2011 in review – “All Things Ukulele” – UKULELE MIKE LYNCH
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 76,000 times in 2011. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 3 days for that many people to see it.
From Seattle to Seoul – – The UKULELE spans the globe and the international language of MUSIC reigns
These wonderful young people in Seoul, South Korea produced this amazing video just a short time ago. I’ve been told these university students meet on a regular basis to explore the wonderful world of the UKULELE. Together they share songs, chords, fingerings, strumming patterns but much more, they share friendship. You can just see in their faces how delighted they are with making music. Not only making music, but . . . making music in a group. . . It truly bonds them closer as they play. In times past it was not uncommon for people to make music together. It was rather typical for families to gather around the piano or father playing the fiddle or one of the children playing a guitar while all sang together. Nowadays in our highly technological society we find our selves isolated with TV or with Video and Computer games. These brilliant young people, however, take time out of their precious busy school week to gather around the table of music and express themselves in song with their newly found voices and instruments.
I was just so amazed and delighted when this video was sent to me just this morning. . . I’m honored that they did this video and it surely makes me feel all the more affirmed in what I do as a music teacher. The international language of music reigns and the spirit of the ukulele spans the globe forging a bond of unity in a world that so hungers for peace. . . . “HAPPY STRUMMING” INDEED!!!
There are numerous Ukulele groups or clubs around the world now and more forming everyday. I have a student in Estonia who is attempting to start a club. I have another student in Spokane, Washington USA who is beginning a group. I would encourage all of you. . . If you have a group in your area. . . join it. . . If not. . . create one. . . Playing in a group is the greatest way to learn to play and will bring great joy to your music. So, let us be inspired by these young people in South Korea and carry their spirit on in our music as well.
49 All time favorite classics from the early 20th Century combined in one collection. This book has been a labor of love for me. . . My wife’s grandmother, Mabel Kaufer, acquired her ukulele at about the age of 16 and can be seen in family photos dating back to 1918 playing her uke. . . Through the years she would always be leading the family at Christmas, summer vacations at Lake Sammamish, Family reunions etc. and the songs she always sang were the songs that she grew up with as a young girl. . . Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Ain’t She Sweet, Moonlight Bay, You Are My Sunshine, For Me And My Gal etc. . . The days of family sing-a-longs and home music making have kinda gone by the way for TV, computer games etc. It is my sincere hope that making this collection available to ukulele players worldwide will help enable people to once again experience the legacy of these wonderful songs. The songs in this book have been carefully arranged to be in uke “friendly” keys. . . I’ve also given suggested strumming patterns for each song as well as the starting vocal note. The uke in its newest renaissance has truly become a cross generational instrument. . . and these songs fit the bill for that. Great for senior gatherings. . . For family gatherings of all ages. Let these songs take you to another time. . . of times past.
The eBook sells for $22.95 and can be purchased by simply paying thru the PayPal donate button on the UKULELE MIKE website: www.ukulelemikelynch.com
By popular demand I’ve finally assembled many of my fingerpicking tablature arrangements for UKULELE into one complete Volume. . . . Of course, I will continue to compose and arrange many more solo instrumental pieces in the future but this LARGE collection makes all of my current songs available at a very reasonable price. . . The ENHANCED edition contains Twenty Nine carefully arranged selections for just $20.00. The book also includes a full tutorial on how to interpret tablature. The songs also represent a wide array of difficulty, from medium to complex. Classical, Pop tunes, Broadway, Folk . . . Finlandia, Cherry Blossoms, Panis Angelicus, River Of Dreams, Paris Nocturne, Freight Train, Kona Breeze, Del Sol, Amazing Grace, This Little Light Of Mine, Edelweiss, Keyport Rag, Rosegarden Serenade and many many more. All allowing the uke player to go beyond strumming and into the wonderful world of solo ukulele playing. To purchase the book simply go to the UKULELE MIKE website: www.ukulelemikelynch.com and pay thru the PayPal donate button. The eBook will then be promptly emailed to you as a PDF file. Buy one for yourself and another for a friend in your local uke club. . . Enjoy and “HAPPY STRUMMING”
UPDATE > > > UPDATE > > > UPDATE > > > >
The ENHANCED REVISED version is now available . . . All of the original songs with the addition of the enchanting BELLA TOSCANA and the classic Korean folk song ARIRANG. . .
