, sublime harmonies and with its tongue always in its cheek, Dirty Martini will gig regularly and have fun along the way.
Rehearsals at bright, airy [and free!] Waterloo studios. Auditions with the group and it’s Music Arranger in late June.
Contact: dirtymartini@email.com
15 Jun 2011
15 Jun 2011T23:10
So, without further ado, say hello to the first contributer - Peter Smith!
Hello everyone! I am a 61 year old Pommy living in Sydney, Australia. I started out playing Guitar (fairly badly)and did so for for 45 years. I had to take it up, as every other Liverpool teenager did. (KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN! - ED)
I was first drawn to the Ukulele when I saw George Harrison playing Ain’t She Sweet in a video – no surprise there I suppose - he is a common reason for people choosing the uke!
Before moving to the ukulele though, I first got hold of a Mandolin for my 60th birthday. Following that though this earlier this year, in February, I visited Hawaii and I thought it would the perfect timing and place to buy a Ukulele! I bit the bullet!
My choice was a a Kala uke for $100 and have had SO much fun in the last 3 months playing it. I try to read your site most days and also check out Ukulele Mike, Richard G and The Ukulele Doctor. (GREAT SITES - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - ED)
I actually found it very easy to pick up the chords and I tend to think in shapes (coming from the guitar as I do) for example – a G7 is the shape of D7 on the Guitar, E7 is the shape of B7, C is the shape of G and so on. After that, I found very, very quickly that the sequence C, E7,A7, D7, G7 is a great combo for lots of old songs which I love.
To give you and the readers and example of where I got to - see my video ‘accompanying’ Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole below!
Peter - thanks so much for contributing - some nice strumming there too!
If you would like to share your uke story - get in touch!
Read More »
Me And My Ukulele - Peter Smith
You may have seen on my post last week that I am starting a series on Got A Ukulele called "Me And My Ukulele" - it's a forum for readers to share their stories as to how and why they started playing the uke, and their stories along the way. I figured that it would be an excellent way to give those undecided about playing some real life stories to give them inspiration!
So, without further ado, say hello to the first contributer - Peter Smith!
Hello everyone! I am a 61 year old Pommy living in Sydney, Australia. I started out playing Guitar (fairly badly)and did so for for 45 years. I had to take it up, as every other Liverpool teenager did. (KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN! - ED)
I was first drawn to the Ukulele when I saw George Harrison playing Ain’t She Sweet in a video – no surprise there I suppose - he is a common reason for people choosing the uke!
Before moving to the ukulele though, I first got hold of a Mandolin for my 60th birthday. Following that though this earlier this year, in February, I visited Hawaii and I thought it would the perfect timing and place to buy a Ukulele! I bit the bullet!
My choice was a a Kala uke for $100 and have had SO much fun in the last 3 months playing it. I try to read your site most days and also check out Ukulele Mike, Richard G and The Ukulele Doctor. (GREAT SITES - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - ED)
I actually found it very easy to pick up the chords and I tend to think in shapes (coming from the guitar as I do) for example – a G7 is the shape of D7 on the Guitar, E7 is the shape of B7, C is the shape of G and so on. After that, I found very, very quickly that the sequence C, E7,A7, D7, G7 is a great combo for lots of old songs which I love.
To give you and the readers and example of where I got to - see my video ‘accompanying’ Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole below!
Peter - thanks so much for contributing - some nice strumming there too!
If you would like to share your uke story - get in touch!
14 Jun 2011
14 Jun 2011T12:42
Tricity Vogue took up the uke in 2007 and wanted to recreate the Big Band sound single-handed after her musicians stood her up for a gig. Tricity set up the 'Ukelele Cabaret' shortly afterwards for fellow lovers of the uke – it's an impromptu night of special guests, open mic spots and group singalongs, held every month at the Lincoln Lounge, Kings Cross. She has since played in many, many places, both throughout the UK and in Europe, including the world famous Edinburgh Fringe. In recent times she has played uke for Ravi Shankar too!
So, tell me when you started running your Ukelele Cabaret events?
I organised the first Ukelele Cabaret at the Lincoln Lounge in Kings Cross, London, as part of the Eurostar and St Pancras launch celebrations. It was originally going to be a one-off event, but it was so much fun we decided to do it again. That was over three years ago, back in November 2007. The Ukelele Cabaret has been a monthly fixture at the Lincoln Lounge ever since.
I'd actually only been playing the ukulele six months myself when I organized the first event but I'd been bitten hard by the uke bug, and was really excited about how accessible and fun the instrument was. My two friends who taught me my first ukulele chords performed at the first show with me (Lana Shelley and Rosa Conrad). Now we have a close harmony ukulele group called the 'Mange Tout Mamas'. We don't get to perform much together right now because both Lana and Rosa have small babies (which also makes rehearsing a bit hit-and-miss). We've got some dates in the diary though, and I've got a feeling we'll be playing ukulele and singing together for years to come, through all the ups and downs of our lives. The ukulele is good for that: it stays with you through thick and thin.
Sorry to pick you up on this, but are you sure about the spelling of “Ukelele” in the title of your Cabaret?
Aha, the 'ukulele' versus 'ukelele' debate! Ukelele is actually a valid spelling. I always thought ukelele abbreviated more logically to uke, but I gradually became aware that my spelling of the instrument was the minority one, so I'm slowly and reluctantly giving it up. I was a bit of a ukulele ingenue when I started out, and I called my night 'Ukelele Cabaret' so I could have a myspace page, since there was already a 'Ukulele Cabaret’ (with the double U) in New York. It never occurred to me back then that we'd run for so long, or that our profile would get big enough it would actually reach the ears of the uke cabaret people in New York. They didn't exactly have a go about the name overlap, although they did ask me if I'd consider changing it but by that time we'd been going for too long at the Lincoln Lounge, and I had great poster artwork by illustrator Edward Ward including the name ‘Ukelele Cabaret’ that I didn’t want to give up. I've actually decided to change the spelling for the Edinburgh Fringe show, so this year it's going to be called 'Tricity Vogue's Ukulele Cabaret'. That hopefully means all the uke players will find it in the programme - and I'll actually find the show reviews online this year as well.
