Mighty Uke, Mighty Film

It’s been a few months since I watched the ‘Mighty Uke’ film, and although I was thoroughly impressed I’ve still not got around to writing a proper review. So for now I’ll just say it’s an interesting film that covers the history of the little instrument, particularly in relation to its current comeback, and growing popularity. The film is basically a documentary of the ukulele revival; the movement that has literally swept the globe. The film takes us from a group of Israeli and Arab kids playing ukuleles for Peace, to American troops serving in Iraq, to Jake Shimambuku, to James Hill, to the Taunton Ukulele Strummers, to schools in Canada, and of course to Hawaii. So if you get a chance go see it, or, purchase a copy from their website.

The Streets Are OURS!

I didn’t realize until recently that the lead singer of The King Blues was a ukulele player! I’ve only recently really started to actually listen to their music. It’s awesome stuff. Above is a ‘fan video’ for their fabulous song ‘the streets are ours’ and in the video you can see their lead singer Jonny ‘Itch’ Fox playing Ukulele (the uke also features in many of their other songs, and videos).

In the video below there is even a short Ukulele solo..

The ukulele that never sleeps

I came across this lovely little documentary about the ukulele scene in New York City, and the now on hiatus “midnight Ukulele disco” cabaret. Its very “new york” and lots of fun. Enjoy!

The best punk Uke.

Joe Strummer, the frontman of one the greatest Punk bands, played his first gig in Green Park Tube Station, on a Ukulele he bought for £1.99 down Shaftesbury Rd. Thus Uke’s Punk credentials were forever sealed.

In honour of this particular punk Uke, I am posting this odd film entitled: ‘Rude Boy’ which stars The Clash, in a bizarre documentary/film format, with story lines that appear and disappear unrelated to the main narrative, I’m not overly surprised the Clash didn’t much like the film by the time it came out – over time and over budget (theirs), but, the story of punk, rude boy culture, and this period of Britain’s ongoing battle against fascism, are worthy viewing…. not to mention all the great footage of the clash playing at the height of the powers.

This film is truly an excellent slice of both British and punk (sub)cultures.

Thankfully the Clash lost the battle to scrap this film!!

So that’s Part 1, here’s the rest: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Ukulele Safari Winner Announcement

Here’s the video announcement of the winning video entry for the Ukulele Safari competition… it’s very funny…

… and the winning entry on it’s own…. as it’s a bloody great tune!

U-900 and a slice of heaven

I challenge anyone to watch these two videos and not have a little smile. These are absolutely wonderful, both musically and visually. I am officially U-900′s latest fan!

Fancy a trip down under?

The Wonderful Bosko and Honey from Ukulele Safari have announced that thanks to sponsorship from DaSilva Ukulele Co. and Kiwaya, they have started a Ukulele contest, offering one lucky winner the opportunity to join them on their Ukulele Safari Australia 2010, and to attend the Inaugural Melbourne Ukulele Festival.

It’s a great prize here’s how to enter and some video entries so far.

So fancy a trip to Oz… bloody fair dinkum mate!

A Youtube Ukulele Story

I came across this lovely ukulele story, an audio radio documentary produced for a masters degree Radio course at Goldsmiths University, and set to images on youtube. Part one is about the history of the ukulelele, and part two about the ukulele new wave and the world record in London.

Record Breakers!

“If you’re the best, the worst, longest immersed, if you’re the base, the ace, furthest in space, If you can score, more, than a herbivore, then you’re a record breaker, you’re a record maker,You’re a record breaker.” (Record Breakers Theme Song)

On June 21st 2009, at the London Ukulele Festival, a new world record was set for the playing a song on the ukulele together… the song chosen was Sloop John B. Which I think was a good choice as it sounds great when played by a large number of ukuleles, and is easy enough for the beginner to pick up too.

Here is some wonderful footage of the event, the achievement of breaking the record is announced to brilliant applause, I am disappointed that I couldn’t be there, it looked terrific fun!

Restoration Project Step 7: Reassembly and Set up

Finally getting there!!! Once the Uke was all painted, lacquered and oiled, and given a good polish up, it was time to start to reassemble all the parts, but first, time to sand down the bridge…

Sanding the bridge down (this one is the spare).

Now all the bits were put back together. This is where it may come in useful to have those notes about how you took it all apart if you’ve not done this before! The old bridge was put on for now, however new Aquila strings were used. The bridge was repositioned into the correct position and the set up checked. Although this little restoration project was nothing major the ukulele feels and sounds much newer, whilst retaining its aged charm. I’m pretty happy with the result.

The Uke from the side

The Uke in her new case with new strings.