New version is still priced at just $20.00 (this is a recent price reduction) and can be purchased by paying thru the paypal donate button on the UKULELE MIKE website: www.ukulelemikelynch.com Once purchased, it will be personally emailed to you within the day.
For information regarding any ukulele product please email:
TheUkuleleMan2012@hotmail.com
Classic Standards of Christmas now available in SINGLE NOTE arrangements – “MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS” – perfect for newbie tablature players
Classic standards of Christmas now available in SINGLE NOTE arrangements in Tablature format by “UKULELE MIKE” LYNCH. This is an ideal collection of Christmas tunes for Young lerners, and anyone who wants to play solo instrumentals on the uke but is not ready for the fully arranged pieces that include fingerpicking arpeggios and chordal structures in Tablature format. Simply the melody alone BUT. . . The arrangements include the standard treble clef format as well which can be played by another instrument such as flute, violin, recorder, piano etc. . . This enables the ukulele player to play along with another person and create an instant DUO!!!. . . What fun. . . . Also the ukulele chord grids are notated to allow other ukuleles to play strumming accompaniment along with the solo uke or ukes to create a full ensemble of ukes. . . Great for classroom teaching. . . The book also contains a full explanation on how to interpret and play tablature which in itself is a valuable resource for anyone wishing to play more solo instrumentals in the future. All in all this is a great introduction to the understanding of tablature and at the same time enables the student to develop skills in playing solos. . . It develops great coordination between the left hand and right hand as the fingers dance from string to string to play the melodies. Much different then static chord playing.
The book is available for purchase $14.95 by simply paying thru the PayPal donate button on the Ukulele Mike website: www.ukulelemikelynch.com. Once purchased it will be emailed to you.
The book contains 18 celebrated classics of the season . . . See the list below:
A representation of the pages within the book:
Don’t forget I also have another collection of Christmas music in fuller tablature arrangements and sells for $24.95 and also payable thru the PayPal donate button on the Ukulele Mike website. “HAPPY HOLIDAY STRUMMING” – UKULELE MIKE LYNCH
For information regarding any ukulele product please email:
TheUkuleleMan2012@hotmail.com
“UKULELE CHRISTMAS eBook” Now available from “UKULELE MIKE LYNCH”
UKULELE CHRISTMAS eBook arranged and compiled by UKULELE MIKE LYNCH
It’s actually TWO TWO TWO BOOKS IN ONE!!!! ha ha ha
Truly it is, though. . . The first book “A UKULELE CHRISTMAS” contains my entire catalog of UKULELE SOLO INSTRUMENTALS in Tablature format. It also includes a full page tutorial on how to interpret and play in the tablature format.
Here is the complete list of Solo Christmas Ukulele instrumentals in tablature format:
Angels We Have Heard On High
Away In A Manger
Coventry Carol
Good King Wenceslas
O Come Little Children
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
O Tannenbaum
Pat-A-Pan
Silent Night
Still, Still, Still
Up On The Housetop
We Three Kings
What Child Is This
White Christmas Chord/Melody Version
White Christmas (Fingerpicking vesion)
Winter Wonderland
The second book is the “CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG COLLECTION”
A comprehensive collection of traditional and popular classic CHristmas standards, perfect for Christmas and Holiday get-togethers or Sing-A-Long gatherings. I’ve taken great pains to make these arrangement work well with the Ukulele and with Ukulele “friendly” keys.