You must have some great memories – what are your best moments at the Ukelele Cabaret?
There have been some incredible musical moments born out of impromptu collaborations, where people just jump on the mic and join in with stuff. One Uke Cabaret at the Edinburgh Festival we literally had ukulele with bells and whistles, because New York composer Sxip Shirey jumped in with his bicycle bells and swannee whistles to play along with the winners of the Uke of Edinburgh award. International visitors have made for some pretty special moments in Kings Cross too. Lionel K Hubert and U.K.E came over from Paris, and Hot Time Harv put in a cameo when he was over from NYC, which was a bit of a coup. But for me, one of my favourite shows ever was the night my Dad came to the Ukelele Cabaret in Kings Cross. Martin Wheatley was there that night (ukulele god!!) and I got him to play Girl From Ipanema. It's my dad's favourite tune, and I wanted Martin to play it so I could sing it for him, while the irresistible Lana Lovitt did a belly dance. I think it was actually a bit too much excitement for my dad: he was up all night doing crosswords because he couldn't sleep. He said he was proud of me for hosting a night that was so warm, welcoming, friendly and fun, and that made me really happy. I think the fact that he had a good night at my show means more to me than any star-studded review ever could.
Why did you take up the ukulele in the first place?
As I am sure you’ll agree, Barry, if you let a ukulele into your life you'll never regret it, whether you're already a musician or you've never played any instrument before. I try and get at least one new player to pick up a ukulele and have a go at every one of my shows. I’m a ukulele evangelist. The point is for people to discover how easy it is to get a sound out if a uke, and how satisfying it is to join in with a whole roomful of people playing and singing together.
That's a common thing that many uke players say to me. Why does it matter to you to get people to play ukulele?
Because when I was young, I felt very intimated by the world of musicians, so much so that it took me many years to discover my own musicality, and many more before I'd come out of my bedroom and actually play and sing in front of anyone else. I was a professional jazz singer for about 12 years before I learned to play ukulele, and the uke has transformed my musical life, because now when I sing with a band on stage I don't follow them, I lead them. And I no longer feel intimidated by their superior musicianship because I believe that the simplicity and directness of my little four stringed instrument is strong enough to lead the way clearly in any song, even a complex jazz standard. A ukulele can pare down any tune to its essentials, so that it makes sense to you as a singer and a musician. Then you can start building the song again, from its skeleton up. Also, thanks to the ukulele, I've met so many exciting collaborators, both singers and musicians, who've absolutely transformed my creative life. All the best people play ukulele, in my totally biased opinion. It's what it stands for - bravery and simplicity. It's not an instrument you can hide behind. For people who love music, it's seductive and addictive. Of course I want to share that.
You must come across people, as I do, who like to “knock” the ukulele?
Yes, some people just don't get it. A lot of musicians I've worked with just find it discordant and ugly. I get so many jokes cracked about the fact that there's no point tuning up because it doesn't make any difference anyway, etcetera etcetera. It's like looking at one of those magic 3D pictures - some people just can't see what everybody else is getting excited about. Admittedly listening to a first time player practising can be a bit wearing to a non-player, but it’s a lot less painful on the ear than listening to a novice on violin or brass. And some people won't go there because they don't want to follow the herd. But uke players are a bit too diverse a bunch to be accused of herd instinct, I think. Often they can be downright anarchic, in their own charming, offbeat way. Don't knock it until you've tried it, I'd say.
So, what about the future - where do you hope to be in five years?
I daydream that I'll be hosting 'Tricity Vogue And Friends at Ronnie Scotts', playing my ukulele along with a coterie of brilliant musicians and singers - maybe once a month, to keep it a special occasion. I had the thrill of playing uke on stage at Ronnie Scotts last year, when jazz diva Gill Manly invited me to make a guerrilla cameo during her Ella Fitzgerald tribute show. We duetted on Take The A Train, one of Ella's early tunes (which was also one of the first songs I ever did at the Ukelele Cabaret, in honour of the Eurostar), and Gill played kazoo while I played ukulele. Afterwards I was told that I was the first person ever to play ukulele live on stage at Ronnie's because Ronnie Scott himself couldn't stand the instrument. I'd love to know if this is true. If it is, I might get myself a rosette made or something. I tell you what though, even if I do end up with my own night at Ronnie Scotts in five years time, I hope I'm still running a free ukulele cabaret every month at the Lincoln Lounge in Kings Cross too
Tricity's website, providing details to her apperances, CD's and much more can be found at http://tricityvogue.com/, and you can also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tricity and on twitter as @tricityvogue.
Thanks Tricity!
Read More »
Ukulele Interview - Tricity Vogue
I was recently lucky enough to interview Tricity Vogue, ukulele player, and producer and host of the Ukelele Cabaret.
Tricity Vogue took up the uke in 2007 and wanted to recreate the Big Band sound single-handed after her musicians stood her up for a gig. Tricity set up the 'Ukelele Cabaret' shortly afterwards for fellow lovers of the uke – it's an impromptu night of special guests, open mic spots and group singalongs, held every month at the Lincoln Lounge, Kings Cross. She has since played in many, many places, both throughout the UK and in Europe, including the world famous Edinburgh Fringe. In recent times she has played uke for Ravi Shankar too!
Photo Credit - David Windmill - reproduced with permission
So, tell me when you started running your Ukelele Cabaret events?
I organised the first Ukelele Cabaret at the Lincoln Lounge in Kings Cross, London, as part of the Eurostar and St Pancras launch celebrations. It was originally going to be a one-off event, but it was so much fun we decided to do it again. That was over three years ago, back in November 2007. The Ukelele Cabaret has been a monthly fixture at the Lincoln Lounge ever since.
