1916 Uke Ad

From the Archive of Archaic Advertisments of codehappy.net, a newspaper ad from 1916 featuring Nunes ukuleles. Link

Bill Tapia's Advice

Lil Rev was kind enough to give us permission to publish his poem and tribute to Bill Tapia.

Bill Tapia’s Advice
© Lil Rev/Patchwork Poems 2011

When out on the road, or flying the friendly skies
A man needs a standard that he can live by

There’s 10,000 Maniacs banging away
Playing louder and faster than Jake ever played

Now speed is a wonderful and curious thing
Likewise, the notes, that one can make ring!

But, then there is taste, some call it soul
Listen to Lyle Ritz, perhaps then you’ll know

It was at the New York Uke Fest, Bill Tapia said to me
Sitting so cool, at 103!

He said “Rev can you tell me, cause I don’t understand
Everything sounds like a scale! What’s going on man?”

He said “first there’s the melody, you gotta play it once or twice
Then play around it, as that’s always nice!”

“Then it’s back to the melody in a few different ways
Then go on and take it to some other place!”

“Now it’s back to the melody so people can hear
No matter where you go, it’s always near!”

I’m not talking about this Steve Vai sort of thing
I’m talking about taste if you’re gonna make it swing

Now the great James Hill is one who would know
Sometimes you gotta say…Go Cat Go!

But after a while even James would agree
Ten million notes, makes you a one trick pony!

With all due respect that’s why I say…
…Thank you Mr. Tapia for showing us the way!

Interview: Ukulele Legend Bill Tapia (1908-2011)

The Fretboard Journal has posted a 2002 interview with Tappy. It originally appeared in The Ukulele Occasional. Link

Dave Talsma's License Plate Uke

Talk about suffering for your art! Dave Talsma, builder of the legendary Dairy Queen Uke (and dozens of likewise legendary instruments), has sacrificed his ability to drive in order to produce his latest creation, this tenor uke.

Next will no doubt be a petition to the Michigan Senate to change the state nickname to "Great Ukes State", and the motto to Si quaeris ukulele amoenam circumspice. Rock on, Dave! Link

Tappy is Strumming With the Angels

Very sad to announce that Bill Tapia passed away in his sleep last night. One month shy of his 104th birthday. Lucky to have known him, and to have heard him talk story. Mahalo for everything, Tappy! Link

St Louis Blues by Bob Armstrong on Baritone Uke

Ladies and Gentleman, Robert Armstrong, playing a new bari made by Keith Cary:

"It's made out of wood native to, and harvested in California. Redwood top (recycled from our old farmhouse), CA walnut back, sides and neck (cut and milled locally by a friend's stepfather), mesquite (from a dead stump found in the Mojave by friends) and oak binding from a big tree that fell in Roseville."

Link

The Ukalope

Have you ever seen a Ukalope? Link

I knew this

From Yahoo News: Link

In 2004 on my first CD Practical Hypnotism, I did this song;Link

Besides all the other stuff at the Listening Party...

...there will be the world premier of my new video for "Tarzan's Song" shot and edited by Hugh Mackay.

Craig Robertson to perform at Northridge Music

...in Citrus Heights, California. I don't get out to the Left Coast that often, and this will be the first time I've ever performed anywhere near Sacramento...so come on out. Tuesday, December 20th at 7pm. (I'll be the one in the nice fedora)(this is my 'arrogant attitude' photo!)

Link

Hamlet's Soliloquy as a Song

Via Neatorama:

"Courtney Welbon had to memorize the “To Be or Not to Be” soliloquy from Shakespeare’s Hamlet for school and decided that she’d have an easier time at it if she turned it into a song. It’s now a light and cheerful work."

Now: to pick or not to pick. Not. Srsly. No picks, please.* Link

* The only Thou Shall Not in my book. Unless you have arthritis, which compels one fellow I know to use a felt pick. I'm even beginning to (grudgingly) turn the blind eye when professionals who insist on playing Red Mahalos neglect to properly tune up. (Amanda P, are you listening?) But picks? I'd prefer they be banished to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.

High Praise from the Master

We are okay in Loudon Wainwright III's book. Link

Uke Sales Hit $42Million

This article from Hawaii Business Magazine includes sales stats from 2009 and 2010. I've always wondered what the uke market looked like. And here it is. Link

Amanda Palmer at Occupy Wall Street

Great shot by Neil Girling. Link

Under Creative Commons License.

Wolfelele Ukelele Kits

These look like a lot of fun, and might be just the gift you're looking for next month. The Wolfelele Ukelele (sic) Company offers kits for several triangular uke models. Wolfelele claims that the ukes can be built in about 30 minutes. Their site features materials for teachers and festival organizers who'd like to offer ukulele building activities.

Shown here is a soprano model, which sells for $49 Canadian.

Link