No. 20, Spring 2018

Award-winning singer and ukulele player Raiatea Helm on her beginning on Molokai and why she’s continuing to strive for deeper musical connection. Folk-roots expert Lil’ Rev explains what every ukulele player can learn from the playing of Lead Belly, a singer, performer, and guitarist who helped change American music.

In our Strings & Accessories special section we look at vintage strings and roundup what’s new in strings and accessories for the enthusiastic ukulele player. We review Fender’s revamped ukulele line, featuring the Montecito, Rincon, Venice, and Seaside. Repair expert Mamie Minch helps sort out the lingering question “Why won’t my uke play in tune?” The Great Ukes feature looks at the Harold Teen ukuleles, which are some of the coolest-looking ukes ever made. A group that started at the VA helps vets one strum at a time. Plus, many more reviews, news, and events happening in the ukulele world.

Lessons:

• Lil’ Rev on adding blues power to your ukulele playing, learn ukulele boogie, shuffles, and moving bass lines.
• Daniel Ward teaches you the fun and mega-useful flamenco rumba strum
• Jim D’Ville teaches you how to stop fearing and start loving the Circle of Fifths

Learn to Play:

• ‘Freight Train’ The iconic folk music song arranged for ukulele by James Hill
• ‘Where Did You Sleep Last Night’ A classic covered by Lead Belly and Nirvana
• ‘Hula Girl’ Breathtaking solo and duet arrangements of a hapa-haole classic