Very humbling, and my many thanks to those who nominated Got A Ukulele in the 'Best YouTube Channel' for the 2024 Ukies - The site made the finals!!
Showing posts with label youtube. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youtube. Show all posts
3 Dec 2024
18 Mar 2021
18 Mar 2021T20:59
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The Top Ten Most Watched Got A Ukulele Review Videos of All Time - at date of writing of course
I'm never a huge fan of top ten lists on websites. They go out of date immediately, and they are usually used by shilling websites to promote Amazon clicks and not much more.. 'Ten Best Sopranos!' 'Ten Best Ukes for Kids!'... You get the idea... Anyway, I was looking at YouTube stats for the Got A Ukulele channel and worked out the ten most watched ukulele review videos i've made.
7 Jan 2020
7 Jan 2020T20:26
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My Top Ten Ukulele Videos of 2019
Was just going back over some YouTube stats for the Got A Ukulele YouTube Channel. And there were some surprises in there. Which got me thinking.. which were the most watched ukulele videos on the channel last year?
1 Aug 2016
1 Aug 2016T21:58
OK - stop press - I shared this originally whilst still slightly in shock - just wanted to share it. Initial reactions:
1. I have not been a huge fan of Jakes earlier traditional output myself. That's ok, don't shoot me - just different tastes. It was certainly supremely talented, but didnt do it for me. THIS will not do it for traditionalists, but DOES do it for me. I love how music does that!
2. He is not the first to go rock / blues / freeform jazz on ukulele - however, I have NEVER seen it so original, so fluid, so 'different' than this. Some people just do Jimi Hendrix covers and say 'Hows that'. This is FAR from a Jimi Hendrix cover. I'm also staggered by the amount of people saying 'it's just effects pedals - seen it before'.. LISTEN to the music - the phrasing, the touch, the musicality. Doesn't matter that there are effects pedals - it's about far more than that. This is NOT just a guy with effects.
3. Wow
4. Wow....
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY - I know some people wont like this. Some people will. That's cool. If you only like certain styles of music THAT IS COOL. That is ALLOWED. Some people like both. Music isn't a binary thing. That's what makes music so wonderful - we are ALLOWED TO LIKE DIFFERENT things. If however you are the sort of ukulele player who likes to DICTATE and tell others that certain things should never be heard on ukulele.. I say this.. who the hell are you to tell other people that? I hope this piece gets under your skin!
© Barry Maz
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Jake Shimabukuro - Nashville Sessions - Kilauea
I really have no words to describe this ukulele video from Jake. I'd just say this. The bar just raised many notches. (Thanks so much to Mary Agnes Krell for bringing this to my attention)
OK - stop press - I shared this originally whilst still slightly in shock - just wanted to share it. Initial reactions:
1. I have not been a huge fan of Jakes earlier traditional output myself. That's ok, don't shoot me - just different tastes. It was certainly supremely talented, but didnt do it for me. THIS will not do it for traditionalists, but DOES do it for me. I love how music does that!
2. He is not the first to go rock / blues / freeform jazz on ukulele - however, I have NEVER seen it so original, so fluid, so 'different' than this. Some people just do Jimi Hendrix covers and say 'Hows that'. This is FAR from a Jimi Hendrix cover. I'm also staggered by the amount of people saying 'it's just effects pedals - seen it before'.. LISTEN to the music - the phrasing, the touch, the musicality. Doesn't matter that there are effects pedals - it's about far more than that. This is NOT just a guy with effects.
3. Wow
4. Wow....
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY - I know some people wont like this. Some people will. That's cool. If you only like certain styles of music THAT IS COOL. That is ALLOWED. Some people like both. Music isn't a binary thing. That's what makes music so wonderful - we are ALLOWED TO LIKE DIFFERENT things. If however you are the sort of ukulele player who likes to DICTATE and tell others that certain things should never be heard on ukulele.. I say this.. who the hell are you to tell other people that? I hope this piece gets under your skin!
© Barry Maz
10 Apr 2016
10 Apr 2016T18:42
That's musical understanding right there. The voices, the laid back style. This is right up my street!
And for UK people who like the sound of this - bear in mind that both of these acts are headlining at this years Grand Northern Ukulele Festival. Would be amazing to hear them do this!
