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Thanks,

Donnie Bubbles

Well done original song by HaileISela and his friend Stotco....

YouTube: HaileISela
MySpace: Stotco

Ben, who's singing and mouth trumpeting are a perfect match for the banjolele, does a great job on this song he learned from a tutorial by Coveywood.

YouTube Channel: benmealer
Tutorial: Coveywood - I Saw Stars

The recording is a little squelchy at times, but worth putting up with for such a fine singer....

MySpace: StClaireBoston

Excellent instrumental take on the Ray Charles classic....

YouTube Channel: africatwin07

Chords and Lyrics: Ray Charles Georgia on my Mind - Ukulele

Fun song and a great performance by the modestly named AllStarMar....

YouTube Channel: allstarmar

Chords and Lyrics: Deana Carter Brand New Key - Ukulele

Back when my evil spawn ruled the TV remote, The Angry Beavers was the only show they liked that didn't make me want to poke my own eyes out, so I still have a soft spot for this song....

YouTube Channel: PhilDoleman

Can't decide which is more shocking: how cool Hobbit looks in a fez, or the fact that so many people can walk past a busker of his talent and not drop some coins in his case....

YouTube Channel: HowlinHobbit

Chords and Lyrics: Frank Sinatra Fly me to the Moon - Ukulele

Bessie Smith's "Ain't Nobody's Business" by way of Eric Clapton's version played on a beautiful Makapili pineapple uke with just enough reverb to make it awesome ....

YouTube Channel: Sheepstar15

Chords and Lyrics: Bessie Smith Ain't Nobody's Business - Ukulele

This is it - the last Danielle Ate the Sandwich video we are going to post. Every time she releases one it is the best video of the week if not the month, so she is going into the "UkeToob Pantheon of Ukers You Should Already be Subscribing to and Hence There is No Reason for Me to Mention That They Have a New Video."

YouTube Channel: daniellesmagic

Great strumming, interesting and well produced video, but her voice is still the star of any show...

YouTube Channel: Peyrson

Chords and Lyrics: Muse New Born (Requires Work to Decipher)

Plexophonic back with another fun multi-track-split-screen extravaganza....

YouTube Channel: Plexophonic

Day Six of Baritone Week: Bossa Nova played sweet and mellow on the baritone....

YouTube Channel: jazzdog49

Chords: Black Orpheus - Baritone Ukulele

Day Five of Baritone Week: Tarbank prefers re-entrant tuning for his baritone. Not sure if I agree, or if I just believe anything he says with that melodious voice of his....

YouTube: Tarbank

Annie and Mac: http://www.youtube.com/user/annieandmac

Day Four of Baritone Week: Lovely round tones from the vintage Martin Baritone in this video recommended by Doogey9....

YouTube: AllardTom

Tom's Web Site: http://www.cigarboxukes.com

Chords and Lyrics: Frank Sinatra I Wish You Love - Baritone Ukulele

Day Three of Baritone Week: KDUS in a duet with an off camera soprano....

YouTube Channel: KDUS

Soprano: Bushman Jenny
Baritone: 50's Harmony baritone ukulele

Day Two of Baritone Week and we're not saving the best for last. Deach, whose playing and singing is as loose and funky as his fashion sense, took advantage of his near death experience to channel some real blues growl for this number...

Elmore James:

YouTube Channel: Deach69

Chords and Lyrics: Elmore James It Hurts Me Too - Baritone Ukulele

Todd, who you may know better as the insanely prolific Doogey9, is dedicating a week worth of new videos to his baritone uke. Knowing a good idea when we hear it, UkeToob is following suit by only publishing baritone videos this week.

YouTube Channel: Doogey9

Baritone Ukulele Hunt: http://baritoneukulelehunt.com/

The great ukulele soloist, WS64, with another well realized cover....

YouTube Channel: WS64

This is my second humble attempt to keep you entertained in Woodshed's absence and boy I am glad he comes back next week cause this is a lot more work than it looks! Out of respect (and a little tiny bit of laziness) we begin and end with the man himself....

Woodshed - Gossip (Backchat)

With a little "you, you got what I need" bonus round for good measure....

Katiephampham - Maybe I Will

Excellent Julia Nunes cover by the always fun Katie....

Wade Johnston - Will You Return?

Not one of Woodshed's favorite performers, but then he's not here, now is he....

