Shows
Ukulele Is The New BlackJasmine FellowsIt’s taken me four years to get her on the show but I finally did it! Today I chat to my great friend and musical collaborator Jasmine Fellows. Jas is a multi-instrumentalist who I originally met through Canberra ukulele groups, but who has now become an irreplaceable member of house band The New Black, and our ukulele and cello duo Four Strings Two. We had a great time recording this - I think I cut out at least ten minutes of giggling in the edit! Please enjoy. Some show-related links below: Lanikai Ukulele Bec Taylor School...
2021-10-1737 minUkulele Is The New BlackJim CroftToday’s guest is one of the members of the Ukulele is the New Black house band – Jim Croft. I’ve been wanting to get him on the show for some time, but because I know he’s not really a fan of the limelight I didn’t approach him – until now! Fortunately he said yes, and we had a great chat about experimenting with different tunings, the importance of music theory, and his extensive ukulele collection. Please enjoy! Some show-related links below: Bruko Ukulele Kmise Ukulele Ken Middleton Cuatro Kala 8-string tenor Coolibah Coolective Lunchulele Smiths Alternat...
2021-10-0339 minUkulele Is The New BlackNicole and Aaron KeimToday’s guests were suggested by one of my patrons, Maja Zweck. Nicole and Aaron Keim are trained musicians who play ukulele as the duo “The Quiet American”, and luthier Aaron also makes beautiful handcrafted ukuleles at Beansprout Musical Instruments, at their home in Hood River, Oregon. After I recorded this interview another listener, Paul Gissing, also suggested I talk to Aaron – so chances are you should all enjoy it! Some show-related links below: Jumpin’ Jim’s Ukulele Songbooks Boulder Acoustic Society Denver Ukefest Heidi Litke Mya-moe ukuleles Dan Sawyer Marmalade Creations Dame Judi Dench’s rude embroidery...
2021-09-2042 minUkulele Is The New BlackKim YangI’ve talked to ukulele players all over the world but it’s nice to talk to someone local again from Canberra where I live. Originally from Taiwan, Kim Yang moved here around 10 years ago where she discovered the joy of music and, of course, ukulele. Kim is now a full-time musician and songwriter who is about to release her new EP, Brave. We had a chat a few weeks ago about her musical journey. Some show-related links below: artsACT Eden bushfires 2019 Songs played on the show: Wake me Up (Kim Yang) The Bath Song (K...
2021-09-0634 minUkulele Is The New BlackDani Joy & Perry StaufferIn today’s episode I talk to Dani Joy and her partner in life and music, Perry Stauffer. Dani and Perry live in Portland, Oregon where they run an online music academy, create wonderful music as a duo and with others, and have a wall full of ukuleles which they sell from their living room. They are a wonderfully warm and energetic couple and I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with them. I think you will too! Some show-related links below: Romero Creations Ohana Ukuleles The NAMM Show Daniel Ho Auburn Ukulele Festival Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival KoAlo...
2021-08-2347 minUkulele Is The New BlackS4E08 - Aldrine GuerreroToday I talk to Aldrine Guerrero of Ukulele Underground, a passionate ukulele player and teacher based in Kaua’i in Hawai’i. We chat about the creation of the Ukulele Underground forums, his love of teaching and performing, and he plays a couple of incredible songs. Towards the end you may hear some roosters in the background – for me that is the sound of Kau’ai, a place I really hope I can visit again some day. Please enjoy! Some show-related links below: Ka’au Crater Boys Hilo Ukulele Prelude Ukuleles Kala Ukuleles Lanikai Ukuleles Kanile’a Ukulele – 20...
2021-08-0938 minUkulele Is The New BlackBarbara TaylorIn this episode I talk to Barbara Taylor, a dynamic ukulele player and organiser from Busselton in Western Australia. Barbara has been on my list since previous guest Kevin Chennell mentioned her, and I’m so glad I finally caught up with her, because she is a delight. Oh and Barbara mentions my cat curtains, which were pretty hard to miss when I talked to her over Zoom. If you want to see them, here’s a picture. They are wonderfully tacky and you won’t be disappointed! Some show-related links below: Samantha Muir Sam Brown...
2021-07-2633 minUkulele Is The New BlackLife Is A MusicalToday I have a bonus episode for you. If you’ve been listening to my recent episodes you will know that I have been going through a long and painful process of moving house, and as a result I haven’t been able to find the time to make new episodes. Today I bring you something which is new, but a little different. I’m going to tell you about some of the challenges I’ve been facing, and how music – or specifically, musicians – brought me an incredible moment of light and joy. Songs played in this episode: T...