Here is the complete list of Songs in this Book:
1.Angels We Have Heard On High
2.Away In A Manger
3.Feliz Navidad
4.Go Tell It On The Mountain
5.Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6.I’ll Be Home For Christmas
7.Jingle Bell Rock
8.Jingle Bells
9.Jolly Old St. Nicholas
10.Joy To The World
11.Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
12.Mela Kalikimaka
13.O Come All Ye Faithful
14.Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
15.Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
16.Santa Claus Is Coming To town
17.Silent Night
18.Silver Bells
19.Sleigh Ride
20.We Three Kings
21.We Wish You A Merry Christmas
22.What Child Is This?
23.White Christmas
24.Winter Wonderland
Here are a few audio examples of these arrangements:
To be ready for the holiday season consider getting these collections now.
Many of the solo instrumental pieces are quite accessible to moderate beginners . . .
Look below to see a collage of many of the solo instrumental pieces found in this ebook in tablature format. Click on the image to enlarge it
To purchase the complete eBook (You actually get two books in one) pay $24.95 thru the PayPal donate button on my website: www.ukulelemikelynch.com It will then be emailed to you.
For information regarding any ukulele product please email:
TheUkuleleMan2012@hotmail.com
Now available: UKULELE BASICS DVD . . . great for beginning ukulele players for more info email: mike@ukulelemikelynch.com
Here is a You Tube video of my solo ukulele arrangement of AURA LEA
Here is another You Tube video of my strumming and singing the lyrics of AURA LEA
Many may recognize this tune as the tender love ballad
sung by Elvis Presley as “LOVE ME TENDER”, but in fact “AURA LEA” was written
by W.W. Fosdick and George R. Poulton in 1861.
It fast became a popular song cherished by both the North and South
during the American Civil War.
It was written in the vein of Stephen Foster and so many
other popular songwriters of the time.
Chock full of florid poetry and soft tender melodious
notes. . . I’ve always been so attracted to this song and in the process of
developing my solo instrumental version I realized to a greater extent why the
song is so well written. A deceptively
simple sounding tune, it has a rather sophisticated chord progression. . . .
The use of the D augmented chord in the chorus is an example of that. Going from A on the first statement of “AURA
LEA” then up to the D augmented as we
sing “AURA LEA” once again. It adds a
strength to that line that a more conventional chord progression would not have
achieved. Simple yet complex . . . the
sign of an accomplished songwriter. . . In designing this instrumental solo ,
as always I’m on the search for JUST the right key that fits best under the
fingers on the uke. I try as much as
possible to avoid large leaps or uncomfortable high up on the neck barre
chords. . . I found this piece seemed to fall into place quite easily in the
Key of A. . . Whether or not it’s compatible with your voice might be in
question, but as a stand alone instrumental I think A is the perfect key.
Below is a short clip from the sheet music of this piece in tablature format
I’ve posted the video on this blog site so you can have
repeated access to it for listening and eventually for learning. . . It’s also
on my MusicTeacher2010 YouTube channel.
P.S. Just a little side note. . . In this video I included an image of my paternal grandmother who lived during the Civil War period
AURA LEA is contained in my SOLO UKULELE INSTRUMENTAL eBook Volume 1 Enlarged 2013 Edition. It sells for $28.95 and can be purchased by paying through the paypal donate button on my website: http://www.ukulelemikelynch.com
Once purchased, I will email it to you within the day.
I recently caught up with Jim Beloff of Flea Market Music in the midst of his very busy schedule and we entered into a conversation about his involvement in the global ukulele community. If you’re not aware of Liz & Jim Beloff then here is a bio and synopsis of their contribution to the wonderful world of the ukulele . . .
____________________________________________________________
Finding a ukulele at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market in 1992 inspired Liz & Jim Beloff to start Flea Market Music, Inc., publisher of the popular Jumpin’ Jim’s series of ukulele songbooks. This series is sold worldwide and is distributed by the Hal Leonard Corporation. Some of the best selling titles in the series include Jumpin’
Jim’s Ukulele Tips ‘N’ Tunes, Jumpin’ Jim’s ‘60s Uke-In and Jumpin’
Jim’s Ukulele Country as well as collections of blues, bluegrass, classical
music and jazz standards arranged for ukulele by some of the finest players in
the world. Released in October 2010, The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs For Better Living, is the largest ukulele songbook ever published.
