My parents-in-law came over a few days ago. We ate some experimental chocolate beer cake then Laurence and his dad settled down to play though some Cuban songs for Dom's jazz band 'Quizás'. They asked me to join in and I did! I struggled to keep up but enjoyed playing live music together so much!
On a sort of related note, in that it involves Dom.... I learnt 'Moon River' on ukulele. He worked out the chords for me. Here it is in its rusty glory.
I was happily looking forward to Cornwall, Kayleigh and Boardmasters when I discovered this cute beachy song. The ukulele/guitar rhythm is difficult for me if I try to sing along. I've adapted it slightly to better fit my beginner level. I still can't manage to keep in time and sing, yet I've recorded a rough version anyway. I will practise and polish and post a better one sometime!
What a lovely weekend of having friends to stay! Definitely the moment this ukulele lark could have dwindled and died since I haven't played or recorded anything since Thursday. I was actually happy and excited to get back to it today. I've been learning 'I Am Not a Robot' by Marina and the Diamonds. I love this song although it will take me a long time until I'm anywhere near good at it. To fit with the original I've tried to replicate the rhythm of the keyboard which holds the song together. This means a tricky strumming pattern and having to mute the strings. I struggle with both! I'm hoping if I keep practising I can post a retake in the near future that's less painstakingly slow. Bless you if you manage to hear the whole thing out!
Today was the first day of my holidays and I woke up late, with a very sore throat. I kept up with my newly formed ukulele practising habit although this is all I managed to record. Oh and I got some new tea to ease the pain!
We had another go at 'Teardrops' last night. I think we kept to the beat a bit more. Laurence is playing bass.
And so as to not lose the nostalgic vibe here's 'Pop Goes the Weasel' from the song book!
My husband built this beautiful ukulele three years ago using salvaged
wood he was given. I've discovered the joy of it three years late,
better late than never. It has a little star inlaid into the fretboard
and sweet palm trees carved into the body. I was exhausted after work
yesterday, flicking through the song book until I found 'House of the
Rising Sun'. Cerys says it's the first song she learnt on guitar so I
guess I'm in good company. Laurence then taught me 'Molly Malone', a
catchy song that was new to me yet feels familiar.
I received 'Hook, Line & Singer' by Cerys Matthews as an end of year gift from a boy in my class. It's the most beautiful song book and has inspired me to pick up the ukulele for really the first time ever. I would love to be able to play and sing (simultaneously!) so I've set myself a summer project...
...to pick up the ukulele and practise for at least a few minutes a day
...to record my efforts (in an attempt to keep going and hopefully see progress)
I don't play any instruments and do not consider myself to be 'musical'. I'd love to improve to the point where I can play it with the children at work. This is a personal project and my recordings so far are plinky plonky and out of time. You are most welcome to join for the ride.
Laurence has been super helpful in setting me up in blog land and teaching me the ways of Audacity. I'll be mostly playing on an electric uke he built and recording myself on a Mac Book.
