Ukulele Musicians

This series has sold well over 150,000 copies and is distributed by the Hal Leonard Corp. Jim has also recorded two CDs of original songs performed on the ukulele (Jim's Dog Has Fleas and For The Love Of Uke), produced Legends Of Ukulele, a CD compilation for Rhino Records, and made two how-to-play DVDs for Homespun Tapes entitled The Joy Of Uke #1 and #2. Most recently he released The Finer Things, a recording of sixteen songs he collaborated on with ukulele master, Herb Ohta. In 1999 Jim and his family introduced a new, colorful and low-cost ukulele called the FLUKE (and in 2003 the smaller FLEA uke) that have won admirers all over the world. In six years over 20,000 FLUKE and FLEA ukuleles have been sold. In November 1999 he premiered his Uke Can't Be Serious concerto for ukulele and symphony orchestra. It was commissioned and performed with the Wallingford (Connecticut) Symphony. In 2002 Jim and his wife, Liz, were lead consultants on Ukulele Fever at the Stamford (CT.) Museum. This exhibit was the first museum show to explore the full history of the ukulele. Their Los Angeles-based company, Flea Market Music, is dedicated to the ukulele and they believe very strongly that "Uke Can Change The World." You can reach Jim through the Flea Market Music web site at www.fleamarketmusic.com.

A Few of Jim's Great Songbooks

Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Beach Party Fretted. Size 6.75x10.5 inches. 72 pages. Published by Flea Market Music, Inc. (695658) See more info...

Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Island 31 Tropical Tunes Arranged for Uke. Fretted. Size 6.75x10.5 inches. 80 pages. Published by Flea Market Music, Inc. (695845) See more info...

Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Tips 'N' Tunes Ukulele Technique. Performed by Jim Beloff. Fretted. Size 6.75x10.5 inches. 64 pages. Published by Hal Leonard Corporation. (699406) See more info...

Jumpin' Jim's The Bari Best Ukulele Songbooks. Softcover. Size 8.5x11 inches. 72 pages. Published by Flea Market Music, Inc. (695926) See more info...

Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Country Fretted. Size 6.75x10.5 inches. 80 pages. Published by Flea Market Music, Inc. (695898) See more info...

All Jim Beloff books are available at Flea Market Music.

More information available on artists's web site.

B&H will leave their rainforest home and set forth into to the world seeking ukulele players, makers and festivals...

thus the UKULELE LOVE-IN ON-LINE will travel from AUSTRALIA to JAPAN, the U.S.A., the UK and EUROPE to record INTERVIEWS and SONGS with performers and enthusiasts...

we'll publish the results of this UKULELE TRAVELOGUE on YouTube, in ROLLING COCONUTS MAGAZINE and eventually on DVD

so if you're somewhere in these regions (there's a lot of the uke-playing world right there!) and are interested in a visit from B&H, we'd love to hear from you... just contact BOSKO

More information available on artist's web site.

Links:

• YouTube - Ukulele Spaghetti - link
• YouTube - Bob Brozman on OC-TV.net - link
• YouTube - Ledward Kaapana & Bob Brozman - In Concert (1997) [Part 1] - link
• YouTube - Ledward Kaapana & Bob Brozman - In Concert (1997) [Part 2] - link a lot more parts available on YouTube

More information available on artists's web site.

More information available on artist's web site.

Being self-taught, I know very little about music theory. I know enough about the Modes that I can improvise and construct solos, for guitar, without any major issues. I find tablature much more suitable for me than learning to read notes on the musical staff. Therefore, the tabs presented on this site may have errors regarding correct key signatures, time signatures and notes that may be written in the wrong octave etc. I am sorry if this is an inconvenience for those who choose to read the musical staff and prefer not to use the tablature staff when learning a particular song. If I could, I would eliminate the music staff all together but my transcribing software does not currently support that function. This is why I always recommend listening to the original recording, or in some cases my recorded mp3, to get the timing and feel for the song. By doing so and placing your fingers on the fret board as indicated in the TAB you will be well on your way to playing the songs listed on this site. As always, I will do the best I can to answer any questions you may have. So, choose your favorite songs and strum, strum away. Dominator!

More information available on artist's web site.

Roots trace back to the legendary "Makalea" where he learned his 'ukulele basics and techniques from the now mythological ukulele enigma, Mark Baldonado. There he learned different styles of music other than the monotany of Jawaiian music.

More information available on artist's web site.

(from WidipediA) - (25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) was an English rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, author and sitarist best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles. Following the band's demise, Harrison had a successful career as a solo artist and later as part of the Traveling Wilburys super group where he was known as both Nelson Wilbury and Spike Wilbury. He was also a film producer, with his production company Handmade Films, involving people as diverse as Madonna and the members of Monty Python. From an initial exposure whilst a member of the Beatles, he maintained a high public profile regarding his religious and spiritual life.

More information available on artists's web site.