Jim Beloff is the author of The
Ukulele—A Visual History (1997 Backbeat Books), producer of Legends of
Ukulele, a CD compilation for Rhino Records and has made three how-to-play DVDs for Homespun Tapes, The Joy of Uke #1 and #2 and Jumpin’ Jim’s Ukulele Workshop.
He is also an active songwriter who has collaborated and recorded with ukulele legends Herb Ohta (Ohta-San) and Lyle Ritz. To hear some of Jim’s music, visit the JukeBox section of his website:
http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/jukebox/default.asp
Liz Maihock Beloff, with a background in film and television graphics, designs the covers and art-directs all of FMM’s songbooks, CDs and DVDs. Having been weaned on “The Lawrence Welk Show” in her Midwestern early childhood, she has a remarkable recall of American popular music. She is also a talented singer who, before teaming up with Jim, sang with a capella groups in college and New York City.
In 1999, Jim and Liz, along with
Phyllis and Dale Webb, introduced a unique, colorful, and affordable ukulele
called the Fluke and, later, a smaller-sized model, the Flea, that have won
admirers all over the world. Jim and Liz regularly perform together at ukulele
festivals in the U.S.A. and have also gone on uke tours of Japan and Australia.
They truly believe in their company’s motto, “Uke Can Change the World.” You
can reach them through the Flea Market Music web site at
www.fleamarketmusic.com/
And now our interview:
UKULELE MIKE: Jim, would you tell us the evolvement of your interest in the ukulele? How did you become so intensely involved with the current renaissance of this wonderful instrument?
JIM: I was a pretty good guitarist before getting into the uke. I was also a songwriter and big admirer of sophisticated theater and pop writers like Stephen Sondheim, James Taylor, Jimmy Webb, Joni Mitchell, etc. Like many I thought the ukulele was a novelty instrument/toy with a high voice that wasn’t suited for nuanced chords and thoughtful lyrics. That all changed when I found a Martin tenor uke in 1991 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market. After a few days of playing this uke tuned down to DGBE (with a high D — a la “my dog has fleas”) I became convinced that my kind of songwriting actually made more sense on a uke then it did on a guitar.
After spending a few weeks poring over old, out of print Cliff Edwards uke songbooks we pitched the idea. of compiling our favorite arrangement from his books to Hal Leonard Corp. At the time they didn’t have any significant uke book offerings and they agreed to distribute what became our first songbook, Jumpin’ Jim’s Ukulele Favorites. This book sold well enough that Hal Leonard asked me to write a how-to-play book, which became Jumpin’ Jim’s Ukulele Tips ‘N’ Tunes. From there, one project led to another. During the early years we received a lot of encouragement from players who were thrilled to see new materials being produced again for the ukulele.
UKULELE MIKE: Jim, what are your thoughts as to why the ukulele has achieved this current resurgence?
JIM: When we started publishing our earliest songbooks, I was still working for Billboard Magazine, the music trade publication. I traveled a good deal and there were many nights in hotels where I missed having a musical instrument with me. With briefcase, suitcase and computer it wasn’t possible to also travel with a guitar, but a uke was small enough that I could take that along too. It occurred to me that a lot of folks who had some experience with the guitar might consider a ukulele if they knew how easy and fun it was to play and travel with. It was also a perfect instrument for guitar-playing parents who wanted to give their kids a fun and easy introduction to the pleasures of making music. Of course, the internet has helped enormously to bring uke players together (our website, www.fleamarketmusic.com/ was one of the first uke sites on the web). Ukulele festivals all over the USA and the world have played an important role in fueling interest, as have well known pop artists like George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Eddie Vedder and uke artists like Iz, Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill. Hit songs like “Hey Soul Sister” and uke visibility on American Idol, Glee and especially YouTube have had a big influence on the larger culture. One of the more unique aspects of the current wave is the proliferation of ukulele clubs throughout the USA and the world, especially Australia, Europe, Japan and lately, South Korea and Thailand. These regular gatherings encourage amateur musicians to play, sing and socialize. In Sydney, Australia alone, there are 8 uke clubs each with over 100 members and some with many times that amount.