2021-07-1207 minUkulele Is The New BlackChristopher Davis-ShannonToday I have a chat to Christopher Davis-Shannon, a Philadelphia-based musician who grew up in a very musical family. He discovered ukulele a few years back and fell in love with it, and he now plays some fantastic music, much of it influenced by early 20th century players such as Roy Smeck and George Formby. Enjoy! To find out more about Christopher’s music, teaching, and his new book “The George Formby Handbook”, go to his website thetinman.co. Some show-related links below: Roy Smeck Campanella Sam Muir Choan Galvez Paul Mansell Django Reinhardt George F...
2021-05-3136 minUkulele Is The New BlackToast GardenIn today’s episode I talk to Bill and Lizzie, otherwise known as Toast Garden, a couple and musical duo based in Tasmania. Originally from Sydney where they started out as a guitar and voice duo, they discovered ukulele and have now filled their Tasmanian home with them. They play a couple of great renditions of Beatles songs during our chat, which I am sure you will enjoy. If you want to hear more great ukulele from Toast Garden check them out on YouTube, or on Instagram. Some show-related links below: Lanikai Ukuleles Kala Ukul...
2021-05-1742 minUkulele Is The New BlackSugarman SlimI’ve talked to a lot of overseas players recently so I figured it was time to bring back some Australian content! I have a chat to Sugarman Slim, a Sydney-based musician who combines ukulele with bass riffs in a way that will make you want to jump up and dance! He plays some fantastic songs written by his daughter, and tells us about his small, mobile rehearsal space. Enjoy! For more information about Slim, and to get details of his daughter’s songs, go to sugarmanslim.com, and check out his music on YouTube. Some sh...
2021-05-0346 minUkulele Is The New BlackRich SextonToday’s episode features actor and musician Rich Sexton, who entertains and educates young children as the award-winning Funnybones Music, putting his acting and ukulele skills to excellent use. I discovered in our chat that Rich can play grown-up music as well, as you will hear in this episode. Enjoy! Some show-related links below: Cole Clark guitars Kala Ukulele My Enya Nova orange ukulele Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs Songs played on the show: Sleeping Bunnies (Rich Sexton) Golden Brown (Hugh Cornwell, Jean-Jacques Burnel, Dave Greenfield, Jet Black – 1982) No Humour on the Underground (Rich Sexton) Go to...
2021-04-1941 minUkulele Is The New BlackMarc GallagherToday I bring you a chat with Marc Gallagher, a multi-instrumentalist from Manchester in the UK. Marc started out trying to play all the instruments, but when the time came to pick a specialty he wisely opted for the fun one - the ukulele. He is also an accomplished songwriter, and he plays a couple of his songs in today’s episode. Some show-related links below: Monsters vs Aliens The Dave Clark Five Highway to Hell cover with Ben Gorb Barry Maz – Got a Ukulele Grand Northern Ukulele Festival Pono Ukulele Cocobolo Ukuleles World of Ukes Pete H...
2021-04-0538 minUkulele Is The New BlackStuart YoshidaSeason 4 is here – welcome to the first episode for 2021! Today I talk to fellow ukulele podcaster Stuart Yoshida, who has been making the Ooktown podcast for around 10 years with co-host Doug Brown. As well as talking podcasting, Stuart tells me the story of his first ukulele (blue house, brown roof, black dog) and the secret origin of the ukulele (two plants, one bird, three people, one ship). Enjoy! Some show-related links below: Ooktown episode 97 – Giggly and Fluffy Molly Lewis Brad Bordessa The Live Ukulele Podcast Joco Cruise John Atkins Grace Vanderwaal Gomes Guitars & Ukuleles This Week in Tech...
2021-03-2157 minUkulele Is The New BlackAUTLA Survives 2020I’m going to start working on 2021 episodes soon, but in the meantime here is a bonus episode with some of the members of AUTLA – the Australian Ukulele Teachers and Leaders Association. I have a chat with two former guests of the podcast – Tom the Pom and Ruth Allen – as well as AUTLA’s president, Dan McEoin. They talk about what AUTLA does, and how they managed the challenges of 2020 and beyond. Links to things mentioned on the show: Craig Chee The Spooky Men’s Chorale Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival Hills Ukulele Festival Spruke Festival Newkulele Festival U...