So how does a kid from Canada become what the Honolulu Star-Bulletin calls a “rare peer” of Hawaii’s premier `ukulelists? Nearly three thousand miles east of Honolulu is James' hometown of Langley, British Columbia, where `ukulele instruction has been mandatory in many schools since the late 1970s and where James was introduced to the `ukulele at the age of nine. To his fourth grade classmates, the `ukulele was a means to an end, a way for them to dip their toes into the vast ocean of music. For James, the uke was a sea of possibilities unto itself and inside its tiny wooden shell he saw his life in music. He was hooked. During his teenage years he honed his skills as a key member of the renowned Langley Ukulele Ensemble under the direction of Peter Luongo. Luongo, an `ukulele educator for over 25 years calls James “unquestionably Canada's finest `ukulele player.”

After touring for twelve years with the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, James embarked on a solo career in 2002 with the release of Playing it like it isn't..., a “beautiful, humorous and virtuosic” debut that saw him “reaching a whole new level” (David Kidney, Green Man Review). His sophomore release, On the Other Hand, would follow in 2003, confirming his place as “one of the world’s top composers for the instrument” (Rafe Mair, 600AM Vancouver).

"He's got it all!" says Grammy-winning Hawaiian recording artist Daniel Ho, referring to James' "pristine technique" and "inspired" compositions. In performance, James is energetic and captivating, mixing colourful anecdotes with a versatile repertoire that stretches from Schubert to the Beatles and beyond. He is heard frequently on CBC and NPR National radio, has made TV appearances on The Tony Danza Show, MTV Select, Urban Rush and Studio 4 with Fanny Keifer, and has shared billing with the world's foremost `ukulele players including Herb Ohta (Ohta-San), John King, Lyle Ritz and Benny Chong.

The `ukulele has long been an international affair. An instrument of Hawaiian fame and Portuguese ancestry with a strong following in Japan, Europe and the United States, it’s somehow fitting that the uke should find a champion in a young man from Canada. Jim Beloff, author of The Ukulele: A Visual History, calls James’ work “a glimpse into the future of the `ukulele” - take a listen and you’ll understand why. It’s `ukulele... seriously.

Quotes

“Honestly, this is the freshest most exciting playing that I've heard since Troy Fernandez.” - Derek Shimizu, GString Ukulele Co

“I remember the first time I heard Jimi Hendrix... He did things with an electric guitar that I hadn't imagined, hadn't thought possible. James Hill does that with the ukulele.” - David Kidney, The Green Man Review

(Video) James Playing - Down on the Rideau Canal

Click on image to play - More available on James's site.

(Video) James Playing - Skipping Stone

Click on image to play - More available on James's site.

The TAB. MIDI and Powertab files for Skipping Stone are available at Dominators's Ukulele Tabs

A few of the available James Hill CDs.

A Flying Leap - Buy It!!!

On The Other Hand - Buy It!!!

Playing it like it isn't... - Buy It!!!

Additional Video Links

James Hill YouTube Search

• Super Mario -

  Captured at California Ukulele Festival in Cerritos a few years back. The greatest Mario performance ever!!!!

More information available on listing's web site.

Daniel was born and raised in Kaimuki, on the island of Oahu. He discovered his fascination with music at the age of three when his mother taught him Mary Had a Little Lamb on a toy piano. Throughout grade school and intermediate school, Daniel studied the organ, 'ukulele, classical guitar, piano, electric guitar, bass, drums, and voice. As a high school senior, he flew to Michigan to compete in the Young Keyboard Artists Association International Piano Competition before heading off to the Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, California. He remembered the experience well, "It was like David and Goliath – and I didn't have a slingshot."

At the Grove School of Music, Daniel studied composing, arranging, and film scoring. He began his professional career in 1990 as the leader, keyboardist, producer and composer for the contemporary jazz group, Kilauea. By 1997, they had released six best-selling smooth jazz albums to rave reviews. Two records reached Billboard's top ten, two hit number one on Radio & Record's national airplay charts and all but one placed in the top five.

Daniel has since recorded 18 CDs as a solo artist. Isolating Daniel's musical genre can be quite difficult as he continues to tap into the many facets of his talented background. His portfolio includes smooth jazz, slack key, religious, acoustic alternative, classic and contemporary Hawaiian. He has performed throughout the continental U.S., Tasmania, Australia, Mexico, Japan and Germany as a soloist and tours with Grammy Award winning vocalist, Peabo Bryson, as a keyboardist and guitarist. He was a guest lecturer at Stanford University, and a featured soloist with the Honolulu Symphony. He is a studio musician for the NBC soap opera, Passions, playing piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitars, and bass. In addition to a Grammy, this multi-instrumentalist/composer has received numerous industry honors, including three coveted Na Hoku Hanohano awards.

More information available on artists's web site.

Howlin' Hobbit has been playing music and singing since grade school. That was somewhere back in the dark ages.

Howlin' plays a variety of instruments, but his main "axes" are guitar, harmonica, drums and, lately, a lot of ukulele (too much fun in a tiny package).

For many years Howlin' was a busker at the Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, playing mainly blues on guitar and harmonica. In the summer of 2001 he played washboard with Patsy Fuller, another busker (from the U.K.), and was featured in that capacity (as well as vocals and harmonica) on her CD 'Twixt Pike & Pine.

More information available on artists's web site.

In junior high school, I remember music had started to become a serious interest and I got involved in band, glee clubs and organizing musical combos. This continued through high school and college, eventually resulting in a Bachelor of Arts degree in music (choral conducting). This degree plus my relevant experience in music has taught me there is no substitute for organized, effective practice. Combining this with my love of ukulele brought fun to those many practice sessions, so I continue today . . . . having the knowledge, experience and confidence to know how to impart knowledge relevant to technique, practice and having fun.