Get your tickets for the fest soon as they are going fast! I will also be sharing some more videos of some of the featured artists at this years festival over the next few weeks.
http://northernuke.com
© Barry Maz
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Danielle Ate The Sandwich with The Quiet American - My Girl
One of those ukulele videos that really takes my breath away at the effortless beauty of it. We've got three for the price of two here - Danielle Ate The Sandwich performing with Nicole and Aaron Keim of The Quiet American.
That's musical understanding right there. The voices, the laid back style. This is right up my street!
And for UK people who like the sound of this - bear in mind that both of these acts are headlining at this years Grand Northern Ukulele Festival. Would be amazing to hear them do this!
Get your tickets for the fest soon as they are going fast! I will also be sharing some more videos of some of the featured artists at this years festival over the next few weeks.
http://northernuke.com
© Barry Maz
T18:33
The act bill themselves as a mix of Vic Reeves, The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and The Divine Comedy and I can see exactly what they mean. Catch them at GNUF this year from 27-29 May in Huddersfield.
http://northernuke.com
http://www.biscuithead.co.uk
© Barry Maz
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Biscuithead and the Biscuit Badgers - Seaweed Under The Sofa
OK, this is an interesting one to keep an eye on at this years Grand Northern Ukulele Festival. Biscuithead and the Biscuit Badgers!
The GNUF event always promises variety - and nothing seems to fit that bill this year as much as this outfit. Not a ukulele band (but they feature one) - but I much prefer that than acts that are just 'uke uke uke'... Seriously - if the instrument is ever going to be taken more seriously we need more that rooms full of people all playing the same thing. Anyway, I rather love this.The act bill themselves as a mix of Vic Reeves, The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and The Divine Comedy and I can see exactly what they mean. Catch them at GNUF this year from 27-29 May in Huddersfield.
http://northernuke.com
http://www.biscuithead.co.uk
© Barry Maz
30 Jan 2016
30 Jan 2016T21:26
( DIRECT LINK - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk5ny7Kx0Kw&feature=share )
© Barry Maz
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Travelling South - George Elmes
Another one! I pointed out in my last post that I don't share a lot of YouTube videos - that's because I get sent SO many that it's hard to screen them without offending... so I don't... On occasion though I do come across videos myself that just make me go a bit 'wow' and find myself WANTING to share them. That is the case with this one from Dublin based ukulele player George Elmes.
Not quite sure how to sum up what made me share it because it's a combination of so many things. Wonderful technical skills, wonderful timing , wonderful style - and a tune that doesn't sound like many old fashioned renditions often used to show of skills. Don't know why, but reminded me of dramatic music in good Spanish cinema I have watched. Nice ukulele too!! (Kiwaya!)( DIRECT LINK - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk5ny7Kx0Kw&feature=share )
© Barry Maz
23 Jan 2016
23 Jan 2016T23:27
It's a cover of a song by north London band 'Daughter' - and frankly I am going to stop typing. Just... just watch... and listen (obviously)
(Uke fans - I believe Zoë is playing one of these )
( DIRECT LINK )
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Zoë Bestel - Peter
Regular readers of Got A Ukulele will know that I don't share videos that often. This is not a site that endlessly shares ukulele stuff regardless of what it is. What I do share though is stuff that makes me sit back when impressed or lost for words. Say hello to this latest from Zoë Bestel.
It's a cover of a song by north London band 'Daughter' - and frankly I am going to stop typing. Just... just watch... and listen (obviously)
(Uke fans - I believe Zoë is playing one of these )
( DIRECT LINK )
© Barry Maz
27 Dec 2015
27 Dec 2015T17:21
But I am sharing this for reasons other than the technical standard on display (which, for me, is rather wonderful).
You see, I like James because he pushes some boundaries with what the ukulele can do. Some may not like the music (I'm a Hendrix fan, so I like it just fine - even if James has mis-spelled the name of the track he is covering). Some will say 'you shouldn't play that on a ukulele... And that is really one of the main reasons I am sharing it. You see, I am a strong believer that no matter what the instrument, taking it out of the comfort zone of most people is a HEALTHY thing to do with it. It shows others that the instrument is not so limited, and that has to be a good thing.