2021-01-2640 minUkulele Is The New BlackHow Ukulele Changed our Lives in 20202020 was a memorable year for many reasons, but today let’s focus on the positive. I talked to players from around the globe in 2020 about why they love the ukulele, and today I bring you the many ways in which it has changed their lives. I’ve also recorded some new songs with the podcast’s house band, The New Black – including an extended version of the theme tune which you will hear at the end of the episode. Yes, I’ve finally written another verse! Please enjoy this dose of positivity to kick off 2021. Thanks so muc...
2021-01-0827 minUkulele Is The New BlackPhil DolemanPhil Doleman is a UK-based professional musician who plays a heap of instruments including guitar, banjo, and of course ukulele. I had a chat to him a few weeks ago about his love of old-time jug band, blues and folk music, and he tells me about his journey from playing in a band as a teenager to a career in performance, teaching, and book publishing. And of course he plays a couple of cool songs! You can find out more about Phil on his website, phildoleman.co.uk, check out his learning resources at learntheukulele.co.uk, lo...
2020-11-2241 minUkulele Is The New BlackSam BrownSam Brown is a professional musician best known as a singer, having sung backing vocals for bands such as Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Spandau Ballet, as well as having a successful solo career including the international hit single “Stop!”, which is still one of my favourite songs. When Sam lost her singing voice in 2007 she started teaching ukulele, and now runs 7 ukulele groups in the UK. We have a great chat about her discovery of the ukulele and she also plays a couple of songs on a ukulele with a very impressive provenance. For more information about...
2020-11-0831 minUkulele Is The New BlackSamantha MuirSamantha Muir is a classically trained musician who had a passion for guitar from an early age. In 2012 she discovered the ukulele and fell in love with it. Since then she has arranged and composed a huge body of instrumental pieces for ukulele, with a focus on classical and folk music. She talks to me in today’s episode about her musical journey which also includes teaching music, publishing books and CDs, and playing the machete. For more information about Sam, or to buy her books and CDs (hurry now to get them in time for Christmas!) go to...
2020-10-2541 minUkulele Is The New BlackStuart FuchsStuart Fuchs is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who can do amazing things with a ukulele, but he is also passionate about helping people to use music for healing and happiness. He loves to teach and has a heap of resources on his YouTube channel, Ukulele Zen. In today’s episode we talk about his early days learning guitar with his father, his discovery of the ukulele, and how much he loves living in Buffalo, New York. He also plays a bit of didgeridoo, and shows me some unconventional ways to play the uke! If you want to support Stu...
2020-10-1151 minUkulele Is The New BlackKevin ChennellIn today’s episode I chat to Kevin Chennell from COVID-free Perth, Western Australia. He talks about how much fun it is to busk with a large group of ukulele players, about travelling the world to hang out with top musicians, and convinces his wife Lyn to join him for one of his songs. Please enjoy! Some show-related links below: Kalamunda Ukulele Collective Manjimup Bluegrass & Old Time Music Weekend Busselton Ukulele Strummers (Barbara Taylor) Australian Ukulele Festival Sam Brown Joe Brown Ukulele Russ Samantha Muir Machete Anu Grace Ukestra Kanile’a Ukulele Cordoba Ukuleles WA Performing Arts...
2020-09-2835 minUkulele Is The New BlackStuart "Stukulele" EadieToday I have a chat to Mullumbimby-based Stuart Eadie, better known as Stukulele, who has had a long career in music but not always as a ukulele player. We talk about his unexpected ukulele teaching career, about starting a new ukulele group in Mullumbimby, and about touring with The Whitlams in a very famous bus. Stu also plays a couple of great original songs. Enjoy! You can support Stu by buying his CD, becoming a patron on Patreon, or subscribe to his YouTube channel. Some show-related links below: Sunshine Coast Ukulele Masters Sunshine Coast Uku...
2020-09-1433 minUkulele Is The New BlackLloyd and his UkesIn today’s episode I have a chat to Lloyd, aka Lloyd and His Ukes, who talks about ukulele acquisition syndrome, Christmas performances in Germany, and how George Formby featured in his tertiary studies. He also plays a couple of fantastic songs which I am sure you will enjoy! Some show-related links below: Ware Ukulele Group George Formby Ortego double neck ukulele Kala Travel Ukulele Ware Wülfrath Wookey Hole Caves Songs played on the show: One Day (Lloyd) Desperado (Glenn Frey & Don Henley, 1973) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube chan...