The threat of being drafted put a crimp in my budding musical career so I joined the Air Force, decided I loved it and turned aviation into an alternate career. But what I did had such a significant, relevant impact to my musical development. Flying airplanes requires a very disciplined training and operational approach. Added to decades of experience as a trainer, this provided me an outstanding facility for teaching music.

After retirement from the Air National Guard, I recorded a ukulele CD (Eminent Ukulele) and shared publication of a Hawaiian songbook (He Mele Aloha) as one of four authors. I’ve also shared inception of a non-profit organization, Pacific Music Foundation, whose mission statement is to facilitate music that SOOTHES. I’m concurrently involved in recording two more CDs, one vocal ensemble and the other instrumental ----- of course, ukulele.

Years of musical experiences teaching and playing throughout the world have consistently shown me what I most enjoy about music and ukulele is being a part of music’s creative process. That’s the fun part and I have a notion that is the fun part for you as well. The process massages the soul. I am familiar with using the ukulele and other musical outlets to facilitate this process for you and am anxious to share.

More information available on artists's web site.

Before becoming Uke Jackson, he wrote many articles, essays, light verse and short stories which were published in magazines and newspapers across the country. He produced jazz opera in New York and Italy. His plays were presented in NYC. One was adapted for a General Motors Mark of Excellence production for television. He also wrote for the movies and worked on the business side of book publishing. Uke Jackson considers all those worthy endeavors to have served as a prologue to his current creative efforts.

Uke Jackson is the founder and director uf the annual New York Ukulele Festival held end of April each year. And also behind the Ukulele Mojo

More information available on artist's web site.

Often everybody was playing music at a backyard party, many of which lasted for days. "People played in shifts, taking over when somebody went to sleep," Led recalls. "You'd fall asleep to the music, wake up....and the music was still playing. That was the best alarm clock I ever had!"

It was at these family gatherings that Led learned to play in the old style, watching, listening, then imitating. Chief among his teachers were his mother, Mama Tina Kaapana, and his uncle Fred Punahoa.  "Even today when I play, I still picture all the `ohana (family) getting together and sharing their songs and their aloha."

Although isolated, outside influences did creep into Kalapana. Like most kids his age, Led loved to rock and roll and also listened to country, jazz, and Latin music. When he'd sneak a riff from a guitar hit of the day, like Pipeline or Walk Don't Run, into his music his dad would tease, "Hey, that's not slack key!" But nobody ever stopped him, they just encouraged him to "play what you feel and play with aloha."

As teenagers, Led and his twin brother Ned and cousin Dennis Pavao formed the Hui `Ohana, one of the hottest groups of the 70s and 80s and now legendary among Hawaiian musicians. The 70s saw the blossoming of the Hawaiian Renaissance, and Hui `Ohana was a key part of that return to traditional Hawaiian culture and music. Young Hawaii Sings Old Hawaii, the title of their first recording, was also their statement of purpose.v

The group produced 14 best-selling albums and made countless hundreds of live appearances, proudly sharing Kalapana's musical traditions.

Led later formed another trio, I Kona, releasing 6 albums with that group, including Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Jus' Press. He has also released a number of solo albums, including two Na Hoku Hanohano Instrumental Album of the Year winners, Lima Wela and Black Sand. Ki Ho`alu, Hawaiian Slack Key and Grandmaster Slack Key both received Grammy nominations.

While recording for Dancing Cat Records, Led has produced a number of solo projects, duets, and a project with Allison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, and other  bluegrass legends called Waltz of the Wind. He has worked with Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, and many other Nashville notables. Back at home, he has shared his talents on recordings with most of Hawaii's top talents, including Aunty Genoa Keawe, Barney Isaacs, The Ho`opi`i Brothers, Melveen Leed, the Pahinui Brothers, Amy Hanaiali`i, and countless others.

Led tours the US extensively and has also appeared in Belgium, Germany, Canada, Japan, and Tahiti.

When home in Hawaii, he performs regularly at the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian on Saturday afternoons. Sunday evenings it's Kona Brewing Company in Hawaii Kai where local talent and visiting musicians from the four corners of the globe drop in to join the "back yard" party.

More information available on artists's web site.

Music has been an integral part of Jody's upbringing.

At just seven years of age, Jody was given his first ukulele lesson by his music teacher in elementary school. At the age of eight, Jody began performing with the world famous Honolulu Boy Choir. During the next five years he had the opportunity to travel all over the United States, record on an album, and sing on several national T.V. shows as well as commercials.

After graduating from Kaiser High School in 1995, his interest in ukulele began to grow. Through the next eight years, Jody has studied under ukulele masters such as Jake Shimabukuro, Troy Fernandez, Peter Moon, and Roy Sakuma.

In 2000, Jody joined "Ukulele Academy" owned by Jake Shimabukuro and started his career as an instructor.

While the academy was supported by the young who admired Jake's innovative style, Jody invented his own style and became one of the most popular instructors.

After graduating from the University of Hawaii with a degree in Music Marketing, Jody began teaching at Ukulele Essence along with his partner Bruce Shimabukuro.