The ukulele does, in my view, suffer from being typecast, of people assuming it is a one trick pony, of people assuming that it is 'only' for happy Hawaiian stuff. I say not. I say watch and listen to James Hill.
If you don't like the tune, admire the skill of his playing. If you don't think this should be played on a ukulele... well... it's a musical instrument - they don't come with rule books.
(And if you are interested, James is playing a Mya Moe ukulele)
© Barry Maz
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James Hill - Voodoo Chile
Regular Got A Ukulele readers will know that I don't flood this site with videos, and really only tend to share them when they stand out to me. James Hill videos normally do that for me.
But I am sharing this for reasons other than the technical standard on display (which, for me, is rather wonderful).
You see, I like James because he pushes some boundaries with what the ukulele can do. Some may not like the music (I'm a Hendrix fan, so I like it just fine - even if James has mis-spelled the name of the track he is covering). Some will say 'you shouldn't play that on a ukulele... And that is really one of the main reasons I am sharing it. You see, I am a strong believer that no matter what the instrument, taking it out of the comfort zone of most people is a HEALTHY thing to do with it. It shows others that the instrument is not so limited, and that has to be a good thing.
The ukulele does, in my view, suffer from being typecast, of people assuming it is a one trick pony, of people assuming that it is 'only' for happy Hawaiian stuff. I say not. I say watch and listen to James Hill.
If you don't like the tune, admire the skill of his playing. If you don't think this should be played on a ukulele... well... it's a musical instrument - they don't come with rule books.
(And if you are interested, James is playing a Mya Moe ukulele)
© Barry Maz
22 Nov 2015
22 Nov 2015T11:33
The use of terms like 'all mahogany' as a means to give the impression that an instrument is made from solid wood annoys be greatly - so how can you check what you have?
© Barry Maz
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How To Tell If A Ukulele Is Solid or Laminate - Beginners Tips
Something I am seeing a lot of these days is ukulele manufacturers being economical or misleading with their product descriptions.
The use of terms like 'all mahogany' as a means to give the impression that an instrument is made from solid wood annoys be greatly - so how can you check what you have?
© Barry Maz
23 Jun 2015
23 Jun 2015T17:37
( DIRECT LINK )
And, if you like the music - the album is now available for download at the link below (and a review of it is coming on this site soon!!)
http://www.cheemaisel.com/digital-albums/scene-1-take-1-digital-download
© Barry Maz
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Sarah Maisel and Craig Chee - Come Back Home Video
Well this is rather nice. During their recent tour of the UK and Europe, Craig Chee documented their time over this side of the atlantic with photographs. Add in to that some video from Jim Colvin and a delightful tune from their latest album and you have this treat.
And the extra treat is seeing so many friends faces in the photographs. Oh, that and the fact I have never been in a music video before! I'm honoured!( DIRECT LINK )
And, if you like the music - the album is now available for download at the link below (and a review of it is coming on this site soon!!)
http://www.cheemaisel.com/digital-albums/scene-1-take-1-digital-download
© Barry Maz
19 Jun 2015
19 Jun 2015T08:19
And in return for that she gets a BIG recommendation from me as a reliable ukulele store that you SHOULD visit if you are on that side of the pond.
Errrr, thanks Mim!
http://mimsukes.com
© Barry Maz
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Mim's Ukes - My Little Buttercup
Regular readers of this ukulele website will know that I was rather affectionately (not really) called 'Buttercup' recently during a spat. It's led to me being honoured in song by the fabulous Mim's Ukes...
And in return for that she gets a BIG recommendation from me as a reliable ukulele store that you SHOULD visit if you are on that side of the pond.
Errrr, thanks Mim!
http://mimsukes.com
© Barry Maz
20 May 2015
20 May 2015T11:20
Enjoy
© Barry Maz
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Fitting A Strap Button to A Ukulele
Wanting to use a ukulele strap? You may well benefit from fitting a ukulele strap button then. So a video - A step by step video guide to fitting a strap button to a uke.
Why would you do this yourself? Because it's easy, that's why!! I really don't want to get into the pros and cons of ukulele straps - it's a pointless debate. I like them, some don't... People seem to be scared about doing this - it's really not hard!Enjoy
© Barry Maz
13 May 2015
13 May 2015T09:44
Now that's busking!
