I’ve been using Tumblr for a while now. There’s a lot of uke stuff, obviously, but also plenty of non-uke material. Official friend of the blog, L.bo Marie has been putting up some great uke photos on her Tumblr including these handsome ukers and a cycling ukulelist along with this insanely addictive little music maker. Also from Tumblr: ukulele pin-up, Tennessee-Virginia musicians.
James Hill has a new book out: Great Popular Songs. It contains chords and standard notation for songs like Sister Kate, Midnight Special and Roving Gambler in high-g friendly format. You can get a free sample here.
The New York Times talks ukes with Eddie Vedder, Amanda Palmer, tUnE-yArDs and Jim Beloff.
I’ve been grumbling about the over-supply of ukulele contests for a while but the Hitachi heat pumps thing going on at the moment is by far the most irritating of all time. Everyone has to record their awful jingle and the winner is the video with the most views. With a $10,000 prize, lots of schools have entered and people have badgered me to feature their videos. But the inevitable winner is the one willing to show the most tit. I’m never buying anything made by Hitachi again. Except maybe one of these – after that video I have a stiff, erm, neck?
Tab-u-learn/Tri-Tabs has moved again. It’s now PDF Minstrel.
Formby chords on Ukulele Cosmos.
Paganini and Bedouin Soundclash on Uker Tabs.
Zach ‘Scrubs’ Braff’s new play contains the role of Kim who, “Does not see how being an “escort” might not be the best path to becoming an internationally famous, ukulele-playing pop-star.” We’ve all been down that road.
“Warm in the winter and cool in the summer,
it’s another Hitachi day.” What’s not to like, Al?
My own favorite is the Uruti School’s entry. It’s in seconed place, which as far as I’m concerned is the real first place. I refuse to watch the one that’s leading and has been flagged by YT, for crying out loud. This is a good way for kids to get funds for their schools. Lots of kids with lots of colored ukes. And I like that part of it anyway.