Together along with Gary Akiona, they make up the "Bruce Shimabukuro Band". The "Bruce Shimabukuro Band" continues to share the aloha spirit through their music. They have successful live performances in Hawaii and tour Japan three to four times a year to do live performances and ukulele workshops.

In 2004, the "Bruce Shimabukuro Band" was invited to Japan to perform in the largest ukulele event called the Ukulele Picnic. In 2005, the band was invited to perform as the final act for the Okinawan Festival (one of Hawaii's largest events) on Oahu. Also in 2005, Jody's original song "Ainakoa" was selected for "Aloha Tofu's" official commercial song.

Jody completed his first DVD entitled "Island Style Ukulele" which will be out in retail stores in Fall 2005.

Here is a great ukulele lesson on the Honolulu Advertiser commemorative IZ page by Jody Kamisato of 'Ukulele Hale (808-258-7237)

More information available on artists's web site.

Michelle has shared the stage with Na Hoku Award winners and Dancing Cat recording artists Daniel Ho, George Kahumoku Jr. and Keoki Kahumoku. She has also appeared with her personal ukulele heroes, Ukulele Dick, Oliver Brown, Jumpin' Jim Beloff, Janet Klein, Peggy Reza (Auntie Uke) and Petty & Booka from Tokyo. In August 2003, Michelle was invited to teach a workshop and perform  at the 2003 Ukulele Hall Fame, Providence Rhode Island.

More information available on listing's web site.

In 1996, at the age of 13, Abe was the Grand Prize winner in an international drumming competition sponsored by Modern Drummer Magazine and New York City's premier drum school, The Drummer's Collective. He was awarded a scholarship to their 4-week summer program. In 1999, another scholarship led him to Berklee College Of Music's summer performance program. In addition to studying and performing with Berklee's acclaimed faculty, the highlight of the program was studying advanced jazz theory with trumpeter Tiger Okoshi. The following year, in 2000, Abe was one of the youngest musicians chosen to participate in Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead Residency Program located at Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts. Under the tutelage of Terrance Blanchard, John Patitucci, Wynard Harper, Nathan Davis, and George Cables, Abraham's original composition, "Headache", was chosen for its national debut at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage.

Abe isa 2005 graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's of Music Degree in Music Education. He was a recipient of the school's prestigious North American World Tour Scholarship which is awarded to students who excel in performance in their respective instruments.

More information available on artist's web site.

Lil' Rev's music features his talents on the guitar, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, and harmonica.  He also "spins yarns as a crackerjack storyteller" (Clay Riness, Rustic Valley Concerts).

Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1 (Ukulele). Fretted. Softcover with CD. Size 9x12 inches. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard. (695832) See more info...

Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1 Fretted. With notes and tablature. Size 9x12 inches. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard. (695847) See more info...

More information available on artist's web site.

In Provincetown she was a member of the longstanding, recently disbanded Provincetown Chamber Orchestra.

With Jazz clarinetist Cricket Comey, Martin plays ukulele in their twosome BottleShock.

She was a music critic for papers in Montreal, and will soon have her own radio programme on Provincetown's WOMR, which streams worldwide at www.womr.org.

She frequently appears on stage in New York's Ukulele Cabaret and Boston's Ukulele Noir, both monthly dates. She was an invited performer at the first New York Uke Fest this past April.

She is a strong believer in the ukulele's versatility.

More information available on artist's web site.

In Provincetown she was a member of the longstanding, recently disbanded Provincetown Chamber Orchestra. With Jazz clarinetist Cricket Comey, Martin plays ukulele in their twosome BottleShock. She was a music critic for papers in Montreal, and will soon have her own radio programme on Provincetown's WOMR, which streams worldwide at www.womr.org. She frequently appears on stage in New York's Ukulele Cabaret and Boston's Ukulele Noir, both monthly dates. She was an invited performer at the first New York Uke Fest this past April. She is a strong believer in the ukulele's versatility.

More information available on artist's web site.

On a lark senior year I hooked up with animator Steve Leeper from The Museum School and tried my hand at filmscoring. I scored his short watercolor film "Please Don't Feed The Animals" and later discovered it won many awards and still airs on IFC, Sundance, and plays at festivals.

More information available on artist's web site.

They have released three albums on their ONLIEST RECORDS label, "Dreamland" in 2000, "Hello Heartstring" in 2002, and "Live in Baden-Baden" in 2004, which features a performance recorded for German National Radio during their May 2002 tour of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

The band members include Bliss Blood, vocalist and ukulele player, who also writes the lyrics to their original tunes; Carla Murray, vocalist and accoustic guitarist; Andrew Hall on bass; and Mike Neer on National steel guitar and acoustic guitar.

Their original songs encompass many styles of 20th Century jazz and pop: ragtime, swing, Hawaiian, country, blues, and even be-bop flavors can be found among their recordings. They list among their influences Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, the Boswell Sisters, Sol Hoopii, King Bennie Nawahi, Annette Hanshaw, Al Bowlly, George and Ira Gershwin, and many more illustrious entertainers from the golden age of popular music, when tunes on the radio held appeal for every member of the listening audience.