( DIRECT LINK )
© Barry Maz
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Ukulele Turin Orchestra - Muse - Uprising
I don't really share a lot of ukulele videos like I used to for one main reason - it's hard to find good ones amongst the millions of ukulele videos filmed in bedrooms the world over. So when I find one that I think stands out, it tends to get a mention on Got A Ukulele. Like this one from the Ukulele Turin Orchestra.
Now that's busking!
( DIRECT LINK )
© Barry Maz
11 May 2015
11 May 2015T14:04
Stands are something that many ukulele players will look into at some point. At the end of the day they are a far better bet than leaving an instrument leaning against a table or chair leg and massively reduce the risk of being knocked over. In the simplest sense, one can use a regular guitar stand, but there are an increasing variety of ukulele specific stands out there. They come in a range of construction types from the sturdy metal variety, through to the hand crafted wooden type through to the more flimsy. Whilst this one is very much at the more flimsy end, that kind of misses the point of it.
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Clearwater / Aroma Folding Ukulele Stand - REVIEW
Back on to the ukulele accessory reviews, and something extremely simple, cheap and as such, something I think that is a no brainer for anyones gig bag. The Clearwater / Aroma Folding Ukulele Stand.
Stands are something that many ukulele players will look into at some point. At the end of the day they are a far better bet than leaving an instrument leaning against a table or chair leg and massively reduce the risk of being knocked over. In the simplest sense, one can use a regular guitar stand, but there are an increasing variety of ukulele specific stands out there. They come in a range of construction types from the sturdy metal variety, through to the hand crafted wooden type through to the more flimsy. Whilst this one is very much at the more flimsy end, that kind of misses the point of it.
9 May 2015
9 May 2015T11:52
TO HAVE AND TO HAVE NOT
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
[G] Up in the morning and [C] out to [G] school
[Em] Mother says there'll be no [D] work next [G]year
[G] Qualifications once the [C] golden [G] rule
Are [Em] now just pieces of [D] paper [G]
[G] Just because your [C] better than [G] me
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] lazy [G]
[G] Just because you're [C] going [G] forwards
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] going [G] backwards
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
[G] If you look the part you'll [C] get the [G] job
[Em] last years trousers and your [D] old school [G] shoes
The [G] truth is son, it's a [C] buyers [G] market
[Em] They can afford to [D] pick and [G] choose
[G] Just because your [C] better than [G] me
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] lazy [G]
[G] Just because I [C] dress [G] like this
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] a [G] communist
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
[G] Factories are closing and the [C] army's [G] full
[Em] I don't know what I'm [D] going to [G] do
But I've [G] come to see in the [C] land of the [G] free
[Em] There's only a future for the [D] chosen [G] few
[G] Just because your [C] better than [G] me
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] lazy [G]
[G] Just because you're [C] going [G] forwards
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] going [G] backwards
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
[G] At twenty one you're on [C] top of the [G] scrap heap
[Em] At sixteen you were [D] top of your [G] class
[G] All they taught you at school was how to [C] be a good [G] worker
The [Em] system has failed you don't [D] fail your [G] self
[G] Just because your [C] better than [G] me
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] lazy [G]
[G] Just because you're [C] going [G] forwards
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] going [G] backwards
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
© Barry Maz
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To Have And To Have Not - Billy Bragg - Ukulele Chords
Another one from Mr Billy Bragg - really easy to play on ukulele or any instrument really. Same pattern all the way through.
Chords for educational purposes only..