2020-08-3131 minUkulele Is The New BlackSunitra MartinelliToday’s episode with Adelaide-based musician Sunitra Martinelli, who despite having some less than optimal violin lessons when she was young is now an accomplished songwriter, ukulele player and singer. Sunitra has a particular fondness for cabaret-style numbers and loves to sing in French! I think you will enjoy this chat. Some show-related links below: The Kukes Emily Hahn Melange a Trois Songs played on the show: Nasty (Sunitra Martinelli) Je me suis fait tout petit (Georges Brassens, 1956) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear thes...
2020-08-1733 minUkulele Is The New BlackChristopher "CC" CarrToday’s episode is with Christopher Carr, aka CC, of the Ukulele Trading Co based in Adelaide, South Australia. We talk about the importance of changing your strings, the Adelaide ukulele scene, and we do some bad Bob Dylan impressions! Enjoy. Some show-related links below: Kala Ukulele Ohana Music Worth strings Aquila strings Martin Guitars Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society Donmo (Don Morrison) Richard G’s Ukulele Songbook Ukulele Circus Savoir Plunk Cairns Ukulele Festival Deni Uke Muster The NUkes Ukulele Club The Great Adelaide Ukulele Picnic Ukulele Republic of Canberra KoAloha ukulele Adelaide Fringe Songs played...
2020-08-0353 minUkulele Is The New BlackCharlotte PelgenOver the past year or so I’ve noticed a big increase in listeners from Germany, so I thought it was time to feature a German ukulele player on the show. Fortunately my friend Jim Croft seems to be able to find interesting ukulele players all over the world, and he suggested that I get in touch with Charlotte Pelgen, who turned out to not only be a brilliant ukulele player and singer, but also an absolute delight. I ‘m sure you will all enjoy this episode! Some show-related links below: What is a chanson? Tom Lehrer...
2020-07-2036 minUkulele Is The New BlackJenny PetersWell real life finally caught up with me, so today is the first interview I’ve recorded remotely. I had a chat with Chicago-based Jenny Peters, one of the two Ukulele Sisters, who publish a heap of ukulele tutorials and books, which I think have a little more to offer than your average tutorial. I hope you think so too - and don’t forget you can get your free arrangement of Simple Gifts from Jenny by clicking here! Some show-related links below: Ukulele Sisters Lani Lee Dorothy Taubman Songs played on the show: Simple...
2020-07-0629 minUkulele Is The New BlackM Sieiro Garcia & Colin TaylorBelieve it or not, today’s episode was recorded on a cruise in March 2020. I had a chat to ukulele players M Sieiro Garcia and Colin Taylor on the island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas on the last day of the Joco Cruise. It’s funny to listen back to it now, knowing that the next day we were well and truly back in the real world and the realities of a pandemic. Because this was recorded on the beach, there’s a fair bit of background noise – but just close your eyes and imagine you’re sitting on th...
2020-06-2233 minUkulele Is The New BlackGracie TerzianMy final New York interview is with Gracie Terzian, a ukulele player and teacher who is known for playing a harp ukulele – something which I had never seen before! We had a great chat in her New York studio, surrounded by her many ukuleles and other instruments. Enjoy! Some show-related links below: Harp ukulele Vinícius Vivas Paul Hemmings Songs played on the show: Love Rest (Gracie Terzian) Waiting for a Train (Jimmie Rogers, 1970) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as ot...
2020-06-0827 minUkulele Is The New BlackGwendolyn FitzHere’s my third New York interview – this time with Gwendolyn Fitz, ukulele player and founder of the Brooklyn Ukulele Festival. We had a chat in my hotel room on a day when there was unfortunately a lot of noisy maintenance going on in the hotel. I’ve done my best to minimise it in this episode but hey – I suppose it gives our conversation some genuine New York flavour! Given the current environment, the Brooklyn Ukulele Festival won’t be running in the way Gwendolyn originally intended – but the good news is that it is still going ahead on...
2020-05-2531 minUkulele Is The New BlackAndrew SwackhamerToday I have another conversation recorded in New York earlier this year, with Andrew Swackhamer – self proclaimed ukulele wizard, and all-round gorgeous human. He appeared at the door of my hotel room carrying a ukulele and a gift of chocolate, and I immediately knew we were going to have a great chat! I hope you enjoy it too. Some show-related links below: K. Rowling Hogwarts Outlander All Our Exes Live In Texas Uke Hut Andrew’s Kala Ukulele KoAloha Ukulele Starbird and the Phoenix Courtney Bassett Ukulele Lessons NYC The Sims Birdland Jazz Club Jim Caruso’s Pajama...