I'd actually only been playing the ukulele six months myself when I organized the first event but I'd been bitten hard by the uke bug, and was really excited about how accessible and fun the instrument was. My two friends who taught me my first ukulele chords performed at the first show with me (Lana Shelley and Rosa Conrad). Now we have a close harmony ukulele group called the 'Mange Tout Mamas'. We don't get to perform much together right now because both Lana and Rosa have small babies (which also makes rehearsing a bit hit-and-miss). We've got some dates in the diary though, and I've got a feeling we'll be playing ukulele and singing together for years to come, through all the ups and downs of our lives. The ukulele is good for that: it stays with you through thick and thin.
Sorry to pick you up on this, but are you sure about the spelling of “Ukelele” in the title of your Cabaret?
Aha, the 'ukulele' versus 'ukelele' debate! Ukelele is actually a valid spelling. I always thought ukelele abbreviated more logically to uke, but I gradually became aware that my spelling of the instrument was the minority one, so I'm slowly and reluctantly giving it up. I was a bit of a ukulele ingenue when I started out, and I called my night 'Ukelele Cabaret' so I could have a myspace page, since there was already a 'Ukulele Cabaret’ (with the double U) in New York. It never occurred to me back then that we'd run for so long, or that our profile would get big enough it would actually reach the ears of the uke cabaret people in New York. They didn't exactly have a go about the name overlap, although they did ask me if I'd consider changing it but by that time we'd been going for too long at the Lincoln Lounge, and I had great poster artwork by illustrator Edward Ward including the name ‘Ukelele Cabaret’ that I didn’t want to give up. I've actually decided to change the spelling for the Edinburgh Fringe show, so this year it's going to be called 'Tricity Vogue's Ukulele Cabaret'. That hopefully means all the uke players will find it in the programme - and I'll actually find the show reviews online this year as well.
Photo Credit - David Windmill
You must have some great memories – what are your best moments at the Ukelele Cabaret?
There have been some incredible musical moments born out of impromptu collaborations, where people just jump on the mic and join in with stuff. One Uke Cabaret at the Edinburgh Festival we literally had ukulele with bells and whistles, because New York composer Sxip Shirey jumped in with his bicycle bells and swannee whistles to play along with the winners of the Uke of Edinburgh award. International visitors have made for some pretty special moments in Kings Cross too. Lionel K Hubert and U.K.E came over from Paris, and Hot Time Harv put in a cameo when he was over from NYC, which was a bit of a coup. But for me, one of my favourite shows ever was the night my Dad came to the Ukelele Cabaret in Kings Cross. Martin Wheatley was there that night (ukulele god!!) and I got him to play Girl From Ipanema. It's my dad's favourite tune, and I wanted Martin to play it so I could sing it for him, while the irresistible Lana Lovitt did a belly dance. I think it was actually a bit too much excitement for my dad: he was up all night doing crosswords because he couldn't sleep. He said he was proud of me for hosting a night that was so warm, welcoming, friendly and fun, and that made me really happy. I think the fact that he had a good night at my show means more to me than any star-studded review ever could.
Why did you take up the ukulele in the first place?
As I am sure you’ll agree, Barry, if you let a ukulele into your life you'll never regret it, whether you're already a musician or you've never played any instrument before. I try and get at least one new player to pick up a ukulele and have a go at every one of my shows. I’m a ukulele evangelist. The point is for people to discover how easy it is to get a sound out if a uke, and how satisfying it is to join in with a whole roomful of people playing and singing together.
That's a common thing that many uke players say to me. Why does it matter to you to get people to play ukulele?
Because when I was young, I felt very intimated by the world of musicians, so much so that it took me many years to discover my own musicality, and many more before I'd come out of my bedroom and actually play and sing in front of anyone else. I was a professional jazz singer for about 12 years before I learned to play ukulele, and the uke has transformed my musical life, because now when I sing with a band on stage I don't follow them, I lead them. And I no longer feel intimidated by their superior musicianship because I believe that the simplicity and directness of my little four stringed instrument is strong enough to lead the way clearly in any song, even a complex jazz standard. A ukulele can pare down any tune to its essentials, so that it makes sense to you as a singer and a musician. Then you can start building the song again, from its skeleton up. Also, thanks to the ukulele, I've met so many exciting collaborators, both singers and musicians, who've absolutely transformed my creative life. All the best people play ukulele, in my totally biased opinion. It's what it stands for - bravery and simplicity. It's not an instrument you can hide behind. For people who love music, it's seductive and addictive. Of course I want to share that.
You must come across people, as I do, who like to “knock” the ukulele?
Yes, some people just don't get it. A lot of musicians I've worked with just find it discordant and ugly. I get so many jokes cracked about the fact that there's no point tuning up because it doesn't make any difference anyway, etcetera etcetera. It's like looking at one of those magic 3D pictures - some people just can't see what everybody else is getting excited about. Admittedly listening to a first time player practising can be a bit wearing to a non-player, but it’s a lot less painful on the ear than listening to a novice on violin or brass. And some people won't go there because they don't want to follow the herd. But uke players are a bit too diverse a bunch to be accused of herd instinct, I think. Often they can be downright anarchic, in their own charming, offbeat way. Don't knock it until you've tried it, I'd say.
So, what about the future - where do you hope to be in five years?