They have performed weekly in the New York City area as well as at many private and corporate parties and weddings, in addition playing two jazz cruises on the Queen Elizabeth II, in 2001 and 2002. Their romantic lyrics and lyrical musicianship make them a favorite of lovers and jazz fans wherever they perform.

More information available on artists's web site.

“Ukulele St." is an outstanding introduction to the screwball good-time music of the New York Ukelele Ensemble. . . cute and catchy . . . the messages on "Ukelele Street" are enticing and worthy of attentive listening.” - Joe Ross Reviews

More information available on artist's web site.

More information available on artist's web site.

The Old Spice Boys are:

• Azo Bell - Ukulele

. . . underpinning the hilarity is expert musicianship. Bell, both a virtuoso and highly imaginative improviser, wrests some glorious sounds from his ukulele." John Shand Sydney Morning Herald November 2001

• Tim Reeves - Drums

"Reeves (who had a past life as a pop star with Mungo Jerry and T-Rex), conjured a variety of textures, dynamics and feels while clowning about. The songs swing, rock, lilt or wobble reggae-style." Sydney Morning Herald

• Billy Milroy - One String Tea Chest Bass

"Milroy has surprisingly accurate intonation and even thrummed a pretty solo on Misty." Sydney Morning Herald

More information available on artist's web site.

He extends his love of the ukulele from Hawaiian music to classical, jazz, rock, pop, and Latin music as well. Ohta-San's diversity and style reflect his lyrical sense and is respected as the height of ukulele artistry. He is the only known master of the ukulele instrument to have over 300 tunes played on national radio."

Ohta-San with over 60 albums to his credit, continues to fascinate his fans in the U.S., Canada, France, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil and beyond. His successful hit, "A Song for Anna" composed by famed French composer and conductor André Popp, has sold over 6 million copies throughout the world."

(source: http://geocities.com/sptmbrmrn/033002-4.htm)

A few of the available Herb "Ohta San" Ohta CDs.

Ukulele Duo Herb Otha ,Lyle Ritz - Buy It!!!

Here is a link to web site of Herb Ohta Jr.

Jumpin Jim's Ukulele Masters: Herb Ohta Performed by Herb Ohta. Fretted. Book & CD Package. Size 9x12 inches. 48 pages. Published by Flea Market Music, Inc. (695678) See more info...

More information available on artist's web site.

This Na Hoku award-winning virtuoso has a list of attributes under her belt, including: first place at the 2002 Fearless Hawaiian Jumping Flea Ukulele Competition, the 2004 Lehua Jaycees Ukulele Contest and the 2004 Hamakua Music Festival competition where she was awarded a $1,500 scholarship prize. Brittni attributes her musical talent to her family and the diversity of her sound to both her unique background and influence from great Hawaiian legends.

More information available on artist's web site.

I play four main instruments. The first two are tuned to re-entrant high G, the next to re-entrant FCEA, and the last to low G:

1. KoaWorks 22 fret tenor (neck joined at the 14th fret) with koa top, sides and back, mahogany neck, and Worth Clear Extra Hard Tension strings. My workhorse uke--fast neck with great action.
2. Dominator mahogany tenor (neck joined at 12th fret) strung with Worth Clear Extra Hard Tension strings. An amazingly loud and tonally clear uke built by a very close friend. Priceless.
3. Talsma custom-made 17 fret tenor (neck joined at 12th fret) with spruce top,koa sides and back, mahogany neck, and Worth Clear Extra Hard Tension strings. Warm and sweet sound--great for mellower fingerstyle tunes.
4. Pono cedar top tenor with mahogany back, sides, and neck (neck joined at 14th fret), Worth Clear Extra Hard Tension Low G strings. Big thanks to John Kitakas of Ko'olau Guitars and Ukes for helping set me up with this great instrument.

I record directly into a Sony PCM D1 Portable Digital Recorder--a rather expensive but very easy to use unit that has two high quality condenser mics set in an X-Y pattern and records WAV files--and then master with Ozone 3 software.

More information available on artist's web site.

Lyle Ritz is known throughout the world as one of the original "masters" of the 'Ukulele. Also a professional bass player, Mr. Ritz has performed and recorded with the 'ukulele for over 40 years. His proficiency at 'ukulele jazz chords has gained him respect from all of the music industry. He presently performs and records with his Ko'olau Tenor 'Ukulele.

Recording of No Frills

Here is an Apple Pro article by Nancy Eaton on Lylle Ritz and the recording of Lyle Ritz's No Frills CD.

Lyle Ritz: No Frills by Nancy Eaton

“Trial and Rewind” Leads to GarageBand

(excerpt) Between 2001 and 2005, Ritz tried, tested, rewound, and rejected a wide variety of home recording methods, including digital and tape recorders and a synthesizer with a built-in recording function. “It didn’t really work well,” he says. “It didn’t have the quality and precision I was looking for. So right after Jim told me about GarageBand, I went down to the Apple Store and had them show it to me.”

A “No Frills” Release in 2006

Despite humble protestations about his ostensible lack of computer savvy, Ritz neatly wrapped up all twelve tracks within an efficient six months of first cracking open the iBook box. Beloff released Ritz’s “No Frills” in 2006 under his fledgling Flea Market Music label, with graphic artist Liz Beloff designing the CD cover and all related marketing materials on the Mac. And Verve brought the story full-circle by remastering and releasing the CD version of 1957’s “How About Uke.”