2020-05-1143 min
BabelfishS4/E2: Australia - Debbie Hoad, ACT Humanist SocietyIn this weeks episode I talk to Debbie Hoad from the Humanist Society in Canberra.We talk about her growing up as Mormon. We talk about religion being your whole life, we talk about apostacy and buddhism.ACT Humanist Society: https://www.canberrahumanists.org.au/Support Babelfish on: https://babelfish.10er.dk/ or https://www.patreon.com/babelfish Find Babelfish on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/babelfishthepodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babelfishthepodcast/ Support the show
2020-05-0140 minUkulele Is The New BlackChloe HennesseeI spent a week in New York in late February, just before things really went pear-shaped there. Chloe Hennessee is the first of four New York-based ukulele players I talked to on my trip. Chloe is only 17, but she has already made her mark on the music scene with her talent in both playing and writing music. We had a chat in her family’s apartment, which I have to point out is very open plan and not really designed for audio recording, so there is a bit of hum and background noise, so it’s not as clean as I wo...
2020-04-2715 minUkulele Is The New BlackShane McAlisterI recorded this episode on a work trip to Wellington, New Zealand back in February – looking at the calendar, it was less than two months ago, but it feels like another life! I asked a few people who I should talk to in Wellington, and the response was unanimous – Shane McAlister. Shane’s place was about an hour’s train ride from Wellington and he picked me up at the station in his van, which was packed full of various instruments and puppets. We did the interview in Shane’s living room, where he wandered around the r...
2020-04-1346 minUkulele Is The New BlackChantelle RiordanWell the world is a scary place at the moment – I got home from my shorter-than-expected overseas trip a week ago, and have been at home in self-isolation since then. Fortunately I have plenty of interviews recorded, so I will be able to continue to take your mind off things with more chats with ukulele players over the next few months. Today’s episode is the final one recorded at the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival back in February, this time with Chantelle Riordan, otherwise known as Chantelle & Uke. Chantelle is a percussionist who discovered the joy of the li...
2020-03-2945 minUkulele Is The New BlackDuplicityToday’s episode is the second which I recorded at the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival in February. I had a chat to another Melbourne-based duo – this time, Sue Kidd and Brendan Canty, who perform together as Duplicity. We had a great chat in my Airbnb with the rain bucketing down outside, which gave the recording a little extra atmosphere at times! I’m sure you will enjoy this one. Some show-related links below: Cairns Ukulele Festival Kululu (Kooky and Luscious Ukulele Lovers United) Girgarre Moosic Muster Newkulele Festival Paul Jonson SPRUKE Festival Brisbane Melbourne Ukulele Festival Hills Ukul...
2020-03-1532 minUkulele Is The New BlackAll The Way HomeWelcome to the first episode for 2020, which was recorded at the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival in February. I had a chat to Melbourne-based Nicki Johnson and Craig Barrie, who perform together as All The Way Home. As well as being great ukulele players they take their singing pretty seriously, and Nicki plays a mean shaker as well! Enjoy. Some show-related links below: Lucy Wise Melbourne Ukulele Festival Wesley Anne Whittlesea Uke Muster Melbourne Uke’n’Sing Orchestra (MUSO) Sunshine Coast Ukulele Festival Victoria Vox Tyrone and Lesley – Optimism Helen Begley - her current projects include The Good Girl ...
2020-03-0138 minUkulele Is The New BlackSpoken Word Theme TuneInspired by the great William Shatner, I made this magnificent spoken word version of the theme tune, with some friends. I hope you enjoy it! Lyrics written and spoken by Meredith Harper, with additional vocals by Jasmine Fellows. Music by Geoff Skellams, Paul Marsh and Chris Williams. Thanks to my $10 per month & higher Patreon supporters: Debbie Hoad Linda Dodwell
2020-02-1001 minUkulele Is The New BlackDavid "Snapper" ThieleIf you listened to the episode earlier this year where I talked to Dave Parker of The Nukes, you may have been wondering about this guy called Snapper we kept talking about. Well wonder no more, because here he is! I had another brief visit to Auckland a few months ago and jumped at the opportunity to chat to him. It wasn’t ideal timing – there was a major building fire in the city which caused traffic chaos and terrible air quality, but Snapper battled through the smoke and traffic to have a chat to me at my hotel. Thanks S...
