It’s Friday

Posted on April 8, 2011 by phredd

I find it totally hilarious that this song has become such a huge sensation.

The Stephen Colbert/Jimmy Fallon/Taylor Hicks/Roots cover of the song is probably my favorite at the moment. But this pair of brothers from Ontario, Canada is probably a very close second.  Watch the fiddle player. He looks like he might ignite into flames at any moment…

Here’s my uke interpretation…

And I do love this fun college acappella rendition as well.

Thank You Rebecca Black’s parents for helping us kick it in the front seat and sit it in the backseat!

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Give It All Away

Posted on March 30, 2011 by phredd

One of my early influences was the Family Friendly Rapper/Children’s Performer/Icon – Christopher Michael.  To celebrate his legendary birthday I thought I would cover his 2000 hit – Give It All Away.  Jauntily recorded at the old Steven Courtney studio with Steven Courtney and yours truly.  It’s only release, the Kids Cookie Break 1 cd is, sadly, no longer available.  Happy Birthday Christopher Michael.  May your musical gift to the world live on forever!

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Jellyman Kelly

Posted on March 21, 2011 by phredd

You have to wonder how many musicians and songwriters have been inspired by Sesame Street over the years.  The way they incorporate music and musical individuals is inspiring. This is one of my favorites…

Here’s the original. I love the tuba and the kids SCREAMING!!!

I also found this very fun version on the tubes…

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Mercy Me, Jars of Clay, Kutless, Brandon Heath and the uke

Posted on March 18, 2011 by phredd

As you know, I love the ukulele.  Here are a couple of my current favorite ukulele infused videos. These videos certainly add weight to the argument that the ukulele inspires fun and creativity. =]

The first one is Mercy Me, Jars of Clay, Kutless, the Afters, Matt Maher and Lecrae doing the Beatles “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”

The second is Brandon Heath and his band getting a haircut.

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Ladybugs 12

Posted on March 10, 2011 by phredd

This is for my Grandniece Maddie, who asked me to call her Tilly, who currently loves Ladybugs and recently celebrated turning 3.

This is the original, fabulous, magnificent, Sesame Street version.

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Coffee

Posted on March 8, 2011 by phredd

The Coffee is not working today.  Hello Coffee!!!

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Ain’t No Sunshine

Posted on March 7, 2011 by phredd

I don’t know why this song touches me so deeply.  It’s achey and haunting – two things I generally am not.  I’ve never been without my Sunshine.  She’s never gone.  Sometimes when my daughters are away I feel this song.  For the most part though, I think it’s just a great song that clearly resonates with many.

If you google or youtube this song you get so many hits it shuts down the internet. Please don’t tell Al Gore or Bill Gates it was me this time.  One of my favorite version’s is by Gene Eugene’s band ADAM AGAIN.

Manitoba Hal is a fabulous blues ukuleleist from Nova Scotia, Canada.  His version includes loops and some splendid uke picking. His song “Poulet Shack” was recently voted Video of the Year for 2010 at my favorite ukulele website Ukulele Hunt.

Here’s my humble offering.  Nothing like the rest, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know…

And lastly, here is the original from Mr. Bill Withers.

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Flying

Posted on March 6, 2011 by phredd

This is my son Zack. He is teaching himself how to play ukulele.  He is playing the Nice Little Penguins song, “Flying” on the flea.

This is the original.

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Cheesemonger!

Posted on March 5, 2011 by phredd

Any article that mentions Seasick Steve, the ukulele and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain deserves reposting.

Even just looking at the picture makes me smile.

If you’ve never heard of Seasick Steve, you are in for a treat…

This is the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain doing “Fly Me Off the Handel”. Just Brilliant!

My wife had our Grandniece at the customer service counter of a store this week.  The counter is right beside the picture taking place. A young couple had there son decked out for pictures.  They told him to remember to say “Cheese”. Our 3 year old niece turned to my wife and siad, “I like cheese. I want some cheese.” She continued to say that until they returned home and she enjoyed 2 slices of cheese before she could take her coat off.

I don’t have any songs about CHEESE.  I’m not nearly as entertaining as UOGB or Seasick Steve.  But I can do a Weird Al like cover of a Beatles classic.

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Playing for Change

Posted on March 4, 2011 by phredd

I’ve been following the exploits of PLAYING FOR CHANGE since it debuted a few years ago.  The basic premise – featuring unknown street musicians from around the world as a way of raising awareness and funds for music schools in poor areas.

This song is an original from artist Clarence Bekker who has been a vocalist on several of the PLAYING FOR CHANGE offerings including “Stand By Me”.

It features a fabulously written line…

“Don’t beat me around the bush, one more time.”

Check it out…

playing for change

This is the “Stand By Me” song…

This is Grandpa Elliot, a New Orleans blues harpist extraordinaire…

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