UKULELE MIKE: Jim, surfing thru uke music in music stores we see a LOT of Flea Market Music products. . . Can you tell my readers the range of your offerings?
JIM: Since our first songbook, my wife Liz and I have published over two-dozen Jumpin’ Jim’s songbooks. Some of the best selling titles in the series include Jumpin’ Jim’s Ukulele Tips ‘N’ Tunes, Jim’s ’60s Uke-In and Jumpin’ Jim’s Ukulele Country as well as collections of blues, bluegrass, classical music and jazz standards arranged for ukulele by Lyle Ritz, Herb Ohta, John King and Fred Sokolow. Released in October 2010, The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs For Better Living, is the largest ukulele songbook ever published.
In 2003 Backbeat books published the second edition of my book, The Ukulele, A Visual History and this past June Homespun Tapes released my third DVD, entitled Jumpin’ Jim’s Ukulele Workshop. Liz and I also love to perform and in 2009 we released our latest CD, “Rare Air” which features a number of original songs, many of which I wrote with Lyle Ritz and Herb Ohta. I’ve had the pleasure of giving workshops and performing with Liz at many uke fests as well as on tours of Japan and Australia. Most recently I had the thrill of working with Eddie Vedder on a deluxe book/CD of the songs from his recent “Ukulele Songs” CD
In 1999 we helped market and introduce the Fluke ukulele designed and manufactured by my brother-in-law, Dale Webb, for The Magic Fluke Co. Later on Dale went on to create the smaller Flea ukulele and recently the new Firefly banjo uke, all manufactured in a new and much larger facility in Sheffield, Massachusetts.
Liz and I perform a good deal in the New England area and attend as many uke fests as we can. I also give workshops throughout the year.
UKULELE MIKE: Can you reveal future goals for yourself?
JIM: We’ve just finished a new book and CD of lute pieces arranged for ukulele by a classical guitarist/uke player in England. That should be coming out in October. We also expect to release at least two songbooks in 2012.
One of my greatest pleasures is writing songs, alone or in collaboration with Herb Ohta, Lyle Ritz and others. Liz and I are always thinking of new recording projects and I’ve been thrilled to see several of my songs covered on CDs by Herb, Lyle, Michelle Kiba, Tripping Lily and Victoria Vox.
UKULELE MIKE: Jim, what kind of suggestions can you give to the global ukulele community and especially those who have just discovered this wonderful instrument?
JIM: Have fun and keep in mind that there is no single correct way to play. Get one hundred of the finest uke players in a room and they will each have their own idiosyncratic strum or style. Whatever works for you is the right way. That said, I still encourage new players to use their pinky as much as possible (especially when making a G chord). Going from a G to G7 is much easier if two of the fingers stay in the same position and you just toggle your pinky and index finger. One other reason is that many of the lush jazz chords require four fingers anyway. So get that pinky working now so it’s ready for some heavier lifting down the road. Finally, see if there is a local uke club you can join. Playing regularly with others will encourage you to practice and improve.