TO HAVE AND TO HAVE NOT
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
[G] Up in the morning and [C] out to [G] school
[Em] Mother says there'll be no [D] work next [G]year
[G] Qualifications once the [C] golden [G] rule
Are [Em] now just pieces of [D] paper [G]
[G] Just because your [C] better than [G] me
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] lazy [G]
[G] Just because you're [C] going [G] forwards
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] going [G] backwards
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
[G] If you look the part you'll [C] get the [G] job
[Em] last years trousers and your [D] old school [G] shoes
The [G] truth is son, it's a [C] buyers [G] market
[Em] They can afford to [D] pick and [G] choose
[G] Just because your [C] better than [G] me
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] lazy [G]
[G] Just because I [C] dress [G] like this
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] a [G] communist
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
[G] Factories are closing and the [C] army's [G] full
[Em] I don't know what I'm [D] going to [G] do
But I've [G] come to see in the [C] land of the [G] free
[Em] There's only a future for the [D] chosen [G] few
[G] Just because your [C] better than [G] me
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] lazy [G]
[G] Just because you're [C] going [G] forwards
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] going [G] backwards
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
[G] At twenty one you're on [C] top of the [G] scrap heap
[Em] At sixteen you were [D] top of your [G] class
[G] All they taught you at school was how to [C] be a good [G] worker
The [Em] system has failed you don't [D] fail your [G] self
[G] Just because your [C] better than [G] me
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] lazy [G]
[G] Just because you're [C] going [G] forwards
[Em] Doesn't mean I'm [D] going [G] backwards
[G] [C] [G] [Em] [D] [G]
[G] [C] [G][Em] [D] [G]
© Barry Maz
5 May 2015
5 May 2015T07:28
Chords and lyrics for educational purposes only
The [G] Party that became so [Em] powerful
by [Am] sinking foreign [C] boats
Is [G] dreaming up new [Em] promises
'cause [Am] promises win [A7] votes
[D] Being resolute in [Em] conference
with the [C] ad mans expert [Am] ise
The [B] majority by their [C] silence
shall [D] pay for days like these
The [G] right to build [Em] communities
is [Am] back behind [C] closed doors
'Tween [G] government and [Em] people stands
the [Am] right arm of the [A7] law
And [D] Shame upon the [Em] patriot
when the [C] mark of the bulldog [Am] breed
Is a [B] family with [C] out a home
and a [D] pensioner in need
Those whose [G] lives are ruled by [Em] dogma
Are [Am] waiting for a [C] sign
The [G] 'better dead than [Em] red brigade'
are [Am] listening on the [A7] line.
And the [D] liberal with a [Em] small 'l'
Cries in [C] front of the T [Am]V
And a[B] nother demonst [C] ration
passes [D] on to history [G] [Em] [Am] [C]
[G] [Em] [Am] [A7]
[D]Peace, bread, work and [Em] freedom
is the [C] best we can ach [Am] ieve
[B] Wearing badges is [C] not enough
[D] on Days Like [G] these.
© Barry Maz
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Days Like These - Billy Bragg - Ukulele Chords
Election fever in the UK, so this seemed kind of appropriate. Enjoy. Video at the end to play along to.
Chords and lyrics for educational purposes only
The [G] Party that became so [Em] powerful
by [Am] sinking foreign [C] boats
Is [G] dreaming up new [Em] promises
'cause [Am] promises win [A7] votes
[D] Being resolute in [Em] conference
with the [C] ad mans expert [Am] ise
The [B] majority by their [C] silence
shall [D] pay for days like these
The [G] right to build [Em] communities
is [Am] back behind [C] closed doors
'Tween [G] government and [Em] people stands
the [Am] right arm of the [A7] law
And [D] Shame upon the [Em] patriot
when the [C] mark of the bulldog [Am] breed
Is a [B] family with [C] out a home
and a [D] pensioner in need
Those whose [G] lives are ruled by [Em] dogma
Are [Am] waiting for a [C] sign
The [G] 'better dead than [Em] red brigade'
are [Am] listening on the [A7] line.
And the [D] liberal with a [Em] small 'l'
Cries in [C] front of the T [Am]V
And a[B] nother demonst [C] ration
passes [D] on to history [G] [Em] [Am] [C]
[G] [Em] [Am] [A7]
[D]Peace, bread, work and [Em] freedom
is the [C] best we can ach [Am] ieve
[B] Wearing badges is [C] not enough
[D] on Days Like [G] these.
© Barry Maz
4 May 2015
4 May 2015T12:46
First things first, let's not pre-judge this review, but it is fair to say I am a big fan of Pono instruments. They represent to me the link between the upper end of intermediates from China (these too are made in the far east in Indonesia) and the higher end handmade instruments from Hawaii and elsewhere in the USA. Pono are a far eastern subsidiary of the Hawaiian 'Ko'olau' brand of instruments and are made over there to Pono's standards and with their wood supplies. They haven't failed me and are played on stages by many professional musicians.
