Comeback?

courtesy of Tony Coleman and NPR.org

I just got done reading an older article on npr.org titled 'The Mighty Uke': A musical underdog makes a comeback.  What I've always wanted answered when talking comebacks, whether in sports or otherwise, is when does a comeback and the person or object is just back (with a vengeance)?  Moreover, why is it that the ukulele pendulums from unpopular to popular?  When will it just be established?  When will it be less novelty and more legitimate?  Is it already all of these things?  When will you be able to play ukulele without having to play Tiny Tim by request (but I suppose you can't play guitar without having 'Freebird' requested by every Joe)?  Time will tell I suppose.

Sounds like I'm disturbed or anxious about these things, but really I'm not.  I am just a poor ukulele man in search of answers.  Ha.

NPR: Ukulele Love #3

Before coming along this article I had heard briefly of Killian Mansfield.  I had heard about his battle with cancer.  I had heard of his connections in the New York music scene and how he had recorded with Dr. John on his last album.  I had even heard some of the music on his album that was released before he died in August.  This article mentions all of that but continues to illustrate the community of both musicians and others who have been afflicted by cancer.

I would like to write more about this article but a good read says enough.  Moreover a good listen to the interview is especially nice.

READ and LiSTEN

NPR: Ukulele Love #2

Once again another noteworthy NPR ukulele story.  I had posted a blip about Zee Avi a month or so back and now I am glad to post another entry.  Zee Avi is a great voice and I love her story, what ukulele player wouldn't.  While she doesn't start the concert with a ukulele, a complete watch is worth every second.

I have loved the "Tiny Desk Concert" series that NPR has been putting out for last year.  These concerts are a rare intimate setting.  With thanks to NPR many people across the world get to share in that experience of musical intimacy.

What Happens When I Keep Watching

I have been sitting here for several minutes trying to conjure up the words to describe this video. I really can not think of what to say. I subscribe to this show on podcast. I was a little behind on my podcasts and decided get caught up today after work. What happened after hitting play I could never have predicted. This group is completely unique. Just to bring this post into relevance a tenor ukulele does make an occasional appearance. I can't even remember the bands name...wait...I'll check it again. If you have time check out more from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Moreover, travel to NPR and read the rest of the article on these musicians.

NPR: Ukulele Love #1

I do appreciate the amount of coverage the ukulele gets on NPR. This is a clip of All Things Considered on July 26th, 2009 where Zee Avi was interviewed. She is very well spoken and gives a good report of what the ukulele means to her. Beyond a good interview are clips of her music. Once again, oh yes, here is a beautiful voice being accompanied by an ukulele (do not let me forget, please don't let me forget, that the ukulele is also a beautifully voiced instrument). Backed by more than just ukulele, I believe Zee Avi is a new voice with old tone who does a good job of showing that ukulele can be used in pop-music without all the weird quirky/gimmicky stuff. She is a legitimate voice with a legitimate stringed instrument.

Here is a link to the NPR page with full text and audio. Enjoy.