UKULELE MIKE: Wow, thanks, Jim. . . awesome interview. . . All the best to you and hope to catch up with you again soon. Safe travels and . . . . “HAPPY STRUMMING” – Mike Lynch
EXCLUSIVE Artist Interview Series – Ian Clarkson of the JIVE ACES
If you’re not already aware of Ian Clarkson, he is the lead
singer and founding member of the UK based Swing/Jive group The Jive Aces. Vocalist,
trumpet and ukulele player, Ian Clarkson, formed the group in 1989. They are a six-piece UK based high energy jive and swing band who have many albums and singles to their name, and have performed at many music festivals throughout the UK, Europe and the US. The Jive Aces headlined at the first ever swing dance at Royal Albert Hall. They played to approximately 1,300 dancers on the 5,000 square foot dance floor, along side the BACK TO BASIE ORCHESTRA and TOP SHELF JAZZ. In March 2011 the Jive Aces produced a music video for their cover of the well known Morecambe and Wise theme song “BRING ME SUNSHINE” in a Louis Prima jive style with Ian Clarkson on Ukulele. In just a few weeks on You Tube it catapulted to over a million views. In their own words, a contribution to “Spreading the Sunshine throughout the world.
Below is the music video. . . One can instantly see how apparent the
ukulele truly DOES spread sunshine wherever it is played.
I recently had the privilege of catching up with Ian during his busy schedule while he was on tour in France. Ian spoke on numerous aspects of his career and the ukulele specifically. Below is that interview.
THE INTERVIEW:
UKULELE MIKE: Ian, how would you describe your musical background?
IAN: When I was a little kid I loved Elvis. Then I used to read the liner notes on his albums etc. and saw the influences he had such as blues etc, then I would go out and buy a recording of whoever that artist was. So, I started working sort of backwards time-wise musically as my friends got into whatever the radio or disco was playing. I only actually started playing the uke two years ago after a gig with Kaplan Kaye (Uke-Ukes) and Veronica and the Red Wine Serenaders from Italy. I tried Kaplan’s Kala and was hooked. My wife got me one for Christmas and within a month I had THREE!!! Two months later I had “serenaded” HRH Prince Charles with my yellow Makala at the VE Day celebrations and used it to sing my way quickly through customs at Dover – – – understood “Uke-Power”!!
UKULELE MIKE: Sounds like you’re hooked, Ian. So tell me, what is your overall approach to music in general?
IAN: Musically I am generally self taught with a mix of the influences of jazz, swing, rock ‘n’ roll and blues. My musical approach has always been to make people happy and to entertain. I think there is enough depressive stuff around. The uke, of course, fitted straight in with this.
UKULELE MIKE: So once you got your uke, where did you go from there?
IAN:
With the uke I merely bought a few easy song books and started learning songs. I was going through a skiffle phase at that time and our trombonist got a washboard so I also started learning these sorts of songs on the uke. They are simple and rhythm based and people love them.
UKULELE MIKE: So, Ian, what’s with this renaissance of the ukulele? How do you account for it?
IAN: I think the uke is getting a resurgence because it’s great! Partly because live music in general is coming back — as the record industry practically destroys itself, bands and singers are back and the uke is such a portable and fun and, importantly, easy to start instrument. Also, the internet in its currently pioneer atmostphere allows young and new musicians to search and find different music and it allows something that is genuinely fun spread virally – – rather than in the slightly more controlled media that pushes based on financial returns only. Thirdly, the uke has been part of a music and entertainment scene that helped take America out of a depression and in amongst the doom and gloom we read in some media, the uke has once more raised its head to shine across the music and entertainment world inspiring a lot of fun.
UKULELE MIKE: Ian, the Jive Aces have been around for a long time now . . . Tell us more about this exciting band.
IAN: That’s right, Mike. The Jive Aces have been the same line-up for 15 years! and we have been touring almost non stop for all that time. I went to school with the drummer, Peter, and after we left school we met the bass player and sax player at clubs that played jive, swing and jazz music. We used to swing dance to the other bands and then one day we decided to start our own band, which we did. We started off busking, or “street entertaining” and very quickly got gigs coming and soon travelled to Europe and beyond. The most important thing is that we are like minded and have similar tastes in music and all want to help make the world a happier place.
UKULELE MIKE: So, Ian, how did the ukulele begin to work into the band mix?
