The Range of the Ukulele

There are still those - not including we, of course - who when they think of the ukulele think only of Tiny Tim.  That's fine; but as you all know, there is much more to the ukulele.  If you weren't already aware of the range of the ukulele,  I thought I might let you know of at least three albums that represent much of the range of our ukuleles.

Legends of the Ukulele is a wonderful introduction to the power of the ukulele.  Most of the early masters of the ukulele appear on this album, which is available on iTunes.  One of my favorites is "Song for Anna" by the great Herb Ohta - a/k/a "Ohta-San" - having nothing to do with the fact that Anna is my favorite (and only) daughter.

And then there are all of Jake Shimabukuro's albums.  He's in a class by himself.  How fortunate were several of us who saw and heard him recently at the State Theater.  The hope is that he'll be back to perform with the Portland Symphony Orchestra because he became friends with Maestro Robert Moody during that visit.  You can follow Mr. Shimabukuro on FaceBook, as does fellow UU'er Terry Allen, who is now privileged to refer to Mr. Shimabukuro as "Jake".  We should all be so fortunate. 

And now stretch your ears and vision to Eddie Vedder (he of Pearl Jam) and his album Ukulele Songs.  Simply beautiful!  Also on iTunes.

Elvis Costello, long an aficionado of the ukulele,  is on currently on tour with his ukulele and guitars.  

I'll close with the comfort of understanding that one of George Harrison's most favorite instruments was - yes, you guessed it - the ukulele.

Onward!