Melissa McCraw - First Day of My Life
Charming and heartfelt performance....

The Masked Uke - Little Wing Tutorial

Fair warning! Tab those great songs now or the vigilantes will rise up and do it for you!

Ken Middleton - Ukulele Improvisation

Always a pleasure....

Woodshed - This Is Why We're Not Allowed Anything Nice

Demonstrating why he is qualified to write the book on uke strumming....

One of the new songs on the Sweet Hollywaiians` new album, "Ticklin` the Strings."

CDbaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/SweetHollywaiians1

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/laurelmookie

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sweethollywaiians
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Hollywaiians/43196384038?ref=ts

Seeso really belts it out for iamdanielle's "Shake Your Soul" competition....

YouTube Channel: seeso

Tabs: The Temptations I Wish it Would Rain - Ukulele

Lana's Etta James cover features a use for a lamp that I am sure the Underwriters Association would not approve of....

YouTube Channel: schuermurrman

Chords and Lyrics: Etta James At Last

Sebi kicks this Doris Day song up with a reggae groove....

YouTube Channel: monsterbazz

Chords and Lyrics: Doris Day Enjoy Yourself

Even though I have put up several of Coveywood's "Best Strum" videos, it never occurred to me to look for his full songs. Thanks to Ben Mealer for pointing out this excellent performance with his Pindrop Band....

YouTube Channel: coveywood

Chords and Lyrics: Pat Ballard Mr Sandman - Ukulele

When Whitney has fun, we all have fun....

YouTube Channel: theDesingnmachine

Chords and Lyrics: Bonzo Dog Band Hello Mabel

This seven video special is my humble attempt to live up to honor (curse?) bestowed upon me by Mr. Woodshed to satisfy your Saturday UkeTube craving in his absence...

The Pyles - Danny Says (Ramones Cover)

One of the most incredible voices I have heard in years....

RawUke - One Love (Bob Marley Ukulele Solo)

Quick, fun, percussive uke solo....

Colin R Tribe - Right Hand Playing Techniques Part 1

His impressive finger style playing and excellent tabs make him a "must subscribe" uker....

wwelti - Gaillarde (Anonymous)

Short and sweet Renaissance style solo....

Luke Baily - I Saw Jesus at....

Rip-roaring fun at the Ukulele Cabaret Chicago's Uker's Wild show....

jbdazen - The Geeks Are Out!

Geeks playing ukulele? What will they think of next?

TheGentleSurprise - Carryin' That Load (Ray Charles)

A personal favorite - hope you like them too....

Colin's patented Uniquelele finger style playing is put to good use on this classic song. As always, email Colin and he will send you a copy of his excellent tab....

Simon and Garfunkel:

YouTube Channel: colinrtribe

Shani with a great cover of this She & Him song....

YouTube Channel: shanifawni
Chords and Lyrics: She & Him Sentimental Heart - Ukulele

Original jazzy Spanish theme played on his 1890's reproduction of a Jose do Espirito Santo ukulele built by Michael DaSilva....

YouTube Channel: markocchionero

Way fun cover of the ukulele classic....

YouTube Channel: boundless

Chords and Lyrics: Khan and Whiting Ukulele Lady - Ukulele

Introducing Amy, Jodi and Zoe's new all girl ukulele supergroup....

Camper van Beethoven:

YouTube Channels: helloukulele, amyknitty, ukulelezo

Chords and Lyrics: Camper van Beethoven Take the Skinheads Bowling - Ukulele

Thanks to Michael Lande for bringing this great performance to our attention....

Irving Berlin:

YouTube Channel: plexophonic

Chords and Lyrics: Irving Berlin My Walking Stick - Ukulele

Charming original from a charming original....

YouTube: chipswow

She couldn't sleep, so she made us this great cover of She by Green Day....

YouTube Channel: myrsky27

Chords and Lyrics: Green Day She - Ukulele

Lovely solo version of the beautiful Bowie song....

YouTube Channel: julesmail67
Chords and Lyrics: David Bowie Space Oddity - Ukulele

Fun, sparse cover of the new classic....

YouTube Channel: jriley626

Chords and Lyrics: Gnarls Barkley Crazy - Ukulele

I just can't get enough of her voice....

YouTube Channel: KowKowKooks

Chords and Lyrics: The Hoosiers Worried About Ray - Ukulele

Excellent cover of U2's best song....

