Will Grove-White Wonkylele Soprano Ukulele - REVIEW

Well heres a ukulele i've been dying to take a look at since I saw that he had started building them. This is the 'Wonkylele' by Will Grove-White.

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Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain - Flat Foot Floogie

Ok, so this old uke vid has done the rounds on more than one occasion, but I was reminded of it again recently - figured it needed revisiting. A VERY early Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain from way back when in 1989!

Filmed at a Ukulele Society Of Great Britain meet at Digswell, it features early UOGB members such as Jo Brindley, Andy Astle and uke luthier Marshall Stapleton, but also current members George Hinchcliffe and Kitty Lux too.  I think it's an absolute delight and a nice look back at the early beginnings of this much loved group.

Enjoy. (and you thought the current popularity of the uke is a recent thing??)



( DIRECT LINK )

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Get Plucky With The Ukulele by Will Grove-White - REVIEW

There have been a few ukulele books published over the last few years (dang, even I wrote some), but when you hear that a performer from the Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain is writing one, then my ears pricked up. He will KNOW what he is talking about. I've been lucky to have a look at an early copy and can tell you now that it comes highly recommended.

Get Plucky ( A reference to the inspired cover of Get Lucky that Will put out, complete with chicken noises) describes itself as a Quick And Easy Guide To All Things Ukulele. And that word 'All' is kind of important here. Sure there are chord books out there, tuition books, ukulele history books, but Will has chosen to squeeze in all bases in this beautifully presented tome. After a very nice foreword from the UOGB's George Hinchcliffe we are off with some background to Will, a brief introduction to the uke, a look back at the original ukulele greats (and yes Formby Fans, he's in there) but thankfully also looking to the stars of the present day

We have a look at ukulele history, the boom, the decline and the current revival and to the future in which Will describes the uke as being able to reinvent itself if the time comes for the nay sayers to claim it is dead and buried.

We look at celebrity uke players, and not just the usual faces,  but really interesting pieces about some names that I have to admit were new to me.

The book then switches to tutor mode, but throughout is done in a very simple and easy follow way. How to buy one, how to hold one, reading chord boxes. etc. We have some songs to play along to, and many one chord songs for absolute beginners. All are recognisable, but then some that I have never seen in a beginners song book for any instrument (Sweet Home Chicago, Midnight Special). And NO Folsom Prison! (Actually, there is a reference to Folsom Prison in the book, but its not what you think.. I won't spoil it for you though).  And as you progress you can move to the advanced section where Will looks at strumming variations, Inversions, alternate tunings and more.

Throughout it is written in plain english with an undercurrent of Wills wit and humour. As a grumpy blogger it is also refreshing to see Will prepared to speak his mind too (like me he thinks Hawaiian shirts should be kept to a minimum, knows that not everybody holds a special place in their heart for George Formby and that the term 'uke-tastic' is a crime against the ukulele), but then the book oozes encouragement and good humour so this is not a case of Will being argumentative.  Hmmmm, perhaps I should take notes.

Oh - and he also, like me, thinks there is no rule against plectrums.... but we've been over that on this site before....

As someone who seems to spend all my waking hours immersed in the ukulele, I learned much from this book and that pleased me immensely. The tuition sections are not prescriptive and throughout Will does not bark at the reader that it MUST me done this way - quite the opposite. He is clearly a champion for putting fun and making music above being a purist. My kind of guy.

I really think there is something in here for everyone (and yes, in his Reference section he gives a plug to this very website calling it a 'Hive of Ukulele Activity' - I am just making that clear for when someone 'ah yes Barry but you WOULD say you liked it wouldn't you? - My answer to that is, 'Yes I would, because its a damn nice book'...)

And a final word on that term 'nice'. It's beautifully presented and illustrated throughout. Nice glossy pictures, beautiful cover and illustrative doodles by Jonny Hannah - hats off to him.

I started this review mentioning that there are a good few uke books out there, but no 'catch all'. Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned pro, I cannot think of a reason why you wouldn't like this one on your shelf. Highly recommended.


Get Plucky With The Ukulele by Will Grove-White is published by Cassell / Octopus Publishing and is released in the UK on 6 October and the US on 4 November priced £14.99. Available at all good retailers. Some Amazon links below who are taking pre orders plus a link direct to the UOGB which gives Will a fairer deal!