I daydream that I'll be hosting 'Tricity Vogue And Friends at Ronnie Scotts', playing my ukulele along with a coterie of brilliant musicians and singers - maybe once a month, to keep it a special occasion. I had the thrill of playing uke on stage at Ronnie Scotts last year, when jazz diva Gill Manly invited me to make a guerrilla cameo during her Ella Fitzgerald tribute show. We duetted on Take The A Train, one of Ella's early tunes (which was also one of the first songs I ever did at the Ukelele Cabaret, in honour of the Eurostar), and Gill played kazoo while I played ukulele. Afterwards I was told that I was the first person ever to play ukulele live on stage at Ronnie's because Ronnie Scott himself couldn't stand the instrument. I'd love to know if this is true. If it is, I might get myself a rosette made or something. I tell you what though, even if I do end up with my own night at Ronnie Scotts in five years time, I hope I'm still running a free ukulele cabaret every month at the Lincoln Lounge in Kings Cross too
Tricity's website, providing details to her apperances, CD's and much more can be found at http://tricityvogue.com/, and you can also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tricity and on twitter as @tricityvogue.
Thanks Tricity!
You can read my other Got A Ukulele Interviews HERE - If you are big in the world of uke and want to discuss featuring on this site - get in touch!
T08:40
So if you like the idea of putting some words down, get in touch on the contact page HERE. I'm looking for interesting stories of why you chose the ukulele, how you started to learn, what instrument you play, your high and low points, and your tips for beginners. In particular, I am looking for the funny, interesting and inspiring! If you want to include a mugshot, that is fine, and am happy for the article to link to a blog or website you have.
Get in touch, and we can draft something up together!
Read More »
Calling ukulele players - share your story!
Hi folks - I have been thinking of new ways of helping to promote the ukulele to beginners, or to those undecided on starting playing. I am therefore putting a call out for guest bloggers who may want to share their story!
So if you like the idea of putting some words down, get in touch on the contact page HERE. I'm looking for interesting stories of why you chose the ukulele, how you started to learn, what instrument you play, your high and low points, and your tips for beginners. In particular, I am looking for the funny, interesting and inspiring! If you want to include a mugshot, that is fine, and am happy for the article to link to a blog or website you have.
Get in touch, and we can draft something up together!
12 Jun 2011
12 Jun 2011T12:11
The BBC to the rescue - Ukulele lessons
You can always count on the good old BBC, but I must admit even I was surprised to see them putting up a series of ukulele lessons on the Radio 3 Proms page!
These were actually put up a while ago, but I only just found them
7 easy steps to tune up and learn to play Ode To Joy on the uke!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009/takepart/ukulele/
Read More »
These were actually put up a while ago, but I only just found them
7 easy steps to tune up and learn to play Ode To Joy on the uke!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009/takepart/ukulele/
T11:41
(That D#5 chord is 0330 and the DSus4 is 0230)
F Dm Am
I xxxxxx xxxx xxxxxx there was xxxxxxx xxxx
F Dm Am
Down xxxxx x xxxxxx kept xxxxxx xx xxxxxx
B C7
Now x xxxxxxx xx xxxxxxx, not xxxxx
D#-5 Dsus4 D
As x xxxx xxxxxx out xx xxxx xxxxxx
B C7 F
I'll xx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx
I could xxxxx xx xx xxxxx xxxx
The xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
I xxxxxxx xx xxxxxxx xxx xxx xxxx
And I xxxx xxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx
I'll be xxxxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx
F7
Forever xx xxx xxx xxxxxxx
A B
Forever xxxxx xx xxx xxxx
B
I close xx xxxx
G7
Wait for xxx xxxx
C7
Am x xxxx xxxxxxx xx xxxx?
Oh I xxxxxx xx xxxx xxx xxxxxxxx
Sometimes the xxx xxx xxxx xxx xxxx
I'm be-xxxxxxx xx xxx
What's xxxx xx xx xx xxxxx xx xxxx xx xx xxxx xx xxxxxxx
I'll be xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx...
I'll be xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx..
I'll be xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx tonight
WHY NOT DONATE TO HELP KEEP GOT A UKULELE GOING?
THANKS!
-->
Read More »
Sleeping By Myself - Eddie Vedder ukulele chords
You may have read my review of the new Eddie Vedder album called Ukulele Songs HERE (a great CD, well worth buying and listening to if you are learning how to play the ukulele). He is a big fan of this musical instrument. I really do like the short, simple and sweet second song called Sleeping By Myself - it's also fairly simple to play on the uke. Give it a go!
(That D#5 chord is 0330 and the DSus4 is 0230)
LYRICS PROVIDED PURELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES FOR THOSE LEARNING THE UKULELE (APOLOGIES FOR BLOCKING OUT THE LYRICS - LAWYERS ARE CLAMPING DOWN ON MUSIC TABS AND CLOSING SITES. I DO NOT WANT GOT A UKULELE CLOSED DOWN, SO SADLY THESE PEOPLE WIN. YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT PEOPLE PLAYING SONGS WOULD BE GOOD FOR RECORD SALES, BUT SADLY, LAWYERS DONT THINK THAT WAY.....)
F Dm Am
I xxxxxx xxxx xxxxxx there was xxxxxxx xxxx
F Dm Am
Down xxxxx x xxxxxx kept xxxxxx xx xxxxxx
B C7
Now x xxxxxxx xx xxxxxxx, not xxxxx
D#-5 Dsus4 D
As x xxxx xxxxxx out xx xxxx xxxxxx
B C7 F
I'll xx xxxxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx
I could xxxxx xx xx xxxxx xxxx
The xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
I xxxxxxx xx xxxxxxx xxx xxx xxxx
And I xxxx xxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx
I'll be xxxxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx
F7
Forever xx xxx xxx xxxxxxx
A B
Forever xxxxx xx xxx xxxx
B
I close xx xxxx
G7
Wait for xxx xxxx
C7
Am x xxxx xxxxxxx xx xxxx?
Oh I xxxxxx xx xxxx xxx xxxxxxxx
Sometimes the xxx xxx xxxx xxx xxxx
I'm be-xxxxxxx xx xxx
What's xxxx xx xx xx xxxxx xx xxxx xx xx xxxx xx xxxxxxx
I'll be xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx...