YouTube Channel: BaronK69

Chords and Lyrics: U2 One - Ukulele

It is always a treat when Neal puts out a new video....

YouTube Channel: NealPaisley

Paulina rocking the uke, bass and a mop beard....

YouTube Channel: paulinasinaga

Chords and Lyrics: Webb Pierce In the Jailhouse Now

Lilli garnered a good review from Simon Pegg, our greatest living actor....

YouTube Channel: UkeLilli

Web Site: http://ukelilli.com/

Inspired by Michael Lynch's arrangement, Ukester Brown and his little dog recorded this classic song to remind you about the excellent (but mostly forgotten) verse that goes with the chorus we all know.

YouTube Channel: UkesterBrown
Chords and Lyrics: Bing Crosby Pennies from Heaven - Ukulele

Free Bird, as Uncle Jeff heard it sung by Hank Williams in a dream...need I say more?

Lynyrd Skynyrd:

YouTube Channel: UncleJeff64

Free Bird: Lynyrd Skynyrd Free Bird - Ukulele

Incredible singer, and possibly the most talented smoker on earth! Thanks to Uncle Jeff for the tip on this one....

YouTube Channel: bummerwolf

I do love this performance, but I posted it mostly as an excuse to link to Stacey George's beautifully produced and handy Luau Sing-Along booklet containing chords and lyrics for 26 ditties (including this one) that are guaranteed to get your summertime party started.

Violent Femmes:

YouTube Channel: bobbthompson

Chords and Lyrics: Violent Femmes Blister in the Sun - Ukulele

Exceptional film of an extraordinary performer (recently signed to 4AD) who takes the ukulele into uncharted waters....

tUnE-YaRdS:

Web Site: tUnE-YaRdS

UkeToob.com Interview: tUnE-YaRdS

tUnE-yArDs at the Secret Garden from hoovesontheturf on Vimeo.

I particularly enjoy the voice-boxed cymbal crashes in Fi's swinging multi-track cover of this Nirvana song...

Nirvana:

YouTube Channel: FiPfft

Chords and Lyrics: Nirvana Lithium

There are so many very good uke videos that I try to save the big kudos for the really great ones. This is it - absolutely incredible finger-picking Tom Waits cover by his number one ukulele playing fan....

Tom Waits:

YouTube Channel: waitswatcher

Chords and Lyrics: Tom Waits Cemetary Polka

Free MP3's - WaitsWatchers's Instrumental Covers of Tom Waits: http://www.box.net/shared/neckughhee

Nice, casual performance of a great Cat Stevens song....

YouTube Channel:

Chords and Lyrics: Cat Stevens If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out

Molly hits again with this charming song about the assassination of Abe Lincoln....

YouTube Channel: sweetafton23

Okay, I'm sick of hearing about MJ too, but then Colin put up this great instrumental and....

YouTube Channel: colinrtribe
Tabs: Ask nicely at colinrtribe@btinternet.com and he will send them to you

I am not a CCR fan, and Fortunate Son is near the top of my "worst songs of all time" list, yet Danielle knocks it out of the park and has had me singing it for days now - now that is magic....

Danielle Ate the Sandwich:

YouTube Channel: daniellesmagic

Chords and Lyrics: Creedence Clearwater Revival Fortunate Son - Ukulele

Nice performance and tab for a song that will make your mother say "awwww..."

YouTube Channel: Capotastomusic

Web Site: http://www.capotastomusic.com
Tab: Beethoven Fur Elise - Ukulele

Strange how well dark songs translate to the "bright and happy" ukulele....

Eels:

YouTube Channel: casetone2514

Chords and Lyrics: Eels Novocaine for the Soul - Ukulele

The charming Katie Pham with another great cover....

Kings of Leon:

YouTube Channel: katiephampham

Chords and Lyrics: Kings of Leon Bucket - Ukulele

DeG having fun with his green screen....

YouTube Channel: degcon

Tabs: Ventures Walk, Don't Run - Ukulele

Ken taking a break along the banks of the Seine to improv on the song "If I get Murdered in the City" by the Avett Brothers.

YouTube Channel: KenMiddletonUkulele

Chords and Lyrics: The Avett Brothers If I get Murdered in the City - Ukulele

Another great lesson from Michael Lynch, with a little personal history to boot....

