No. 13, Summer 2016

Starring in the first-ever Ukulele magazine featuring fringe on the cover (why did we wait so long?), uke virtuoso James Hill was never one to take himself too seriously. This is a guy who can play ukulele using chopsticks and a comb (watch here). The JUNO-nominated songwriter, performer, and teacher opens up about the intersection of his personal and professional life (his music and life partner is cellist Anne Janelle) and provides tips on how to sing and play at the same time. The Summer issue is also your go-to guide for making the most of this season with stories on how to form a flash mob, destination uke festivals around the world, making the most of the workshop experience, plus cool cocktails and essential fashion. The wanderlust continues as we go inside the uke scene in Berlin and head over to Hawaii for Kamaka’s centennial.

Lessons:

• Learn to use your little finger on basic chords to add ease and elegance
• Uncover two possibilities for harmonizing a simple melody
• An introduction to slack-key-style ukulele

Learn to Play:

• The traditional "Oh! Susanna" arranged by Jim Beloff
• "Pearly Shells"
• "Simple Melody" by Byron Yasui