• iBook
• GarageBand
• M-Audio MobilePre
• M-Audio Keystation 49e
• Sony MDRV-900 Stereo Headphones
• Ko’olau custom acoustic-electric tenor ukulele

More information available on company's web site.

But, she soon found her way back to performing, which has been her "real" job for the last 25 years. She learned her craft in piano bars, so it's safe to say, very little shocks her these days. After completing a thirteen year run on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, she has focused her energies on her one-woman shows, which she performs across Southern California for groups, big and small.

Cali is also an award winning songwriter, with three albums. Tunes from her latest comedy CD, "Cali Rose Gets Goofy," are getting radio play all over the world.

In her shows, Cali deftly combines great vintage and popular songs with comedy, story-telling and audience participation. It's a crazy world. We need all the music and laughter we can get.

Cali Rose sings hundreds of vintage and popular songs that you know and love while she accompanies herself on the keyboards and ukulele. Yes, she's the whole band. Cali loves to entertain, too. That means she tells amusing stories and encourages audience participation in her very fun ONE-WOMAN SHOWS.

More information available on artist's web site.

When the mood strikes him, he has been known to pick up a mandolin, bass, steel guitar, banjo, harmonica, Cajun accordion and ukulele. A ukulele is not a toy.

Transcriptions of Gerald Ross's songs are available at Dominator's Ukulele TABS:

• Aboriginal Blue
• Easter Parade
• Runaway

Gerald's String Choices

(From FleaMarketMusic.com forum) I use the Worth CT on my Talsma tenor and Worth CM on my Concert uke. Love the strings! Bright tone and virtually no string noise/squeak.

Gerald's Recording Process

From Gerald Ross (Flea Market Music - Bulletin Board reply to a posting)

Multi track recording - my technique.

• I use Pro Tools LE for my recording software.
• I generate a bass line for the song using Band In A Box. I dump that bass line to a WAV file. I import this to a single track in Pro Tools. The bass is much nicer to play against that a boring click.
• I record the scratch melody line of the song. I don't care if I make mistakes on this track. This "scratch" track is solely used as a guide for the rhythm guitar.
• I record the rhythm guitar track listening to the bass and scratch melody.
• Once the rhythm guitar is in the can I erase the scratch melody tracks and re-record them.
• Then mix and you are done.

More information available on artist's web site.

In 1964, when he heard a hit song, "Sushi", by master ukulele virtuoso Herb "Ohta-San" Ohta, he sought him out and became an avid student. Roy wore out the frets of his ukulele, practicing eight to 10 hours a day. At the age of 16 he set out to become the best ukulele player in the world. Learning from Ohta-San opened up a whole new world for him. Soon Ohta San asked him to teach his classes while he went on tour in Japan. Roy immediately discovered that his true calling was not in performing but in teaching. When Ohta San encouraged his young protege to venture out on his own, he didn't follow in Ohta San's footsteps as a performing artist. Instead, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to teaching. Roy taught for Ohta-San and Kamaka Ukulele until he opened his first of four teaching studios, Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios, in 1974.

Links:

• The Hawaiian Music Directory - link
• The 37th Annual Ukulele Festival, Kapiolani Park Bandstand (Waikiki), Sunday, July 22, 2007, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

  Since 1971, Roy Sakuma and his sponsors have been keeping the ukulele alive and well by presenting the Annual Ukulele Festival.

  Presented every July at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki, it is by far the largest of it's kind in the world, attracting an audience of thousands to a free two-hour concert that showcases the finest ukulele players, along with national celebrities, Hawaii's top entertainers, and an ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students, mostly children.

  In 2004, Roy and Kathy Sakuma established Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a charitable non-profit organization.

More information available on listing's web site.

“Derick plays and sings with fire. His amazing facility and sheer virtuosity are only surpassed by his boundless heart and soul. He is incredibly entertaining to watch and listen to.”

Tommy Hopkins
Producer, composer, guitarist

More information available on artists's web site.

Our goal, where it is a book, CD, DVD or web resources, is to "raise the bar" in quality of material offered to musicians across the globe. Each topic is covered from A to Z.

As a musician (guitar, bass and ukulele) I have over 40 years playing experience in a variety of styles and s settings, most notably jazz.

As a private music teacher and educator Curt maintains a teaching schedule avergaing between 40 and 60 private students a week.

Click here for a list available guitar, ukulele and music workshops and clinics.

As an educator Curt presents ukulele workshops and clinics at various ukulele festivals through the year.

More information available on listing's web site.

Known for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, Jake Shimabukuro is a master of the ukulele. The 28-year-old virtuoso shatters musical boundaries. Not only does he play styles previously "taboo" on the four-string, two-octave instrument, but also he is creating music never before thought possible. While Jake has great respect and love for traditional Hawaiian ukulele music, his mission is to show everyone that the ukulele is capable of so much more.