I'll be xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx..
I'll be xxxxxxxx xx xxxxx tonight
WHY NOT DONATE TO HELP KEEP GOT A UKULELE GOING?
THANKS!
-->
T11:34
A
Well, that's alright, mama
A
That's alright for you
A A7
That's alright mama, just anyway you do
A7 D
Well, that's alright, that's alright.
D E[7] A
That's alright now mama, anyway you do
Mama she done told me,
Papa done told me too
'Son, that gal your foolin' with,
She ain't no good for you'
But, that's alright, that's alright.
That's alright now mama, anyway you do
I'm leaving town, baby
I'm leaving town for sure
Well, then you wont be bothered with
Me hanging 'round your door
Well, that's alright, that's alright.
That's alright now mama, anyway you do
Read More »
It's Alright Mama - Ukulele Chords
Every so often I try a new song on the ukulele that I have never played before, and I find that it just works REALLY well. This is one of those songs - the early Elvis track, It's Alright Mama - works with a fast driving strum pattern.
A
Well, that's alright, mama
A
That's alright for you
A A7
That's alright mama, just anyway you do
A7 D
Well, that's alright, that's alright.
D E[7] A
That's alright now mama, anyway you do
Mama she done told me,
Papa done told me too
'Son, that gal your foolin' with,
She ain't no good for you'
But, that's alright, that's alright.
That's alright now mama, anyway you do
I'm leaving town, baby
I'm leaving town for sure
Well, then you wont be bothered with
Me hanging 'round your door
Well, that's alright, that's alright.
That's alright now mama, anyway you do
11 Jun 2011
11 Jun 2011T12:51
Jake Shimabukuro - Let's Dance
As usual, Jake plus his Kamaka ukulele equals jaw dropping!
Read More »
10 Jun 2011
10 Jun 2011T21:24
Ukulele ebook now on iTunes!
Sorry to follow up with another ukulele ebook story... But rather pleased with some news!
Just been informed that my uke ebook is available on the Apple iTunes service - meaning you can get it direct on an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad if you use the iBooks App.
Read More »
Just been informed that my uke ebook is available on the Apple iTunes service - meaning you can get it direct on an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad if you use the iBooks App.
You can either search it on your device - or the direct link is HERE
Kindle users can get on the Kindle store at US Kindle version and UK Kindle version
T18:35
The Jive Aces - Bring Me Sunshine
I do like this ukulele video - nice and feelgood from the Jive Aces. Well produced too with some fine ukulele appearances!
Read More »
T08:02
This wont be another beginner guide as I think all the areas I wanted to cover in the first book, WERE covered. I have actually started to write something of a bio, telling the story of how I first got into music, and how I moved from a life playing the guitar to picking up a ukulele (and it taking over my life). I hope it will be of interest and will let you know when it's available (a lot of writing to do yet!)
For those who have not tried the beginner guide, it's done very well in the rankings (for which I am ever so grateful). You can try before you buy in all formats too - you can download a sample on both Kindle and Smashwords.
Links to look at the book below
Paperback ukulele book
Amazon US Kindle version
Amazon UK Kindle version
Other ebook formats (Sony, etc)
Nook version (Barnes & Noble)
Read More »
New ukulele book started!
Following the success of my book, What Ukulele Players Want To Know, I listened to some feedback and yesterday started the long road of writing another uke themed book!
This wont be another beginner guide as I think all the areas I wanted to cover in the first book, WERE covered. I have actually started to write something of a bio, telling the story of how I first got into music, and how I moved from a life playing the guitar to picking up a ukulele (and it taking over my life). I hope it will be of interest and will let you know when it's available (a lot of writing to do yet!)
For those who have not tried the beginner guide, it's done very well in the rankings (for which I am ever so grateful). You can try before you buy in all formats too - you can download a sample on both Kindle and Smashwords.
Links to look at the book below
Paperback ukulele book
Amazon US Kindle version
Amazon UK Kindle version
Other ebook formats (Sony, etc)
Nook version (Barnes & Noble)
9 Jun 2011
9 Jun 2011T19:06
The Got A Ukulele Poll
You may have noticed on the right hand side of this blog, a little way down - is my latest ukulele poll.
I'm interested to know what sort of readers I have, and you now only have 6 days to vote before it closes.
A cracking 378 of you have voted already, so dont miss out - click the buttons!
I will be summarising the results when the poll closes and building up the findings with some fluffy language!
Read More »
I'm interested to know what sort of readers I have, and you now only have 6 days to vote before it closes.
A cracking 378 of you have voted already, so dont miss out - click the buttons!
I will be summarising the results when the poll closes and building up the findings with some fluffy language!
T18:00
Tonight You Belong To Me - The Jerk - Ukulele
It struck me that there may well be some new ukulele players out there who;
a) have not heard this song
b) have not heard this song in this movie
c) have not seen the movie - (The Jerk)
Well, its a must see film, and one of the most beautiful, funny and memorable ukulele performances on the silver screen. Watch and enjoy, and if you have never seen the film - make sure you do!
Read More »
a) have not heard this song
b) have not heard this song in this movie
c) have not seen the movie - (The Jerk)
Well, its a must see film, and one of the most beautiful, funny and memorable ukulele performances on the silver screen. Watch and enjoy, and if you have never seen the film - make sure you do!
8 Jun 2011
8 Jun 2011T19:21
Cliff Edwards - I Did It With My Little Ukulele
A gem of a ukulele song, and some nice strumming too. Like Cliff, I too never took a lesson in my life!
Read More »
T07:55
The event looks like it will be great, with free workshops, live music from the likes of Steven Sproat, Qukulele and the Pompey Pluckers themselves, and a mass uke playing session. Even if you don't own a uke you can drop in to some of the workshops as they have some limited ukes available to try on.
Best of all, it's over a Bank Holiday weekend, so what excuse have you got?