IAN: Oddly enough, when I started playing the uke I had no idea that it was at the beginning of a great resurgence and was surprised to get requests to play it more and more at gigs — which I was very happy to do, especially as it had taken over my trumpet practice . . . and most other things. I feature the uke on stage in our jive songs and in the skiffle that has entered the set and I use it as a rhythm instrument on our recordings instead of rhythm guitar. This works very well and I think it has such a nicer happy tone and adds to the jive (I keep insisting it goes louder and louder in the mix too) I listen to some of the old jive groups that used uke from the 30’s and 40’s such as “The Cats and a Fiddle” and “The Spirits of Rhythm” and we will be doing some material simlar to this in the future.
UKULELE MIKE: Ian, what advice could you give to new and developing uke players?
IAN: My advice would be to grab that uke and just learn songs you like as soon as you have learned the very basics . . . like holding it. Find the way that works for you to learn – – Some may prefer a teacher, some books, or some tutorials on YouTube, but go for your own thing. My opinion is that the beauty of the uke is that it is not so serious as other instruments and with its come-back at such a time with so much diverse music about there are sooooooo many styles to approach the uke with. I’m mainly “old school” swing but nowadays you have everything from pop to punk on the ukulele. The nice thing about uke players is that they usually want to share their knowledge and teach others. As soon as I could play a couple of songs I was encouraging everyone to start and teaching what little I had at that time learned. So other players will usually give you tips.
UKULELE MIKE: Ian, the Jive Aces song “Bring Me Sunshine” has become a mega hit. We’d love to know more about this song.
IAN: When we started doing “Bring Me Sunshine” on stage it was immediately popular. The message of the song so suited the uke. We had the Hollywood dancers the Satin Dollz on our tour with us in the UK for their first time. It was in the freezing snow last November (they’d never seen snow). They loved “Bring Me Sunshine” and wanted to learn it. I took them to Denmark St. near Soho before a gig at the 100 Club and they all bought ukes. That night they surprised me when they all came on stage surrounding me with their uke props and in their Betty Grable bathing suits. So . . . then I had to teach them.
After the last gig of the tour on a cold stage in Manchester we sat down and filmed my very first tutorial:
Then we put our music vid on line and watched in amazement as it got 100,000 views in just a couple of weeks, then it hit one million in less than two months!! I’m sure that both the happy message of the song and the Uke love and the uke effect helped it go viral.
UKULELE MIKE: So Ian, in your Bring Me Sunshine video I was quite taken by that bright yellow little uke you played with the dolphin saddle. Tell us more about that, will you?
IAN: Yes, that was a MAKALA yellow uke with a dolphin saddle. I thought it was appropriate for our “SUNSHINE” motif . . . shortly after the release of the video the KALA UKULELE people contacted me (they are the ones who make the MAKALA) and thanked me for using it in the video and asked if I needed anything from them. . . At a concert following I was surprised as they presented me on-stage with a bright yellow semi-acoustic / electric concert “BRING ME SUNSHINE” signature model with the Jive Aces logo on it and the words “BRING ME SUNSHINE”. It’s great. . . just plug it in and go . . . a perfect mix for the band onstage. I’ve been playing it constantly ever since!!! A personal huge shout out to the KALA folks!!!
UKULELE MIKE: This has been an amazing interview, Ian. Any parting words you would like to share with the global ukulele community?
IAN: Yes! . . . Let’s get EVERYONE playing and/or loving the UKE!!! Spread the sunshine!! Learn songs, write songs, teach songs and most of all play, play, play!
Spread that UKULELE sunshine!!!
CHEERS!!!!
Thanks, Ian . . . great interview!!!
For more info on the Jive Aces and their concert tour schedule go to www.jiveaces.com
And now, UKULELE MIKE does his own tutorial on BRING ME SUNSHINE
Check out THIS blog for more on my Jive Aces tutorials: https://ukulelemikelynch.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/ukulele-mike-does-tutorials-of-2-jive-aces-hits/
I invite you to subscribe to my blog site www.ukulelemikelynch.wordpress.com by doing so you will get instant email alerts of all new postings.
