Tonight’s theme was artists who play ukulele. Joining me were Anne, her boss PJ, Louise, Wendy Sue, Patricia, Jen, Ken, Jack, and Larry.

First some backtracking. Ken rewrote Anne’s Dolly Parton song sheet for I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. The difference between the Dolly version and the Whitney version is that Dolly stretches out “al-ways” and the latter stretches out “you” so, different phrasing. As was the case last time, I still think we sounded better on the chorus.

I brought two that we've done before by The Jive Aces: UKULELE SWING and BRING ME SUNSHINE. And we enjoyed a nice video of the latter where the news, weather and people, are grey, dark, and bored. In comes the ukulele and other instruments and things start looking bright and cheery. By the end the somber newscasters are dancing and happy. I love this song. We sounded great. It must go on the list! The Jive Aces are a jive and swing band from the UK gaining popularity after winning BBC’s Opportunity Knocks and becoming semi-finalists in Britain’s Got Talent. Ian Clarkson is the very energetic vocalist and plays a bright yellow soprano.

I also brought I LIKE UKULELES. This was written by the British musician Joe Brown. He’s been a rock/pop star there since the 60’s and often played with George Harrison as well as his own band. From Wikipedia; “Brown appeared with his group at the tribute concert Concert for George singing "Here Comes the Sun", "That's The Way It Goes" and "I'll See You in My Dreams", accompanying himself on the ukulele for the latter.” I LIKE UKULELES was enjoyable and I fudged the Adim7 while I “flicked my wrist” as the song says. It sounded OK but not list worthy.

Vin, I thought you’d be here. We are missing you and hope your hand surgery and recovery went well. We enjoyed your two selections though. I FOUGHT THE LAW by The Clash as a ukulele song? Somehow I can’t imagine, however, it was easy (Wendy Sue said we could use the Easy Button for this) and we played it well. RETURN TO SENDER, after suffering Ken’s moans and groans was very nice. Also a good one for the list. You have been in our thoughts and I hope we see you back here real soon.

Also absent tonight, Bill, who gave us a cute song called PINEAPPLE PRINCESS sung by Annette Funicello. Now, I have no idea if Annette EVER played a ukulele but we let this one slide Bill. It was cute and easy. Add to list.

Jen has a knack for picking songs I never heard of but liking once I do. We did YOU’RE WELCOME from the Disney movie "Moana". We were strongest on the chorus. Jen also gave us WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD which has some pretty chords. Sounded nice. She also gave us IN THIS LIFE. No one knew it so Jen did a charming solo. Then we did the classic Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (aka Braddah Iz) medley SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW/ WONDERFUL WORLD. The important thing to remember is the phrasing is not the same as the Judy Garland version of ‘Rainbow.’ Listen to Iz do it and then give it a go. VERY pretty and list worthy.

Two more from me both failed. I LIKE BANANAS was not so good. I forgot how it goes and since no one else other than Wendy Sue knew it it fell kind of flat. We let it go and moved on to Arthur Godfrey’s MAKING LOVE UKULELE STYLE. Again, not so good.

With 15 minutes to go and running out of material Larry suggested we play TINY BUBBLES. Now, I don’t know if Don Ho or anyone else ever played a ukulele while singing this but we allowed it and sounded OK. We also tried to do Elvis' HAWAIIAN WEDDING SONG but most of us were unfamiliar with this song.

Ken wrote a chord sheet for BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA after I posted it and had it removed. This was written by Ted Koehler and Harold Arlen, and recorded by Cab Calloway in 1931. BUT it was recorded by George Harrison in 2002 (playing on his ukulele) on his final album called Brainwashed. It’s a difficult one but a pretty song. Mostly played by Ken this evening.

Finally with 5 minutes to go, would you believe Ken had us play Elvis’ CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE? Ken hates Elvis. Hey, this was a good one. Thanks Ken.

Our next theme will be SPRING themed: flowers, showers, warmer days, sunshine and if anyone wants to sneak in some Springsteen it will be warmly welcomed.

Until then - you keep strumming,

-- Arlene.