More info and tickets at http://www.musicroom.com/portsmouth and http://pompeypluckers.webs.com.
Hope it goes well guys!
Read More »
Pompulele Uke Festival - Portsmouth, UK
I am delighted to be able to assist in sharing announcement of the Populele Ukulele Festival in Portsmouth and Southsea UK on 26-28th August, 2011. The event is being put on by the Pompey Pluckers club and Musicroom Portsmouth.
The event looks like it will be great, with free workshops, live music from the likes of Steven Sproat, Qukulele and the Pompey Pluckers themselves, and a mass uke playing session. Even if you don't own a uke you can drop in to some of the workshops as they have some limited ukes available to try on.
Best of all, it's over a Bank Holiday weekend, so what excuse have you got?
More info and tickets at http://www.musicroom.com/portsmouth and http://pompeypluckers.webs.com.
Hope it goes well guys!
6 Jun 2011
6 Jun 2011T10:57
Teddy Thompson - In My Arms - on ukulele
Teddy Thompson plays In My Arms on ukulele. Unless I am mistaken, that looks to me like a Bruko slimline model?
Read More »
T10:07
Sam Brown - Kiss Of Love with ukulele
The wonderful Sam Brown, following in her fathers footsteps playing ukulele on the Jools Holland show, singing Kiss Of Love.
Why does she not get more recognition - she is a fine singer.
Read More »
Why does she not get more recognition - she is a fine singer.
5 Jun 2011
5 Jun 2011T15:10
So, if you are a new player reading this, or thinking about starting out - what can you expect, and what is normal?
1. My fingers are sore!
No way around this I am afraid unless you already have hardened finger tips from playing another stringed instrument. Those strings are thin, and they do dig in to beginners fingers. In the best case, this can just cause soreness, but in the worst, blisters. I am afraid this is something that you have to go through. You need to build some callouses in the tips. Once you have done that, you shouldn't encounter the problems again if you keep playing. As my friends progressed they also talked of hand cramps and aches. This is also perfectly normal as you are trying to force your fingers into positions and shapes that were unnatural prior to playing the uke. Again, practice will ease these woes.
I blogged about before about these subjects, and you can read my thoughts on sore fingers HERE. I also gave some tips on finger stretching exercises to help with cramps HERE.
2. My uke keeps going out of tune
Also very common, and with a new set of strings, even on a several hundred dollar instrument, they will stretch and need re-tuning. You can give them a bit of a manual stretch to help get new strings on their way, but generally, regular playing and re-tuning over a week or two will get them to hold. If you are still struggling, you may need to tighten those tuners!
3. I downloaded the chords to "INSERT SUPER DIFFICULT SONG HERE" and I am really struggling with it.
So, so tempting. You have your new instrument and you want to learn your favourite song. Trouble is, your favourite song is full of exotic chords, numerous changes and difficult timing. If you are learning, I always suggest that your first point of call for songs to learn are Nursery Rhymes. Why? Because we all know lots of nursery rhymes, and chances are we know the words and the tune pretty good too. They are also usually simple tunes that use 2 or 3 common chords only. Practice a bunch of these and you will do wonders for your strumming, chord changes, and chord recognition without needing to worry about anything complex. You will soon progress, and then, in time, you can move on to your personal favourites.
You can find a selection of very easy nursery rhyme lyrics with chords on my song page HERE
4. I am trying to play along with a tune, and I cant get the strumming rhythm right.
Also very normal and common if you are new to music. Again, the key is to keep it simple, and try not to be too jazzy or play to quick while you are learning - simple, slow down and up in time with the beat of the music is fine to get you playing. There is an article HERE that runs through various strumming styles, from the simple to the more complex. Stick to the simple for the time being!
5. My ukulele is buzzing
With cheaper instruments this is, sadly, quite a common complaint and in many cases it is simply down to the setup of the instrument rather than being an incurable fault. Run through my step by step check list on THIS PAGE to try to track down the cause. You would be amazed how many beginner ukes I have looked at where the issue was solved on either point 1 or 2.
6. How much do I need to practice
See -HERE. To add to that - if you can, play with other people - your skills will develop at a far faster rate than playing alone. Plus, the ukulele is a happy sociable instrument - it deserves to be played with others!
So there you go - the most common questions I get asked. There are many more, but equally, most of them are also normal. If you are starting out, I am sure some of the above will mean something to you. Dont give up, keep strumming!
Read More »
Common woes for the new ukulele player
In the last few weeks I have been tutoring and helping out a handful of brand new ukulele players. On the whole I meet them separately, and I noticed that they seemed to have the same problems, gripes and worries as each other. Not at all surprising, and in all cases, perfectly normal.
So, if you are a new player reading this, or thinking about starting out - what can you expect, and what is normal?
1. My fingers are sore!
No way around this I am afraid unless you already have hardened finger tips from playing another stringed instrument. Those strings are thin, and they do dig in to beginners fingers. In the best case, this can just cause soreness, but in the worst, blisters. I am afraid this is something that you have to go through. You need to build some callouses in the tips. Once you have done that, you shouldn't encounter the problems again if you keep playing. As my friends progressed they also talked of hand cramps and aches. This is also perfectly normal as you are trying to force your fingers into positions and shapes that were unnatural prior to playing the uke. Again, practice will ease these woes.
I blogged about before about these subjects, and you can read my thoughts on sore fingers HERE. I also gave some tips on finger stretching exercises to help with cramps HERE.
2. My uke keeps going out of tune
Also very common, and with a new set of strings, even on a several hundred dollar instrument, they will stretch and need re-tuning. You can give them a bit of a manual stretch to help get new strings on their way, but generally, regular playing and re-tuning over a week or two will get them to hold. If you are still struggling, you may need to tighten those tuners!