2019-12-1550 minUkulele Is The New BlackJenny ParenteauJenny Parenteau plays ukulele with The Loveys, a brilliant four-piece band from Mullumbimby in northern NSW. I first heard them play at the Newkulele festival in 2018, and was thrilled to hear that they would be at SPRUKE this year. I had a chat with Jenny in The Loveys’ dressing room backstage before their sound check for the Sunday afternoon performance. There were other sound checks going on in the background while we talked, so enjoy the background music! Some show-related links below: Mullumbimby Community Centre Ukulele Group Bushfires in northern NSW in September 2019 Cordoba ukule...
2019-12-0128 minUkulele Is The New BlackIan PorterThis is the second episode recorded at the Brisbane SPRUKE ukulele festival in September. If you listened to my previous episode with Ruth Allen, you would have heard her talk about Ian Porter. Well, here he is in today’s episode! Ian is an accomplished player and teacher of ukulele and I really enjoyed my chat with him. I think you will too! Some show-related links below: Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival The Outlaws Big Ukulele Band James Hill ukulele teacher accreditation Yamba bushfires Stu Fuchs Chalmers Doane Matt Dahlberg The first 20 hours – how to learn a...
2019-11-1735 minUkulele Is The New BlackRuth AllenI recently went to the SPRUKE ukulele festival in Brisbane, where I caught up with Ruth Allen, leader of the Port Macquarie Ukestra. If you don’t know what a Ukestra is, go back and listen to the episode I recorded last year with Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart. Not only does Ruth lead the ukestra, she is also a James Hill accredited ukulele teacher, and a very entertaining performer! Some show-related links below: Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel Bryan Tolentino Kalei Gamiao Oahu ukulele camp SPRUKE The Outlaws Big Ukulele Band Mark Wilkinson Ukuleles Mic...
2019-11-0331 minUkulele Is The New BlackDavid MegarittyBack in February, I recorded a live episode at the Gang Gang Twang festival in Canberra featuring David Megarrity and Samuel Vincent, otherwise known as Tyrone and Lesley. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to release that episode due to issues with the sound quality, but I recently caught up with David at his home in Brisbane. As my regular listeners know, I normally ask my guests to perform their music live during the interview but as Samuel wasn’t able to make it, this time we’ve gone with prerecorded songs instead. If you would like to hear David...
2019-10-2030 minUkulele Is The New BlackThe Wild Women of Anywhere BeachToday’s episode is the last of three which I recorded at the 2019 Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival. Cathy Welsford and Angie Smith are the Wild Women of Anywhere Beach, an incredibly talented duo who frequently perform, run workshops, and write fantastic songs. I really enjoyed my chat with these two! If you want to buy their CD, you can do that here, or you can stream it in the usual places. Some show-related links below: Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival Valla Beach ukulele camp and beach party Samantha Muir Mark Jackson and Jane Jelba...
2019-10-0652 minUkulele Is The New BlackOhanaToday’s episode was recorded at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival. Normally when I go to a festival I organise all my interviews in advance, but when I heard Ohana playing at the festival on the Saturday morning I was impressed, and hit them up for an interview as soon as they finished their set. Fortunately, Adam and Lea were up for it! If you want to record your version of Brand New Day and support the Brand New Day Project, the chords and lyrics are on the Facebook page. I recorded a version with my ban...
2019-09-2332 minUkulele Is The New BlackAubrey and PurtonI went to the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival in August, where I had a chat to Dennis Aubrey and Pete Purton, who perform as duo Aubrey and Purton. They have been busking together for years and it shows - their performance looks so effortless, and they know how to engage a crowd. They also know a lot of songs, and they play quite a few in this episode. If you want to find out more about Dennis and Pete, or book their band for a gig, you can go to their website, www.aubreyandpurton.com, or...
2019-09-0935 minUkulele Is The New BlackTom "Tom the Pom" HardingA few weeks ago I was at one of my regular ukulele group meetups, and someone new turned up to play. He confidently walked in, introduced himself as Tom the Pom, and started playing with us. It didn’t take too long for me to decide that I had to get him on the podcast. He was only in Canberra for a couple of days, but agreed to record a conversation with me on the following evening. I’m glad I followed my instincts! Enjoy. Please support me on Patreon and get an exclusive Ukulele Is The New Blac...
