Guitar hits creatively re-imagined for the uke and Hawaiian Steel Guitar
author: Steve Ramm "Anything Phonographic"
I first discovered ukeist Ross from a track that was on an Acoustic Radio DJ Sampler. I'm a huge ukulele fan - whether it be the 20s style of Ian Whitcomb, the amazing jazz improves of Jake Shimabukuro and, yes, even Eddie Vedder (who plays amazingly well on his new solo uke CD). So I wanted to hear the whole CD as well as his other releases. While all are a delight to listen to, this one is , by far, my favorite.
Ross takes pop hits from the 50s, and 60s and rearranges them for uke or Hawaiian steel guitar. (It would be too confusing to title the album " Ukulele and Hawaiian Steel Guitar Hit Parade!). There rock and roll, like the Beach Boys' "California Girls", 50s pop orchestral pieces (Hugo Winterhalter's "Canadian Sunset") and even a GUITAR standard Santo and Johnny's "Sleepwalk") which sounds like it was handcrafted for Ross' fingers. Another well-known GUITAR piece, Jordan Ingman's "Apache" makes the change beautifully as well. Even a tune that - in it's original form - makes me cringe (Bob Crewe's "Music to Watch Girls By"), is fun to hear.
Check out some samples to get an idea of Ross' arrangements and playing technique and decide for yourself. I know I'm now a fan. If you are a uke lover too, I think you will be also.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
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I am having the time of my life listening...
author: Barbara J
Gerald,
I am having the time of my life listening, dancing, humming, and sometimes playing my marimba along with your magnificent albums. Thank you for recording so many classic standards so beautifully.
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Fabulous!
author: MM
As always, your production is top-notch and your
musicianship is wonderful. My wife wanted me to tell you that she absolutely loves "Sleepwalk" and your rendition of it is brilliant. I agree.
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One song worth the price of admission.
author: Dave T.
Gerald's version of Sleepwalk is "to die for". This one song is alone worth the price of admission!
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