3. I downloaded the chords to "INSERT SUPER DIFFICULT SONG HERE" and I am really struggling with it.
So, so tempting. You have your new instrument and you want to learn your favourite song. Trouble is, your favourite song is full of exotic chords, numerous changes and difficult timing. If you are learning, I always suggest that your first point of call for songs to learn are Nursery Rhymes. Why? Because we all know lots of nursery rhymes, and chances are we know the words and the tune pretty good too. They are also usually simple tunes that use 2 or 3 common chords only. Practice a bunch of these and you will do wonders for your strumming, chord changes, and chord recognition without needing to worry about anything complex. You will soon progress, and then, in time, you can move on to your personal favourites.
You can find a selection of very easy nursery rhyme lyrics with chords on my song page HERE
4. I am trying to play along with a tune, and I cant get the strumming rhythm right.
Also very normal and common if you are new to music. Again, the key is to keep it simple, and try not to be too jazzy or play to quick while you are learning - simple, slow down and up in time with the beat of the music is fine to get you playing. There is an article HERE that runs through various strumming styles, from the simple to the more complex. Stick to the simple for the time being!
5. My ukulele is buzzing
With cheaper instruments this is, sadly, quite a common complaint and in many cases it is simply down to the setup of the instrument rather than being an incurable fault. Run through my step by step check list on THIS PAGE to try to track down the cause. You would be amazed how many beginner ukes I have looked at where the issue was solved on either point 1 or 2.
6. How much do I need to practice
See -HERE. To add to that - if you can, play with other people - your skills will develop at a far faster rate than playing alone. Plus, the ukulele is a happy sociable instrument - it deserves to be played with others!
So there you go - the most common questions I get asked. There are many more, but equally, most of them are also normal. If you are starting out, I am sure some of the above will mean something to you. Dont give up, keep strumming!
T12:44
Nato
A hardwood used as an inexpensive substitute for Mahogany.
Neck
The piece of wood that holds the fingerboard, and runs between the Body of the ukulele and the Headstock.
Notation
A written system of notes, figures, and symbols used to represent musical tones and dynamic values in a composition.
Note
The sound made when a string is plucked at a particular fret position. The note is designed by the frequency of it's vibration. The position of the frets on the ukulele creates different notes when the string is held and plucked in the various positions.
Nut
The strip of material, either hard plastic or bone located at the top end of the fingerboard over which the strings are held in slots on their way to the tuning pegs. The accurate placement of the nut in relation to the saddle is essential for accurate tuning.
Nut Slots
The four grooves cut into the nut that hold the strings in place at the correct spacing.
Read More »
Ukulele A-Z - N is for...
In this edition we move on to the letter N in my Ukulele A to Z.
Nato
A hardwood used as an inexpensive substitute for Mahogany.
Neck
The piece of wood that holds the fingerboard, and runs between the Body of the ukulele and the Headstock.
Notation
A written system of notes, figures, and symbols used to represent musical tones and dynamic values in a composition.
Note
The sound made when a string is plucked at a particular fret position. The note is designed by the frequency of it's vibration. The position of the frets on the ukulele creates different notes when the string is held and plucked in the various positions.
Nut
The strip of material, either hard plastic or bone located at the top end of the fingerboard over which the strings are held in slots on their way to the tuning pegs. The accurate placement of the nut in relation to the saddle is essential for accurate tuning.
Nut Slots
The four grooves cut into the nut that hold the strings in place at the correct spacing.
4 Jun 2011
4 Jun 2011T14:16
Joe Brown - I'll See You In My Dreams - Ukulele
And hot on the heels of that last George Harrison video, this is the very moving I'll See You In My Dreams, performed by his old mate Joe Brown at the end of the Concert For George tribute at the Royal Albert Hall.
Just beautiful.
F8S8GGDAK9QP
Read More »
Just beautiful.
F8S8GGDAK9QP
T14:13
This is the beautiful track, Devil and The Deep Blue Sea from his album Brainwashed, which features lots of ukulele. Spot his friends also, including Jools Holland and Joe Brown.
Read More »
George Harrison - Devil & The Deep Blue Sea
Nothing like a friendly reminder of how much George Harrison was a fan of the ukulele.
This is the beautiful track, Devil and The Deep Blue Sea from his album Brainwashed, which features lots of ukulele. Spot his friends also, including Jools Holland and Joe Brown.
2 Jun 2011
2 Jun 2011T23:00
Also great to see Matthew of Duke Of Uke and the Dulwich Ukulele Club on national TV - well done guys!
As John Snow says - the ukulele has got its groove back!!!
Read More »
More UK Ukulele coverage
I originally struggled to find this ukulele news clip (sorry) but had found the breakfast TV link. This one was from the night before on Channel 4 News, and in my view, less patronising for beginners than most uke news items can be!
Also great to see Matthew of Duke Of Uke and the Dulwich Ukulele Club on national TV - well done guys!
As John Snow says - the ukulele has got its groove back!!!
T18:28
So, why the raised eyebrows? Well, for those of you who don't know Eddie Vedder, he is best known (his day job if you will) for being the lead singer in the American rock band Pearl Jam. That is to say, rock band as in, plugged, in, rock and roll, electric guitars, long hair - you get the picture. I am not their biggest fan, but know full well that the man has a killer voice (broody baritone in style), and knew their style, so have to admit that the album also raised my own brows a notch.
Before release, the idea of this rock star putting out a set of songs in which he plays the ukulele has split Pearl Jam fans quite a bit, but I think that generally speaking the idea has intrigued more than put off. The fact is, Eddie has been a uke fan for quite some time and of late has appeared live on stage doing the occasional number on the uke, so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised... but a whole album?
Ukulele songs is a collection of tracks he actually wrote some time ago but never released, including a Pearl Jam cover (Can't Keep) and one or two covers (Dream A Little Dream Of Me being the standout, but also Tonight You Belong To Me). It's spread over 16 tracks, and includes collaborations with the likes of Cat Power.
