The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain have won their court battle against the United Kingdom Ukulele Orchestra. Absolutely the right decision. They shamelessly ape every aspect of the UOGB.
Here’s an excellent article on the ukulele ‘fad’ with thoughts from James Hill and Tony ‘Mighty Uke‘ Coleman.
Whoever put together Apple Music’s UkeBox – The Ukulele Today playlist has been paying attention. The short list includes James Hill, Tune-Yards, Magnetic Fields, Beirut, Mr B, Garfunkel and Oates, Sophie Madeleine, Shiny and the Spoon, Victoria Vox and other Uke Hunt favorites. The only misstep is the incongruous inclusion of Arlo Guthrie’s version of Ukulele Lady.
– New album from Ben Rouse Love of Rin.
– In other UOGB news, the mash up of The Ukes and, early music ensemble, Theatre of the Ayre Lutes & Ukes have a new YouTube channel featuring some nutso instruments. (Thanks to Ron Hale.)
– Interesting to compare Seth Godin’s template for organic and viral growth to the success of ukulele groups.
– Lap steel ukulele (complete with Sons of Hawaii t-shirt).
– 2014 Kiwaya KTS-95 Flamed Koa Soprano Uke.
– Eddie Vedder ukulele gig posters.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Al.
Re- short list
Not necessarily a recent list. Been trying to find a recent Tuneyards uke video. Only recent performances of old stuff. The new video stuff is uke-free.
Haven’t seen a Beirut uke video in years. Haven’t seen a Beirut video period in years.
Mr. B- Infrequent at best.
Is Sophie Madeleine still around? Wouldn’t know it from video evidence.
VV has a new music video out that fans might try.
Lutes & Ukes is a much needed/appreciated jolt of energy into the band, the uke community, and, perhaps into the early music world as well.
But maybe not with hardcore original/period/authentic instruments types.
But, the uke does fit in very nicely.
Speaking of the Ukes, the woman sitting in Hester’s seat – Leisa Rea? – deserves special mention for injecting some needed fresh blood into an organization whose infrastructure was long-in-the-tooth and beginning to get creaky.
Success of uke groups – Yes, uke acts come and go.
You have acts like Dent May, Michelle Blades, and Misty Miller who are now electric guitar slingers.
Last I saw Patti Plinko she was strumming an acoustic guitar.
The ‘ukulele got them notice, got them started.
But, four strings are just four strings, after all. For most mortals.
And, what of Mad Tea (Party)? Ami & Krekel just burn out?