Do You Uke?

[Muddypause]

I know this is totally off topic, but I feel the need to share... Y'see for some years now I've been a bit of a fan of the ukulele.

Right, OK, stop laughing at the back.

In the UK, we've been totally ruined for the uke by the likes of George Formby, even though he's been dead for 45 years. His legacy is that we all think that the ukulele is a twee comedy instrument for music hall songs; a bit of a joke; in fact just a toy, really. And no one in Britain can see a ukulele without saying ' Eh-up! Turned out nice again' in a cod Lancashire accent.

Elsewhere in the world, they have a rather different view of the instrument; it's an instrument that can bring serious joy. George Harrison (for he was a uke player himself) said that no one can play a ukulele without smiling. I can only fumble about on it myself, but (getting to the point, at last) if you want to know what it can sound like in the hands of an expert, have a listen to this, and be amazed. This is Jake Shimabukuro playing a tenor uke.

And if you get the chance, go and see the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain for a damn fine evening's entertainment ("...all you need is four strings and the truth").

[Wombat]

Nice one, Muddy my man..................Nice one.

My father used to play the mandolin, which has no bearing on the current conversation, but what the hell!

Nev

[shiney]

WOW! I was transfixed. That is just brilliant. What a talented guy, he was brilliant. What a fantastic thing to hear first thing in the morning.

Thanks for sharing that Muddy. So how long before we see you and your Uke on U Tube?

[Stonehead]

Thanks, a great link. I'm a banjo, fiddle and harmonica fan myself (must have hillybilly blood) and can play the harmonica a little. The pigs don't mind my playing fortunately...

[Stonehead]

Oh, and here's a few that the boys and I like to dance around to...

http://ukuleledisco.com/tabernash

http://ukuleledisco.com/ragmama

http://www.ukuleledisco.com/ragmop

One that gets the littlies laughing...

http://www.ukuleledisco.com/berger

And one for the cooks

http://ukuleledisco.com/spam

[Milims]

Muddy - oh my giddy aunt!!!! That made my heart do flip flops!!! Absolutely awesome!!
I'm going to pass the link on to a mate - he plays all types of guitar - he'll love it!!
Thank You!!

Helen and Chris

[jondy]

Like all that stuff, Muddypause. Have a preferance for the banjos as in 'dueling banjos', like that 'deliverance' film sequence, its on google video.

Also on google video a film clip I like, type in:- 'bullitt' and see the great sequence with Steve McQueen, growling V8s, chasing through the streets of San Francisco. Great action and noise. Not very Green!

Any other must see clips to google up.?

John

[jondy]

Nearly forgot this 60s rock and roll classic with the 4 biggest stars of the rock and roll era Lennon/Jagger/Richards and the top guitarist then and now. worth a look , a bit of history. Google video, search:- type in, Lennon Jagger Blues or Yer Blues

John

[legendaryone]

And for those who like it punk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eunpQobt_o

[Muddypause]

So how long before we see you and your Uke on U Tube?

A very very long time.

A very very very long time.

In fact, much longer than a long time.

Much much longer.

Much much longer than a very very long time.

[Muddypause]

Much much much longer than a very very very long time.

[legendaryone]

So we've got to wait quite a while then ?

[Andy Hamilton]

About a year ago now my old local (the bell in Bath) used to hold Ukulele sessions in the back room once a fortnight. There were quite popular with 20 or so people bringing along their Ukuleles.

I don't know if they still hold them, but it is just a few stops up from you on the Train and might be worth looking into. Give me a shout if they still do them and I will pop along with you if you like.,

[wulf]

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain are fantastic! I heard them on the radio las year and ever since have been pestering my band to cover Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights (*), inspired by the way the UOGB showed that the song isn't just about singing in a high voice.

Wulf

(*) without success so far but they've moved from outright scepticism to actually considering it

[PurpleDragon]

My FIL plays(or used to play, before his fingers quit on him) one of those machines with a sort of bellows on one side and a bunch of buttons, and a keyboard for the other hand .

I am SO frustrated that I can't remember what they are called