Ukulele: My New Random Obsession

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 in: News

In Xingtai, Dan and I happened upon a music shop and decided to take a peak inside. They had the usual selection but for one thing: amidst the guitars hung up neatly on the rack was one that looked like it had been shrunk in the wash. “Oh crap, is that a ukulele? How much is it?” Yes it was, and it was 100 yuan, about 15 dollars. Considering my slow progress with the guitar and my inability to carry anything quite so large with me on my travels, I bought the uke and started pouring over tab charts online. It really is an interesting instrument, easily dismissed for its diminutive stature, but has a beautiful voice that shines through even when someone as clumsy as myself stumbles through a song. No one demonstrates the beauty and versatility of this instrument quite like Jake Shimabukuro.

Here’s a high quality video of him talking and performing at a TEDxTokyo event, including a some experimental “Ukulele flamenco,” a haunting rendition of “Ava Maria,” and some beautiful Beatles covers. My favorite is his version of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” All the best things are on TED!

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVb-_14ZXeE

As with all my new-found hobbies/obsessions, I have a long way to go!

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