Latest
Shiny and the Spoon: Interview
February 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment
This is the second time I’ve interviewed Amber Nash. My excuse – if I need an excuse beyond her being bot-rockingly awesome – is that last time she was part of ukebucket and this time she’s half of Shiny and the Spoon. Shiny and the Spoon have just released their new EP. You’ll be familiar with many of the songs if you’ve been following Amber’s YouTube channel (although still no sign of Pig Latin despite my protestations). Here’s her lowdown on the EP, independent recording... [Read the full story]
Tab
Big and Small Theme (Tabs)
February 7, 2010 · 10 Comments
Big and Small Theme (Melody, Chords and Accompaniment) As I generally go to great lengths to avoid any contact with people under the age of 21, it took comments from zym, cardboardfrog and Nick to alert me to the ukulele theme tune to Big and Small. Even better, Nick mentioned the ukulele-trio version on the CBeebies website (go through a door, click the piano, give them all ukes). And it’s that version I’ve tabbed up (although the vocal version has the same chords). Here I am playing the tabbed version: Audio... [Read the full story]
Chords
Phredd – Elmer’s Electric Tricycle (Chords and Tab)
February 4, 2010 · 7 Comments
Phredd – Elmer’s Electric Tricycle (Chords and Tab) I wish we had songs this good when I was a kid. All we had was Fingerbobs (okay, so Bagpuss was pretty amazing). I can certainly relate to the story of a mad scientist working away in the shed with everyone wondering what’s he building in there? This track turned up on the Phredderiffic in a uke-less form. But I’ve written up the uke version from Phreddtube because, of course, it’s far superior. Suggested Strumming In the verses, he’s... [Read the full story]
Acts
Shiny and the Spoon: Interview
February 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment
This is the second time I’ve interviewed Amber Nash. My excuse – if I need an excuse beyond her being bot-rockingly awesome – is that last time she was part of ukebucket and this time she’s half of Shiny and the Spoon. Shiny and the Spoon have just released their new EP. You’ll be familiar with many of the songs if you’ve been following Amber’s YouTube channel (although still no sign of Pig Latin despite my protestations). Here’s her lowdown on the EP, independent recording... [Read the full story]
eBay
Ukulele Window Shopping
January 29, 2010 · 7 Comments
A couple more new ukes from NAMM 2010: - Ohana resonator here’s ,resonator specialist, Bob Brozman testing it out. - Uke-blog tributing Ukulelia ukulele. If you can’t wait for the Ohana resonator to turn up, this nickel-plated bell brass Recording King Resonator seems like a sweet deal. But it’s still the National resonator that makes me go all gooey in the knees. Keli’i are turning out some curly koa ukes at a reasonable price. Picture of the week: Ukulele side-hugs. Read More →
Ukulele 101
Make Your Own Ukulele Chord Solos: Interview
October 7, 2009 · 6 Comments
Arranging tunes for the ukulele is obviously a subject close to my heart so when Michael (who you may know as LStrachey and reyalpEleluku on YouTube) asked me to look over the draft of his book Make Your Own Chord Solos I jumped at the chance. It’s now available and it’s an excellent little guide to the process and well worth looking at if you want to start making your own arrangements. I asked Michael a for a few pointers on arranging for ukulele. What is your number one tip for creating ukulele chord solos? Number... [Read the full story]
Videos
Evelyn Evelyn, Annie Bacon: UkeTub
February 6, 2010 · 11 Comments
My favourite video this week comes from, Amanda Palmer’s conjoined twin side project, Evelyn Evelyn with a glorious animated video (which is NSFW if you work someone that frowns upon cartoon copulation and foul language – and if you do, what the hell are you doing working there?). Even if you haven’t been impressed with Amanda Palmer’s ukulele efforts so far, you should still check this out. You can read more about the project on Pitchfork – including rumours that the album features Frances... [Read the full story]
Links
More UkeFests, Ukulele Trend Official: Friday Links
February 5, 2010 · 4 Comments
The vote for video of the year is very close between U900 and Ukulelezo (one vote between them as I write) with Sophie Madeleine and Mr B not far behind. Go and cast your vote if you haven’t done so. This year’s ukulele festivals are stacking up: - Ukelear Meltdown (in Newcastle, UK) always has the most interesting lineup. This year it includes acts from the US, Pakistan and Finland as well as the UK debut of Mighty Uke. Most of the acts on the bill are a mystery to me (as is the ticket ordering process). - Lone... [Read the full story]
Misc.
Valentines Ukulele, Uluru: Ukulele Window Shopping
February 5, 2010 · 5 Comments
There are a few Valentines ukulele cards around, but if you really love your uker you get them a Kanilea valentines ukulele. The sitar-lele from NAMM is now available to pre-order from Mid-East ukuleles. At $200, I’m going to be very tempted. A couple of sweet looking Ayers/Uluru ukuleles: AU2 and the AU9 Kimo Jones tenor uke. 30s Dobro resonator. Read More →
Noticeboard
Ukulele Strumming: My latest ebook will whip your rhythm into shape and slay your strumming gremlins.
You can find out more and buy it here How to Play Ukulele Strums.
Tab
Big and Small Theme (Tabs)
Big and Small Theme (Melody, Chords and Accompaniment) As I generally go to great lengths to avoid any contact with people under the age of 21, it took comments from zym, cardboardfrog... [Read more]
Recent Tab
Chords
Phredd – Elmer’s Electric Tricycle (Chords and Tab)
Phredd – Elmer’s Electric Tricycle (Chords and Tab) I wish we had songs this good when I was a kid. All we had was Fingerbobs (okay, so Bagpuss was pretty amazing).... [Read more]
Recent Chords
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Recent Posts
This is the second time I’ve interviewed Amber Nash. My excuse – if I need an excuse beyond her being bot-rockingly awesome – is that... [Read more]
Big and Small Theme (Melody, Chords and Accompaniment) As I generally go to great lengths to avoid any contact with people under the age of 21, it took... [Read more]
My favourite video this week comes from, Amanda Palmer’s conjoined twin side project, Evelyn Evelyn with a glorious animated video (which is NSFW... [Read more]
There are a few Valentines ukulele cards around, but if you really love your uker you get them a Kanilea valentines ukulele. The sitar-lele from NAMM is... [Read more]