YouTube Channel: MusicTeacher2009
Chords and Lyrics: The Beatles Hard Day's Night - Ukulele

Another fun strum from Coveywood...

YouTube Channel: COVEYWOOD

Snake Suspenderz, featuring Howlin' Hobbit on uke, is a great old time jazz band. If you are in the Seattle area, check out their live shows for a fun night out. And if you can't make a show, their new album, available in CD or on , will fill your home or auto with sweet sounds.

YouTube Channel: HowlinHobbit

I think I may have said this about at least three other songs, but this is really my favorite song of all time, and it's good to see The Gentle Surprise is out playing live with the Passive Aggressive Trio, even if the sound on this recording is a little rough....

They Might Be Giants:

YouTube Channel: TheGentleSurprise

Chords and Lyrics: They Might Be Giants Birdhouse in your Soul - Ukulele

This original is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Uncle Jeff, who has a mean claw-hammer but a sweet disposition, is performing live on the WDVX Blue Plate Special radio show this coming Monday.

Outside of the broadcast area, the show can be heard live on the WDVX Web Cast on July 6th, 2009 - 12:00 Noon Eastern Time (GMT - 5:00)

YouTube Channel: UncleJeff64

A richly fleshed out instrumental cover from the always exceptional WS64....

YouTube Channel: WS64

Chords and Lyrics: Yaz - Yazoo - Only You - Ukulele

Great cover of an under appreciated Philly band....

YouTube Channel: AdelleTheGreat

Tagged by the naked ukulele virus....

YouTube Channel: haileisela

Chords and Lyrics: Depeche Mode I Just Can't Get Enough - Ukulele

No matter what you thought of the man, you have to admit Michael did write some great songs. This beautiful instrumental cover by Seeso is a fitting tribute to a lost artist....

Michael Jackson:

YouTube Channel: seeso

Tabs: Michael Jackson She's Out of My Life - Ukulele

From Jim D'Ville, who made the video:

James Hill presented a three-day workshop at this year's Portland Ukulele Festival entitled "Ukulele Big Band". James wrote a big band arrangement of Alexander's Ragtime Band and then taught the different "horn" parts to the class. On day three, the Portland Ukulele Big Band made its debut performance in the Student Union at Reed College. You had to be there! The sound was incredible. I can't wait until next year to hear The Portland Ukulele Bigger Band! I wasn't in the class, I was on the faculty of the festival teaching Play Ukulele by Ear, a new approach to rid the world of excessive paper with chord symbols written on it.

YouTube Channel: jimdville

James Hill: www.ukuleleJames.com

Portland Uke Fest: www.portlandukefest.org

Jim's Band, Caravan Gogh: www.caravangogh.com

Cargo Video, and the similar La Blogotheque, are the best places to hear your favorite bands, and new bands that will soon be favorites. Their videos of acoustic performances, usually filmed in public places, strip songs to their bare essentials and let them shine. This performance, by the excellent Hugh Coltman, is no exception.

Hugh Coltman:

YouTube Channel: hughcoltman

YouTube Channel: cargovideo

YouTube Channel: La Blogotheque

One of the excellent videos you will find on the Toronto based Corktown Ukulele Jam channel....

Soundgarden:

YouTube Channel: torontoukes

Web Site: torontoukes.com

Chords and Lyrics: Soundgarden Black Hole Sun - Ukulele

According to africatwin07, the chords are simple enough G - Bm7 - C - Am - D, just rolls along like that with some pinky finger flicking around on the A string mostly.

Fine Young Cannibals:

YouTube Channel: africatwin07

Ben's sepia-tone version makes for a perfect cover of Hoagy Carmichael's Nearness of You....

Hoagy Carmichael:
YouTube Channel: benmealer
Chords and Lyrics: Hoagy Carmichael Nearness of You - Ukulele

Looks like everyone had a great time setting the new world record in London this last weekend....

YouTube Channel: Benjaminspeed123

Now this is the true essence of punk rock: eight years old, four strings, one fuzzed up amp, and your brother hiding behind the chair with his trumpet....

The Clash:

The Bobby Fuller Four:

YouTube Channel: littleponykate

Chords and Lyrics: The Clash I Fought the Law - Ukulele

Side Note: My new eleuke showed up this week and man is it fun! I wouldn't recommend it for a first uke, or even for your primary uke, but it does serve two special purposes well:

1 - Without amplification, it's much less annoying for my family when I practice too much.