“Jake’s natural musicianship, powerhouse technique and infectious energy will open you up to a whole new world of musical experience.” - Steve Sano

Jake Shimabukuro's Equipment Picks

from Acoustic Guitar By Danny Carnahan

• custom Kamaka Hawaii four-string tenor
• D’Addario J71 Pro Arté tenor ukulele (.0290, .0410, .0327, .0285 gauges).
• custom Kamaka Hawaii four-string tenor
• Fishman undersaddle guitar pickup and Leon Audio Active DI
• Analysis Plus Pro Oval Studio cable

(Video) Jake - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Click on image to play

A few of the available Jake Shimabukuro CDs.

Gently Weeps - Buy It!!!	Gently Weeps - IMPORT - Buy It!!!
Dragon - Buy It!!!	Walking Down Rainhill - Buy It!!!
Crosscurrent - Buy It!!!	Sunday Morning - Buy It!!!

A few of the available Jake Shimabukuro DVDs.

Million Miles Away - Buy It!!!

Play Load Uke - Buy It!!!

More Links:

• mySpace.com - link
• "The Art of Solo ‘Ukulele,", Honolulu Advertiser 2000 - link
• The Hawaiian Music Directory - link
• D'Adarrio link: link

  Jake is a D'Adarrio string endorser

  EJ46 - Hard Tension, D'Addario's premium classical guitar strings.

• The World (NPR) Interview - June 29, 2005

Jake's D'Addario Strings

• Item# / Note / diameter inches / diameter mm / tension lbs / tension kg
• J4601, A, .029", 0.72 mm, 12.5 lbs, 5.67 kg
• J4602, E, .033", 0.83 mm, 9.5 lbs, 4.31 kg
• J4603, C, .041", 1.04 mm, 9.8 lbs, 4.45 kg
• J4401, G, .029", 0.74 mm, 10.3 lbs, 4.68 kg

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

• Video - While My Guitar Gently Weeps - link

  The original video was shot by Jason of Midnight Ukulele Disco and the best version is available on the Ukulele Disco site.

  YouTube - More Weeps videos... YouTube

  • Tommy Emmanuel / J.Shimabukuro "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
  • Jake Shimabukuro plays "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" in Chattanooga, TN
  • on Japanese TV show (?)
  • From "ROCK FUJIYAMA" on JULY 10 Jakes plays "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" with Marty Fieldman at end of video.

YouTube

Jake YouTube Search

• Triplet strum demo (from ukuleledisco) - link
• Kotaro Oshio & Jake Shimabukuro - In My Life (The Beatles) - link
• YouTube - Corporate Country Sucks is a TV show in Chicago dedicated to independent music.
  • Jake is interviewed on Chicago TV show - link
  • Let's Dance - link
  • Orange World - link
• Live in the studios of 93.5 KPOA Maui part 1, part 2 link
• Jake performs at the Ottawa Bluesfest on July 9, 2006 link
• Crazy G., filmed in Japan. - link
• Bodysurfing - link
• ROCK FUJIYAMA - July 10, 2006 Episode #15(2/3) - link
• Jake Shimabukuro's Ukulele Intro-Don! - link
• Jake in Pure Heart days (Bodysurfing) - link
• Jake in concert, performing his encore song, Crazy G - link
• Char meets Jake Shimabukuro - link, link
• Jake - Me and Shirley T - Joshua Tree, CA link
• Jake- Michael Lawrence Films Bach Project link

  A New Documentary on Johann Sebastian Bach - http://www.mlfilms.com/ - Now in Post-Production - YouTube Clip Authorized by MLF - From Michael Lawrence Films. Documentary will be available on DVD. EG'07 - http://blog.the-eg.com/ and The Glenn Gould Foundation - http://www.glenngould.ca/index.php?op.

• Jake Shimabukuro At The Philadelphia Folk Festival link

  World Cafe, September 10, 2008 - Coaxing unconventional sounds out of the ukulele, young Hawaiian Jake Shimabukuro wows his audiences with intricate technique, overwhelming enthusiasm and an electrifying stage presence.

More information available on artists's web site.

Royinvented the Vita-Uke marketed by the Harmony Company. Here is a company making a tribute to the Vita-Uke: link

Ukulele Method For Chord and Melody Playing. By Roy Smeck. For Ukulele (Soprano). Method. All Styles. Level: Multiple Levels. Book. Size 8.75x11.75. 48 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (93461) See more info...

Roy Smeck: The Wizard Of The Strings In His Life And Times By Vincent Cortese

More information available around the web.

More information available on artist's web site.

Taylor’s dreamy voice is a singular wonder. He grew up in Andover, Mass., secretly listening to his older siblings’ Beatles and Stones records. “They had an acoustic guitar I wasn’t supposed to touch, too,” says Taylor. “One rainy Saturday when I was in seventh grade, I sat in my room with their guitar and an Eagles songbook.” Taylor taught himself to play guitar from the book, but the problems with having such a narrow repertoire quickly became apparent—especially when he played with others. “They’d say ‘Hey, do you know ‘Iron Man?’” says Taylor with a chuckle, “and I’d say, ‘No. Do you know ‘Witchy Woman?’”

Check Melvern's CD: Fabuloso on iTunes

Fabuloso is a 12 track compilation of songs featuring “Angel on My Shoulder,” “Sad and Blue,” “It’s Not My Fault,” and “You and Me (and my Ukulele),” is Taylor’s third release, and promises to be the best as of yet. Taylor’s silky vocals, addictive melodies, and well-suited ukulele provide the album with a fresh, honest, and unique pop sound.