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Pono MB-e Baritone Ukulele - REVIEW
I guess it says something about a certain brand when I now own three of them. Not ukuleles loaned to me on test, three I actually bought for myself. So to compliment my Concert and Tenor models, a Baritone scale instrument has joined the fold. The Pono MB-e.
First things first, let's not pre-judge this review, but it is fair to say I am a big fan of Pono instruments. They represent to me the link between the upper end of intermediates from China (these too are made in the far east in Indonesia) and the higher end handmade instruments from Hawaii and elsewhere in the USA. Pono are a far eastern subsidiary of the Hawaiian 'Ko'olau' brand of instruments and are made over there to Pono's standards and with their wood supplies. They haven't failed me and are played on stages by many professional musicians.
29 Apr 2015
29 Apr 2015T13:48
© Barry Maz
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Chucking, Chunking or Palm Muting on the Ukulele - BEGINNERS TIPS
Hot on the heels of the last one, another essential and really simple playing technique to add to your repertoire. Chucking / Chunking / Muting the ukulele. Enjoy!
© Barry Maz
15 Apr 2015
15 Apr 2015T08:55
Now, this is not a political blog post - my political choices are between me and the ballot box, but I will say this. Political protest against our elected Members of Parliament is a right I think we should preserve absolutely in the country. These people work for and serve us as citizens and we have a right to mock them if we wish. For the record, I would support Robins ability to do what he did regardless of the political party in question.
But that is missing the real point of why I have chosen to blog about it. You see as well as Robin hitting the headlines, he has unwittingly stirred up a quite a few rather choice views about the ukulele that worry me greatly. These are not 'one off' views, but some quite common themes I have seen over the last couple of days. Many people, including me, saw the funny side of this and, as I say, his right to protest against the PM however he likes. But it's odd how such an act can bring out what I think is the worst in the so called 'happy ukulele world'.
One of the worst suggestions was along the lines that this sort of thing is not suitable for the ukulele. Now, forgive me if I am wrong, but I personally must have missed the rule book that stated that only certain things could be played on the ukulele.... This is HIS instrument and he can play what HE likes on it. On a couple of discussions I read on this point there was a suggestion that he had 'let down the ukulele community', that the ukulele should be about 'love and happiness' and other such nonsense. Sure, people have a right to express their own feelings about it, but please stop short of telling people what they should and shouldn't play on their instrument. It's none of your business.
Lets break down some of the objections a little further. First of all we have the language he used. I have seen people claiming it was 'offensive' and 'aggressive'. Offensive to some maybe, but aggressive? In reality his performance is clearly in a satirical jokey manner - he is not making any physical threats to David Cameron - he is singing a jokey tune on a ukulele delivered in a kind of dead pan humorous way. I personally don't see a lot of aggression here. Besides that, if he hadn't used a swear word, the video would never have become popular and as political protest was his aim, would have been pointless. The swearing IS the point of it. But please don't suggest that the whole country is going to hell because he used the F word. And really, PLEASE don't suggest that it is against the rules to swear whilst holding a ukulele (or any musical instrument for that matter). Again - none of your business.
Another interesting argument put forward was that he is not a very good player / singer. I think that kind of misses the point of why he did what he did. Besides the fact that whether he can play or sing is a completely subjective viewpoint anyway, he was not there to show off his 'Jake like skills' , he was there to protest to the Prime Minister and happened to be a ukulele player. The fact that he was playing a ukulele is almost kind of irrelevant, but it did help to make the story. It also led to so many ukulele players getting upset too though..
Why am I going on about this then? Well, it comes across to me as something of a continuing and growing theme in the ukulele world. People who are quick to publicly tell people what they should and should not do with the ukulele. Note, I am not talking about views on taste here. I accept that many people won't like what Robin did, and that is their right. But I am really more concerned with anyone who says that this should not be 'allowed', is not right for the ukulele, or has brought some form of shame on the community. It's in the same league as those who will berate anyone who plays ukulele in a different style to something traditional, mocks those who use straps or picks or just generally thinks that they control the rule book. There is no rule book.
