Album Notes

Ulele (oo-lay-lay -- Hawaiian for "leap into action") has been in existence for over eight years and remains one of Chicago's most popular independent bands.

Ulele's broad appeal comes from their fine pop sensibilities. Their sensuous blend of ska, salsa and Mardi Gras/Carnival-flavored rock can only be described as high-energy American music.

Their live shows often leave audiences wet with sweat and with smiles on their faces. Stone and Leina'ala are the husband and wife duo that fronts the band.

They are joined by five others on trombones, bari sax, guitar, bass, percussion and drums. (Stone also plays trombone, percussion and electric cello -- an instrument he designed and built.)

RELEASES

Seed  (Ulele Arts -- 1996)
Harmony  (Ulele Arts -- 1999)
Seed (reissue Ulele Arts/No Genre -- 2001)

-- Seed was chosen by Richard Milne of WXRT (Chicago) as one of the top five releases of 1996. It was also on WBEZ's Chris Heim's Top 10 list of that year.

-- Over 1,000 people attended a three-show CD release weekend for Harmony (1999).

-- "Ulele is at the forefront of Chicago's world groove scene" ... Chicago Reader, 12/98

-- "They put on one of the most energetic live shows on today's music scene." ... Media One Express -- Centerstage, 1/97

-- "Like a well-greased jazz outfit, every player manages to put their musical personality on certain songs." ... Illinois Entertainer, 10/96

-- "I think if I listened to that music for a week straight, it would change my entire perspective." Slash from Guns and Roses, 7/96

-- Have headlined at major venues throughout the Midwest, including Metro, Double Door, Martyrs', VIC Theatre, Cubby Bear, UW Madison Terrace and Taste of Chicago.