AMAZON.COM

AMAZON.CO.UK

UOGB Store

Credit Will Grove-White

http://willgrovewhite.com

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Grand Northern Ukulele Festival 2014 - Main Stage Treats!

Only a couple of weeks to go now, and thought I would share some of the delights that you will see on the main stage at this years Grand Northern Ukulele Festival at Huddersfield this year.

In fact, the whole weekend has SO many act performing I have to apologise in advance as I can't list videos of every performer - frankly this page would then load so slowly it would be useless - but if you are thinking of going, this is just a taster. The event also has workshops, a full fringe event with many performers of true renown playing in unusual venues around the town and lots of other surprises too.

Anyway, I have to kick off with the totally awesome headliners. I believe I am correct in saying that this is their first Ukulele Festival appearance, so a true treat for those attending. They need little more introduction from me - its THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN!!!



Also on the main stage, a performer I am keen to see who plays sublime rhythmic blues and ragtime. Again I think this is her first UK Uke Fest appearance - its Del Ray!



Next up, a band I have not yet seen live, but love their arrangements. I suspect a good many people at the fest know at least one third of the band in the shape of Paul Tucker of the Southern Ukulele Store - its Mother Ukers! ( I had to share this one - anyone covering Janes Addiction on uke is ok by me!)



One of the youngest performers at the festival, Zoë Bestel has the voice of an angel and has already been recognised as a huge talent, with comparisons being drawn to KT Tunstall and Amy MacDonald



Next, somebody I am really looking forward to meeting in the flesh - I've interviewed Tricity Vogue on this blog and also reviewed one of her CD's - she performs with her All Girl Swing Band.



And for those wanting a dance - returning to the festival since they absolutely nailed their 2013 performance at GNUF, its the Anything Goes Orchestra!



Beyond that, they also have the  likes of the Mersey Belles, Krabbers, Andy Eastwood, Chonkinfeckle, Phil Doleman, Some Like It Ossett, Ukulelezaza, Lionel K Hubert, Vonck and Vlam, Peter Moss, Michael Adcock, Eek, Uke Of Carl and more surprises to come.  What I really like is the variety across the acts - really is something for everyone.

There are some tickets still available, but I believe it is now already the biggest uke festival in the UK with sales to date! 13-14 September, Huddersfield, UK

http://www.northernuke.com

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Get Lucky (or is that Clucky) - Will Grove White

I just had to share this, though suspect many have seen it already - Will Grove-White of the Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain giving us his uke version of Daft Punk - Get Lucky. (with added chicken sounds)

( DIRECT LINK )

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Want To Play With The Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain?

I am delighted to share this on behalf of the organisers of the Ukulele Festival Of Great Britain.

Bring your Ukelele to Wychwood Festival and play along with the ‘Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’!

Have you ever fancied joining a rogue band of underground, maverick ukulele players!? If so, this is your chance to join in our secret ukulele show! 

Bring your ukulele along to Wychwood Festival this Summer and you will have the opportunity to play along with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain before their main stage performance on Sunday afternoon. Don't worry if your ukulele skills are a bit rusty; local ukulele group and organisers of the Ukulele Festival of Great Britain, The Ukeholics will be running a workshop on the Saturday of the festival to help you learn a few tunes and there will be a late night practice session on the campsite too! 

All participants will be told the time and location of the secret show on Sunday. You will then join forces with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and dozens of other ukulele players to spring a surprise performance on fellow festival goers. 

If you want to get involved, you can get 25% off festival tickets before the 18th April using the discount code 'uke' at http://www.wychwoodfestival.com/tickets or on 01993 772580



Sound like a great idea! Good luck with it!

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Ukulele Minimalism! - Relentlessly in C

Love this from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - make sure to read the full description (see direct link below video), and no doubt some of you who saw them on the recent tour got the opportunity to play along with them from the audience?

More detail to the background of the piece here.





(Direct Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyeyB9dU30Q )

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UOGB on British News!

Ahead of their much awaited show at the Royal Albert Hall (yes, THAT Royal Albert Hall...) great coverage for the Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain on ITV.

Such good news for the ukulele, and with many other uke appearances on TV lately, good to remember that this is the big act that has been doing it for years.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

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Improved ukulele profile

You can't knock an article plugging the UOGB!

Improved ukulele profile - Leisure - West Sussex County Times

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UOGB - The Good The Bad & The Ugly

I realised it's been quite a while since I shared with my readers more of the wonderful Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain - I am well overdue!