Throughout I got the same sort of bleeding heart imagery, and songs of loss, love and desparation, as you can expect with Pearl Jam, but without that rock backing, the ukulele strumming, trebly sound and relaxing backing actually gives them a whole new feel - very graceful, very laid back - very nice! Most of all, despite many critics suggesting it would be the case before release, this is NO novelty record. It has high production standards and is a lush, mature affair. Nor is this an ironic record - as Vedder has been keen to point out - this man really does ADORE the ukulele! The backing is fairly sparse, but, I presume, deliberate to allow the ukulele to shine through (and it does). (I believe he plays a custom tenor from Earnest Instruments, but happy to stand corrected)
Bang in the middle of the set, Longing to Belong is the highlight for me, but other standouts include Goodbye and the Mamas and Papas cover mentioned above.
The CD comes in a lovely book style case, with many pages and beautiful pictures with lyrics for the songs.
I am thoroughly enjoying listening to it - particularly today, on a rather long drive, windows down, blue sky and sunshine outside.
It would be too easy for me, a uke player, on a uke blog to show bias and demand it has a 5 star review just because of the ukulele link - but is it a 5 star album? Well, no - I would argue its probably got a little too much filler, particularly the second half of it, but thats a minor gripe, but a gripe for which gives it four stars for me. Still highly recommended!
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Eddie Vedder - Ukulele Songs - REVIEW
Well, it's about time I put my review up for the new Eddie Vedder CD, - Ukulele Songs - the album thats been raising eyebrows round the world since it was announced!
So, why the raised eyebrows? Well, for those of you who don't know Eddie Vedder, he is best known (his day job if you will) for being the lead singer in the American rock band Pearl Jam. That is to say, rock band as in, plugged, in, rock and roll, electric guitars, long hair - you get the picture. I am not their biggest fan, but know full well that the man has a killer voice (broody baritone in style), and knew their style, so have to admit that the album also raised my own brows a notch.
Before release, the idea of this rock star putting out a set of songs in which he plays the ukulele has split Pearl Jam fans quite a bit, but I think that generally speaking the idea has intrigued more than put off. The fact is, Eddie has been a uke fan for quite some time and of late has appeared live on stage doing the occasional number on the uke, so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised... but a whole album?
Ukulele songs is a collection of tracks he actually wrote some time ago but never released, including a Pearl Jam cover (Can't Keep) and one or two covers (Dream A Little Dream Of Me being the standout, but also Tonight You Belong To Me). It's spread over 16 tracks, and includes collaborations with the likes of Cat Power.
Throughout I got the same sort of bleeding heart imagery, and songs of loss, love and desparation, as you can expect with Pearl Jam, but without that rock backing, the ukulele strumming, trebly sound and relaxing backing actually gives them a whole new feel - very graceful, very laid back - very nice! Most of all, despite many critics suggesting it would be the case before release, this is NO novelty record. It has high production standards and is a lush, mature affair. Nor is this an ironic record - as Vedder has been keen to point out - this man really does ADORE the ukulele! The backing is fairly sparse, but, I presume, deliberate to allow the ukulele to shine through (and it does). (I believe he plays a custom tenor from Earnest Instruments, but happy to stand corrected)
Bang in the middle of the set, Longing to Belong is the highlight for me, but other standouts include Goodbye and the Mamas and Papas cover mentioned above.
The CD comes in a lovely book style case, with many pages and beautiful pictures with lyrics for the songs.
I am thoroughly enjoying listening to it - particularly today, on a rather long drive, windows down, blue sky and sunshine outside.
It would be too easy for me, a uke player, on a uke blog to show bias and demand it has a 5 star review just because of the ukulele link - but is it a 5 star album? Well, no - I would argue its probably got a little too much filler, particularly the second half of it, but thats a minor gripe, but a gripe for which gives it four stars for me. Still highly recommended!
1 Jun 2011
1 Jun 2011T22:29
Anyway - huge thanks - it seems the book came along at the right time as the uke is booming popularity at the moment (a fact also mirrored in the blog visits this site receives)
Its on the Amazon UK store here - http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Ukulele-Players-REALLY-ebook/dp/B004JN11WK
In the USA here - http://www.amazon.com/What-Ukulele-Players-REALLY-ebook/dp/B004JN11WK
And also in paperback on Amazon!
Thanks everyone - it means a LOT.
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A big ukulele thank you due
Pretty amazed at how well my ukulele beginners guide book is now doing.
It made number 4 in the Amazon Kindle Music book chart today (in the UK) and top 20 in the USA. It's rubbing shoulders with the giddy heights of Slash, Susan Boyle (yes really) and Rick Wakeman... It's also number 4 in all music reference books (not just kindle books!)Anyway - huge thanks - it seems the book came along at the right time as the uke is booming popularity at the moment (a fact also mirrored in the blog visits this site receives)
Its on the Amazon UK store here - http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Ukulele-Players-REALLY-ebook/dp/B004JN11WK
In the USA here - http://www.amazon.com/What-Ukulele-Players-REALLY-ebook/dp/B004JN11WK
And also in paperback on Amazon!
Thanks everyone - it means a LOT.
T10:51
Ukelele boom on British TV
Always good to see ukulele making the news - and they interviewed Lorraine Bow from Learn To Uke - Well done Lorraine! And they didn't call it a small guitar either!
Ukelele boom
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Ukelele boom
T09:42
My review of that album can be read HERE!
While you are waiting to get a copy, enjoy this track, Can't Keep, from the album.
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Eddie Vedder - Can't Keep
If you don't have the new Eddie Vedder album, Ukulele Songs yet, then I urge you to grab a copy - very nice, and likely to have a huge impact on ukulele sales!
My review of that album can be read HERE!
While you are waiting to get a copy, enjoy this track, Can't Keep, from the album.
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