PLEASE NOTE: My UKULELE BASICS DVD is now available for purchase. For more info contact me at mike@ukulelemikelynch.com
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EXCLUSIVE Artist Interview Series – Kimo Hussey
A few weeks back my family and I had the privilege and honor of having Kimo come to our home for an evening of food and song and chat. If you’re not acquainted with Kimo Hussey then you should be. As with most children raised in Hawaii, Kimo Hussey was “born” with a ukulele in his hands. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in music, Kimo followed many other pursuits in life, but eventually returned to the love of his life, music and the ukulele. Kimo initiated the Pacific Music Foundation, an organization with the goal of creating music, and now travels worldwide to spread the enchantment of the his music and the ukulele.
A magical evening we had of so much sharing, music and thoughtful conversation. Below are some thoughts expressed by Kimo to me regarding his career in music and the ukulele.
THE INTERVIEW:
Ukulele Mike: Kimo, would you please tell us about your
music background and at what age you began to play the ukulele?
Kimo: Through instructional efforts of the only ukulele
instructor (My uncle Richard) I’ve ever had, I started playing at the age of
5. Throughout my entire life playing ukulele has always been about having fun and not about gaining mastery of the instrument through academic endeavor. In college, I majored in music with an emphasis in choral conduction as I had grown to love church music, especially performed by choirs. Eventual entry into the US Air Force to avoid the draft turned into a full-time career I so enjoyed bu also mean music was put on the back burner——until my eventual retirement. As now I am fully retired, I’ve totally embrace the ongoing ukulele renaissance and spend most of my time doing workshops and whatever I think is best to nurture ukulele’s continued growth.
Ukulele Mike: Kimo, I think my readers would love to know about your approach to your playing style.
Kimo: I embrace a style of play that always pays strict
attention to melody with accompanying chordal
background equally present.
Ukulele Mike: Kimo, why do you think there is such a resurgence of interest in the ukulele at this time?
Kimo: I believe the interest in ukulele is driven by the
relative ease in which the player, even an absolute beginner, can easily get
into the process of making music and have fun doing it. The instrument’s portability, ease in playing, wonderful sound and very reasonable cost adds to this attraction. It’s also very easy to play with other people and so it fosters positive social contact which greatly enhances people’s enjoyment.
Ukulele Mike: Kimo, could you tell us about your current ukulele events and activities?
Kimo: I love to play, teach and nurture as best I can —-
so therefore pursue any opportunity which affords me the means of doing
this. One of my favorite activities is
to travel to ukulele workshops and events around the world not only to feed the
resurgence but to meet other players as well.
Regarding playing ukulele, I love to push the envelope and embrace
different styles or methodologies of play to assure the instrument’s continued
growth. A big part of this is meeting and interfacing with ukulele makers so I know I play the latest technology instruments. They look better, sound better and are much easier to play. Yes, they do cost more but are worth every dime spent.
Ukulele Mike: Kimo, what advice would you give to budding ukulele players?
Kimo: Always remember the reason why we play ukulele is to have FUN!!! Nurture that and your ukulele career will be long, satisfying and quite fruitful.
Ukulele Mike: Kimo, any other thoughts you might like to
share with the global ukulele comminty.?
Kimo: Yes! I’d love to dialogue with anyone, anywhere about ukulele in an effort to help enhance your enjoyment in playing. Call me: 808-561-3192 or email me at kimohussey@gmail.com
You can find numerous performances of Kimo Hussey on YouTube. Below I’ve attached a couple of my favorites. . . Enjoy . . .
My deepest thanks to Kimo for allowing me to interview him for my “Artist Interview Series”
For information regarding Ukulele Mike Ukulele resources please email: TheUkuleleMan2012@hotmail.com
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