2019-08-2647 minUkulele Is The New BlackDave ParkerI had a short trip to Auckland recently, and took the opportunity to chat to ukulele player and songwriter Dave Parker. Dave is one third of New Zealand ukulele band The Nukes, who have been playing around New Zealand, Australia and other places for around 10 years. I saw the Nukes play last year and was blown away by how good they were – so I was really excited by the opportunity to talk to Dave, and was not disappointed. Enjoy! Please support me on Patreon and get an exclusive Ukulele Is The New Black decal for your ukulele case...
2019-08-1242 minUkulele Is The New BlackGeoff Gets His Groove BackLast year I released an episode featuring my friend Geoff Skellams, a talented player of ukulele and guitar who was feeling a little frustrated by his progress with learning Hawaiian slack key. He did get some lessons after that episode was recorded and they helped a bit, but this year the frustration seemed to be returning in a big way. Then in June, Geoff went to a week-long workshop in Hawaii which absolutely turned things around for him. His excitement was so infectious that I got him back on the show to tell me all about it. Lin...
2019-07-2937 minUkulele Is The New BlackBONUS - Live at the Gang Gang Twang FestivalToday’s episode consists of the best bits of a live episode recorded at the Ukulele Republic of Canberra’s Gang Gang Twang 2 festival, where I had a chat to David Megarrity and Samuel Vincent. David and Samuel regularly perform and record together as the duo Tyrone and Lesley. Due to technical issues I was only able to include a few highlights in this episode, but I’m sure you will enjoy the two songs performed by David and Samuel: There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder (Jolson, Rose & Dreyer, 1928) Can Will Do (Megarrity & Vincent, 2017) Please support...
2019-07-1511 minUkulele Is The New BlackSTRUM - Seattle's Totally Relaxed Ukulele MusiciansI went to an impromptu meetup with STRUM, Seattle’s Totally Relaxed Ukulele Musicians, on a recent visit to Seattle. I recorded some of the songs we played, and asked some of the members how ukulele has changed their lives. If you’re passing through Seattle I would highly recommend dropping in for a strum! This episode features a whole lot of songs: Blue Moon (Rodgers & Hart, 1934) Diana (Anka & Sherman, 1957) Smile (Chaplin, Turner & Parsons, 1954) Down by the Riverside (Traditional) ‘A’ You’re Adorable (Lippman, 1948) Singin’ in The Rain (Freed & Brown, 1929) Sway (Demetrio & Gimbel, 1954) Sweet Georgia Brown (Bernie, Pinkar...
2019-07-0136 minUkulele Is The New BlackFlat Foot FloozyRecently I was in Sydney for the weekend and took the opportunity to have a chat with Jeff, Rita, Patsi and Peter of ukulele band Flat Foot Floozy. Please support me on Patreon and get an exclusive Ukulele Is The New Black decal for your ukulele case! Give a little more and you will get your name in the show notes every week, like: Ukulele Champion: Debbie Hoad Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell. Some show-related links below: Balmain Ukulele Klub Central Coast ukulele festival UROC Flat Foot Floozy played a couple of songs: Ch...
2019-06-1727 minUkulele Is The New BlackAlan and Paul OkamiOne of the highlights of my recent trip to Hawaii was my visit to the KoAloha factory. I did their daily factory tour first, then had a chat to Alan and Paul Okami. Oh, and I also bought the ukulele of my dreams! Please support me on Patreon and get an exclusive Ukulele Is The New Black decal for your ukulele case! Give a little more and you will get your name in the show notes every week, like the amazing Debbie Hoad. Some show-related links below: KoAloha ukuleles Cairns ukulele festival Blue Mountains ukul...
2019-06-0338 minUkulele Is The New BlackNissa LudwigI met Nissa Ludwig on the Joco Cruise in 2018 and recorded a conversation with her then, as well as an extra bit on the 2019 cruise. She is a professional musician who plays a huge range of instruments, but only discovered the ukulele a few years ago. I really enjoyed talking to her and I hope you do too! The ukulele manufacturer Nissa mentions on Maui is Mele Ukulele. Nissa and I play a few songs: Losing my Religion (Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe – 1991) Royals (Ella Yelich-O'Connor, Joel Little -2012) Afternoon Delight (Bill...
2019-05-2032 min