2 - With amplification, it rocks!

I bought mine from "My Music Life" on Amazon (see links below.) The fact that the bulk of their business is in music jewelry made me a little nervous, but the prices were too good to pass up - at least 25% less then I could find anywhere else for new, and only $15 to ship in US.

As promised, the Mahogany Tenor ($224 + $15 shipping) arrived in perfect condition seven days after I placed the order. The action is considerably higher than my fluke, so it's taking time to get chords like D not to buzz, but it sounds, looks and feels great.

When I heard Jake would be playing at the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville, Pa, which is right down the road from me, I jumped at the chance to see him live. If you haven't seen him yet, do not miss the opportunity - on video and record he is amazing - live you will not believe your eyes or your ears.

Once good tickets were secured, I decided to take the express train out of my comfort zone and try to set up a video interview with him. Much to my delight, his media manager, Michael Bloom, and tour manager, Mark Darlen, were amazingly helpful in arranging time for the interview, and the rumors about Jake are true: he is the most friendly, gracious and humble person I have ever met.

First Excuse: While acoustically good, the Colonial is 100 years old, and those were hard worn years. My plan was two cameras and a sound recorder covering Jake and I sitting in the front row, but we had no control over the house lights so we had to set up on stage. There was only one seat, which I thought I should graciously let Jake have, especially since it was his seat. This left me rocking around on the squeaky floorboards of the stage. With all that rocking and squeaking, I decided to just go with the one best camera and sound source.

The final footage was cut into two nine minute videos. My questions with time stamps are listed below in case you want to jump to a specific question/answer.

Part 1

0:00 - There are a few people in a lifetime that are truly extraordinary in their field: people like Tiger in golf, Bruce in Martial Arts, and Michael in basketball. More than just successful, they make the impossible look effortless, and accomplish amazing feats with a grace and economy of motion that is beautiful to behold.

If you wanted to add a musician to that list, it would be Jake Shimabukuro. Listen to him play and you will assume you are listening to several musicians. See him play, and you will be amazed.

0:35 - Sometimes, when musicians reach a high level of skill they get trapped in that skill and lose sight of the music. While complex, your arrangements serve the music well and don’t come across as excessive. Is this a balance you work to maintain when you are composing and arranging songs?

2:45 - In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, The Outliers, he asserts that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to be world class at anything: hockey, playing classical music, you name it – 10,000 hours. At 40 hours a week, that’s about 5 years. When would you estimate that you crossed the 10,000 hour mark, and does that time period correlate with any milestones in your career?

6:08 - Rumor has it that you are finally releasing the fabled "Book of Jake Tabs" next year. Is this true, and do you have a song list and release date yet?

Part 2

0:00 - In addition to your solo work, you have toured and recorded with musicians as diverse as Bela Fleck, Jimmy Buffet and Yo Yo Ma. In which of these situations do you feel most comfortable, and in which do you feel the most challenged creatively?

5:00 - Your brother, Bruce, is a talented ukulele player too. Do you have plans to work together on any projects?

6:10 - James Hill is the other ukulele player in your range. Do you know each other, and will there ever be a Jake/James duet?

7:35 - At the other end of the ukulele experience range, there is me. If I was a baseball fan and met Babe Ruth, I would have to ask him to play a game of catch. I would like to try and play something together with you, if that's okay? (Last Excuse: This is my first performance on video, and I'm sure you can guess who was hitting the flat notes ;-)

Jake Shimabukuro:

Web Site: www.JakeShimabukuro.com
Photo Credit: Hisashi Uchida

More Jake Shimabukuro on UkeToob.com

More Interviews on Uketoob.com

All to appropriate these days, "Brother can you spare a dime" is one of UkesterBrown favorites, and as he says, the ukulele gives it the 4 part lonelies...

YouTube Channel: UkesterBrown

Chords and Lyrics: Brother Can You Spare a Dime - Ukulele

Nice baritone number by Mark Di Marzio...

YouTube Channel: misterd699

If you don't know the Cold War Kids, check out their videos on La Blogotheque. They are great on the albums, but the songs really shine when they are stripped down to the bones, as they did on La Blog, and Shanifawni does here....

Cold War Kids:

YouTube Channel: shanifawni