It's growing and regular readers of this blog will have seen my various rants on the subject before. Telling people how they should hold or play the instrument is one thing, but this episode launched a whole new raft of opinions that I personally should have been kept to themselves.
In short - people can play what they want how they want on THEIR instrument. You might not like it, but please don't suggest they are wrong for doing so.
And this from the same people tho claim that their ukulele world is so happy and loving. Yeah right....
© Barry Maz
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The Ukulele Busker, David Cameron and The Occasional Madness of the Ukulele Community
So I toyed with doing a piece about this story in the press. Thought against it, but then started to notice some craziness in the ukulele community and felt that a prominent uke blog should say something about it all. If you don't know what I am talking about, see this short video clip of ukulele player Robin Grey and his protest in front of the Prime Minister David Cameron (NSFW)
Now, this is not a political blog post - my political choices are between me and the ballot box, but I will say this. Political protest against our elected Members of Parliament is a right I think we should preserve absolutely in the country. These people work for and serve us as citizens and we have a right to mock them if we wish. For the record, I would support Robins ability to do what he did regardless of the political party in question.
But that is missing the real point of why I have chosen to blog about it. You see as well as Robin hitting the headlines, he has unwittingly stirred up a quite a few rather choice views about the ukulele that worry me greatly. These are not 'one off' views, but some quite common themes I have seen over the last couple of days. Many people, including me, saw the funny side of this and, as I say, his right to protest against the PM however he likes. But it's odd how such an act can bring out what I think is the worst in the so called 'happy ukulele world'.
One of the worst suggestions was along the lines that this sort of thing is not suitable for the ukulele. Now, forgive me if I am wrong, but I personally must have missed the rule book that stated that only certain things could be played on the ukulele.... This is HIS instrument and he can play what HE likes on it. On a couple of discussions I read on this point there was a suggestion that he had 'let down the ukulele community', that the ukulele should be about 'love and happiness' and other such nonsense. Sure, people have a right to express their own feelings about it, but please stop short of telling people what they should and shouldn't play on their instrument. It's none of your business.
Lets break down some of the objections a little further. First of all we have the language he used. I have seen people claiming it was 'offensive' and 'aggressive'. Offensive to some maybe, but aggressive? In reality his performance is clearly in a satirical jokey manner - he is not making any physical threats to David Cameron - he is singing a jokey tune on a ukulele delivered in a kind of dead pan humorous way. I personally don't see a lot of aggression here. Besides that, if he hadn't used a swear word, the video would never have become popular and as political protest was his aim, would have been pointless. The swearing IS the point of it. But please don't suggest that the whole country is going to hell because he used the F word. And really, PLEASE don't suggest that it is against the rules to swear whilst holding a ukulele (or any musical instrument for that matter). Again - none of your business.
Another interesting argument put forward was that he is not a very good player / singer. I think that kind of misses the point of why he did what he did. Besides the fact that whether he can play or sing is a completely subjective viewpoint anyway, he was not there to show off his 'Jake like skills' , he was there to protest to the Prime Minister and happened to be a ukulele player. The fact that he was playing a ukulele is almost kind of irrelevant, but it did help to make the story. It also led to so many ukulele players getting upset too though..
Why am I going on about this then? Well, it comes across to me as something of a continuing and growing theme in the ukulele world. People who are quick to publicly tell people what they should and should not do with the ukulele. Note, I am not talking about views on taste here. I accept that many people won't like what Robin did, and that is their right. But I am really more concerned with anyone who says that this should not be 'allowed', is not right for the ukulele, or has brought some form of shame on the community. It's in the same league as those who will berate anyone who plays ukulele in a different style to something traditional, mocks those who use straps or picks or just generally thinks that they control the rule book. There is no rule book.
It's growing and regular readers of this blog will have seen my various rants on the subject before. Telling people how they should hold or play the instrument is one thing, but this episode launched a whole new raft of opinions that I personally should have been kept to themselves.
In short - people can play what they want how they want on THEIR instrument. You might not like it, but please don't suggest they are wrong for doing so.
And this from the same people tho claim that their ukulele world is so happy and loving. Yeah right....
© Barry Maz
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