More information available on artist's web site.

During the summer of 1980, I traveled to Japan for the first time with Hula Halau Puka’ikapuaokalani, Kumu Hula Ellen Castillo. We entertained in Japan at various locations for 5 weeks. In 1983, The Side Order Band began playing at the well-known Willow’s Restaurant on O’ahu. We performed Monday through Saturday nights for little over a year. During this time, we traveled with Governor George Ariyoshi and members of the Hawai’i Visitor’s Bureau to Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore to promote tourism in Hawai’i. The most memorable highlight for me was performing for the King of Malaysia.

In 1985, I began my career at the United States Postal Service (USPS) and I am currently at the Downtown Station. Between 1985 through 1990, I choose to limit my music engagements to a minimum to focus on my new employment, marriage and starting a family.

In August 1991, I began performing with local entertainer Karen Keawehawai’i in the Marlin Room at the Pacific Beach Hotel along with Ku’uipo Kumukahi, Chris Kamaka and Greg Sardinha for about two years. I returned to Japan performing with Karen Keawehawai’i under the coordination of Mr. Yasuhiko Ariga (U’ilani Productions) in 1993. Since then I have performed in Japan on numerous occasions with various Hawaiian music entertainers.

From 1994-1998, Ku’uipo Kumukahi, Chris Kamaka, Greg Sardinha and I played at the poolside at the Sheraton Waikīkī Hotel. I currently perform with Jerry Santos and Hōkū Zuttermeister at Chai’s Island Bistro at Aloha Tower on Monday’s for the past five years.

Throughout my professional career as a musician, I have performed and continue to perform locally and abroad with notable Hawaiian entertainers such as: Karen Keawehawai’i, Aunty Genoa Keawe, Ku’uipo Kumukahi, Marlene Sai, Raiatea Helm, Jerry Santos and Olomana, O’Brian Eselu, Frank Hewett, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, Herb Ohta, Jr., ‘Elua Kane, Sonny Lim, Keoki Kahumoku and Jake Shimabukuro. I have also performed with award winning hula halau: Na Wai ‘Eha O Puna, Halau Maoli Pua, Keali’ika’apunihonua Ke’ena A’o Hula, Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoe O Wa’ahila, and Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa Olapa Kahiko.

In May 2005, I opened another chapter in my life by releasing my first solo CD entitled “Ka ‘Ukulele Lele” distributed by Aloha Music International (AMI).

I have been married for the past 20 years to Felice and together we have two sons, Micah Bryan (17) and Sean Keoni (13).

Aloha,
Bryan Tolentino

Transcriptions of Bryan Tolentino's original songs are available at Dominator's Ukulele TABS:

• Little Rock Getaway
• Ka `Ukulele Lele

Links:

• FleaMarketMusic.com Player Profile Page: link
• Coco Palm Pictures - Brian Tolentino virtuoso ukulele player - performs his original: "UKULELE LELE"
• The Hawaiian Music Directory - link

More information available on artist's web site.

More information available on artist's web site.

Tony is best known for his towering performances (he's 6'8"!) with the international touring group, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Their most recent album, 'The Secret of Life' featured one of Tony's songs - 'The Stage', and the band toured Japan in March 2004, as well as a sold out run at the Barbican Theatre, London. The Uke's also performed on Jools Holland's Hootenanny TV show on New Years Eve 2005 along with other acts Franz Ferdinand, Basement Jaxx and Eric Clapton. The Ukes were recently profiled in Time Magazine and are due to tour Sweden, Australia and Germany in 2006.

More information available on artist's web site.

With an endorsement by Pono ‘ukuleles from Wahiawa, Hawaii, Ukesperience is listed among these ‘ukulele legends and performers: Abe Lagrimus Jr.,  Ben Chong, Bruce Shimabukuro, Chino Montero, Ernie Cruz Jr., Jin Takuma,  Ledward Kaapana, Lyle Ritz, Roy Sakuma, and others. Ukesperience’s natural sound strongly emphasizes the ukulele, producing, not just the usual standards, but interesting and innovative tunes as well. Ukesperience has been featured on Ukefarm.com’s Radio playlist and Ukecast.com’s Summer Edition #219.

More information available on artist's web site.

Blending the sounds that they’ve picked up from the popular to the obscure and mixing in the sounds that only they can hear in their heads, UKU The Mighty has a harmonic alchemy and rhythmic gumbo that has power and intrigue.

More information available on artist's web site.

More information available on artist's web site.

Ukulele Heaven - Songs from the Golden Age of the Ukulele By Ian Whitcomb. For Ukulele (Soprano). Solos. Early Music/Jazz & Dixie. Level: Intermediate. Book/CD Set. Size 9x11.75. 112 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (98270BCD)
See more info...

Uke Ballads: A Treasury of Twenty-Five Love Songs Old and New Especially Arranged for the Romantic Ukulele. Compiled, written, and produced by Ian Whitcomb. For Ukulele (Soprano). Solos. Early Music/Jazz & Dixie. Level: Beginning-Intermediate. Book/CD Set. Size 8.75x11.75. 96 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (99539BCD)
See more info...

More information available on artist's web site.

Byron's recommend ukulele tunings: