Album Notes

There is a ukulele revival going on!

I can't explain it. Why would an instrument that had its heyday in the 1920's and 30's suddenly undergo a new resurgence in popularity? Could it be the ukulele's quick learning curve? Or might it be the ease of transporting this diminutive instrument? Or maybe it's the fact that it's just fun to play. Whatever the reason for this renaissance, there's no denying the current popularity of the "Jumping Flea." For the past 35 years I have devoted my musical life to the guitar but the ukulele was my first stringed instrument. When I was ten years old, a friend of mine had a ukulele. He showed me how to place my finger on the first string and strum a chord. I was hooked. He wanted to sell me his uke for eight dollars but my parents refused. I was heartbroken. A few years later I convinced them to buy me a guitar. They thought I would lose interest after a few weeks but I hung in there.

Now, many years later, I have returned to the ukulele with a selection of instrumental swing, blues, pop, Latin and Hawaiian music. Solo uke numbers, ukulele duets and full band arrangements.

In addition to the uke, I play all the instruments heard on this disk.

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Gerald Ross has performed in concert with Bonnie Raitt, Arlo Guthrie, Doc Watson, Johnny Gimble, Riders In The Sky, Brownie McGhee, Hot Rize and many other nationally known artists.

Gerald is the winner of the 1993 WEMU Jazz Competition (solo artist category). Other radio work includes appearances on National Public Radio's 'A Prairie Home Companion' with Garrison Keillor.