This is their stunningly good version of the theme tune to The Good The Bad & The Ugly (you read that right)

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Ukulele Heroes - Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain

Back up to present day with my series of Ukulele Heroes, and to a group of players this time, who, in my view, are a big part of the resurgence in ukulele playing in the UK of late - The Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain.

The group formed in 1985 as a bit of fun, but immediately found a rapidly growing fan base.  There have been several line ups but currently play as an octet of David Suich, Peter Brook Turner, Hester Goodman, George Hinchcliffe, Richie Williams, Kittie Lux, Will Grove Wright and Jonty Bankes.

The group are instantly recognisable in their sharp outfits (ball-gowns for the ladies, tuxedos for the gents) and each play an acoustic ukulele of various sizes (strictly speaking, the largest is an acoustic bass guitar played by Jonty).  The group dont choose to play ukuleles that cost the earth, and some of the instruments are very simple, thus promoting the accessibility of the ukulele.

Whilst they do compose and play their own tunes, they are perhaps best known for playing cover versions of songs that the listener would normally think unlikely to work on a ukulele, including Nirvanas "Smells Like Teen Spirit", Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights" and "Miss Dy-Na-Mi-Tee".

Having started playing smaller gigs, with their first ever gig at the Roebuck Pub in London, their bookings got bigger and bigger.  They have since been seen on stage at the Glastonbury Festival, at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms 2009 season (of which a DVD is available on the UOGB site) and on numerous TV shows including the Jools Holland Hootenanny.  They also appeared on stage with the Kaiser Chiefs providing ukulele backing to a version of their hit "Ruby".

With a number of albums recorded and an ever increasing buzz in ukulele circles, their popularity continues to grow rapidly.

MORE ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

• David Suich - musician who also performs as Joe Bazouki in his own band - The Missing Puddings.
• Peter Brooke Turner - Also a comedian and Eurovision finalist, Peter also plays uke as his alter ego - Tony Penultimate.
• Hester Goodman - started in theatre and also appears in her own comedy and theatre shows including the Mary Poppins Experience and Elvenbitch
• George Hinchcliffe - founded the UOGB with Kitty Lux and is also the groups musical director.  Before the UOGB George was in several other bands of his own and worked as a session musician.
• Kitty Lux - co founder of the UOGB and before the group was involved with a number of punk bands.
• Richie Williams - the baritone uke player in the group - his career was founded in music, and played guitar as a session player for several major acts alongside George Hinchcliffe.
• Will Grove-Wright - also as solo musician and before the UOGB worked as a cinematographer and director
• Jonty Bankes - the bass uke player of the group and plays bass guitar in a variety of other bands.

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN WEBSITE

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UOGB - Life On Mars - David Bowie

Bowie on the ukulele (and played very very well too). Love the Ukulele Orchestra

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Teenage Dirtbag - Ukulele

You gotta just love the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - such obtuse choices for uke performed so very well.

BBC Proms too!

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25 years!!

Celebrating 25 years of Ukulele Orchestra

September 09, 2010

THE Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is on tour celebrating its 25-year anniversary.

After two previous sell-out shows at the Princes Hall, Aldershot, the orchestra is returning to the venue with their silver jubilee show, God Save the Ukulele Orchestra, on Monday, September 13, at 7.45pm.

The orchestra has been performing for a quarter of a century, expanding from gigs in London pubs and village halls to touring the world and playing in the Royal Albert Hall.

Over the last 25 years, the orchestra has sold out theatres, appeared on TV in many countries, been its own record label, video production company, management and concert agency – its success goes on and on.

With renditions of all types of music from Tchaikovsky to Nirvana, the Ukes turn up on stage with precision to tear the house down.

No tricks, no vocal enhancements or overproduced wizardry are used – just one ukulele per performer is enough for standing ovations after every gig.

You’ll never think about music, humour or entertainment in the same way once you’ve seen and heard the Ukulele Orchestra.

Pre-show dinners are also available, and will be served in the Tichbourne Suite. To book a meal, please call the box office on 01252 329155.

Tickets are priced at £18, £17 concesssions, £16 Friends and are available from the box office on 01252 329155 or online at www.princeshall.com.

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Kaiser Chiefs & Ukulele Orchestra - Ruby!

Class!

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Smells Like Teen Spirit

works surprisingly well! another class act from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

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Shaft!

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