It’s taken me four years to get her on the show but I finally did it!  Today I chat to my great friend and musical collaborator Jasmine Fellows.  Jas is a multi-instrumentalist who I originally met through Canberra ukulele groups, but who has now become an irreplaceable member of house band The New Black, and our ukulele and cello duo Four Strings Two.  We had a great time recording this - I think I cut out at least ten minutes of giggling in the edit!  Please enjoy. Some show-related links below: Lanikai Ukulele Bec Taylor School of Music Loud in the Library Ukulele Republic of Canberra Seasons of the Ukulele Mad World collaboration Learn to Hoop and play an instrument at the same time! Four Strings Two James Hill Ukulele Initiative Songs played on the show: The Llama Song (Jasmine Fellows) Out in the Late (Jasmine Fellows) Ventura Highway (Dewey Bunnell, 1972) Mad World (Roland Orzabal, 1982) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode. Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

Ukulele Is The New Black

S4E13 - Jasmine Fellows

Today’s guest is one of the members of the Ukulele is the New Black house band – Jim Croft.  I’ve been wanting to get him on the show for some time, but because I know he’s not really a fan of the limelight I didn’t approach him – until now!  Fortunately he said yes, and we had a great chat about experimenting with different tunings, the importance of music theory, and his extensive ukulele collection.  Please enjoy! Some show-related links below: Bruko Ukulele Kmise Ukulele Ken Middleton Cuatro Kala 8-string tenor Coolibah Coolective Lunchulele Smiths Alternative Jammalong Canberra Irish Sessions Dave O’Neill Bec Taylor School of Music Songs played on the show: Sister Golden Hair (Gerry Beckley, 1975) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E12 - Jim Croft

Today’s guests were suggested by one of my patrons, Maja Zweck.  Nicole and Aaron Keim are trained musicians who play ukulele as the duo “The Quiet American”, and luthier Aaron also makes beautiful handcrafted ukuleles at Beansprout Musical Instruments, at their home in Hood River, Oregon.  After I recorded this interview another listener, Paul Gissing, also suggested I talk to Aaron – so chances are you should all enjoy it! Some show-related links below: Jumpin’ Jim’s Ukulele Songbooks Boulder Acoustic Society Denver Ukefest Heidi Litke Mya-moe ukuleles Dan Sawyer Marmalade Creations Dame Judi Dench’s rude embroidery James Hill Songs played on the show: Greasy Coat (Traditional) Cold Frosty Morn (Traditional) Carved into my Heart (Nicole and Aaron Keim) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode For more information about Aaron and Nicole, and to buy their books and CDs, go to QuietAmericanMusic.com, and check out Aaron’s ukuleles at thebeansprout.com.  And of course there’s also a whole lot of content on Aaron’s YouTube channel. Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E11 - Nicole and Aaron Keim

I’ve talked to ukulele players all over the world but it’s nice to talk to someone local again from Canberra where I live.  Originally from Taiwan, Kim Yang moved here around 10 years ago where she discovered the joy of music and, of course, ukulele.  Kim is now a full-time musician and songwriter who is about to release her new EP, Brave.  We had a chat a few weeks ago about her musical journey. Some show-related links below: artsACT Eden bushfires 2019 Songs played on the show: Wake me Up (Kim Yang) The Bath Song (Kim Yang) Go to the Ukulele Is the New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode For more information about Kim, go to kimyangmusic.com where you will also be able to buy her new EP on 10th September.  Also don’t forget to send me suggestions for people you would like me to interview on the show, before it’s too late!    Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS

S4E10 - Kim Yang

In today’s episode I talk to Dani Joy and her partner in life and music, Perry Stauffer.  Dani and Perry live in Portland, Oregon where they run an online music academy, create wonderful music as a duo and with others, and have a wall full of ukuleles which they sell from their living room.  They are a wonderfully warm and energetic couple and I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with them.  I think you will too! Some show-related links below: Romero Creations Ohana Ukuleles The NAMM Show Daniel Ho Auburn Ukulele Festival Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival KoAloha Ukulele Episode with Alan and Paul Okami of KoAloha The Thin White Ukes Songs played on the show: Rhino Clouds (Dani Joy) My Baby Just Cares for Me (Gus Kahn & Walter Donaldson, 1930) Happy Birthday (Patty Hill, Mildred J Hill – 1893) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E09 - Dani Joy and Perry Stauffer

Today I talk to Aldrine Guerrero of Ukulele Underground, a passionate ukulele player and teacher based in Kaua’i in Hawai’i. We chat about the creation of the Ukulele Underground forums, his love of teaching and performing, and he plays a couple of incredible songs.  Towards the end you may hear some roosters in the background – for me that is the sound of Kau’ai, a place I really hope I can visit again some day.  Please enjoy! Some show-related links below: Ka’au Crater Boys Hilo Ukulele Prelude Ukuleles Kala Ukuleles Lanikai Ukuleles Kanile’a Ukulele – 2021 Platinum Kamaka Ukulele Herb Ohta, Jr Ariki Foster Seasons of the Ukulele Songs played on the show: Dance with a Bandit (Aldrine Guerrero) Senor Viktor (Aldrine Guerrero) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E08 - Aldrine Guerrero

In this episode I talk to Barbara Taylor, a dynamic ukulele player and organiser from Busselton in Western Australia.  Barbara has been on my list since previous guest Kevin Chennell mentioned her, and I’m so glad I finally caught up with her, because she is a delight. Oh and Barbara mentions my cat curtains, which were pretty hard to miss when I talked to her over Zoom.  If you want to see them, here’s a picture.  They are wonderfully tacky and you won’t be disappointed! Some show-related links below: Samantha Muir Sam Brown The Fabulous Ukulele Club U3A - University of the Third Age Busselton Ukulele Strummers Uke Club Margaret River Esplanade Hotel Busselton Ukulele Russ Curtin University Kamaka Ukulele Cordoba Ukuleles J. Morgan Ukuleles Anu Grace Wise Ukulele 1927 Strings Attached Kanakapila Busselton Fringe Busselton Jetty Songs played on the show: My Own Kind of Hat (Merle Haggard, Red Lane – 1979) Waterloo Road (Michael Anthony Deighan, Michael Wilshaw – 1968) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E07 - Barbara Taylor

Today I have a bonus episode for you.  If you’ve been listening to my recent episodes you will know that I have been going through a long and painful process of moving house, and as a result I haven’t been able to find the time to make new episodes.  Today I bring you something which is new, but a little different.  I’m going to tell you about some of the challenges I’ve been facing, and how music – or specifically, musicians – brought me an incredible moment of light and joy. Songs played in this episode: The Chain (Lindsay Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Steve Nicks - 1977) Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

BONUS - Life is a Musical

Sorry listeners - I am still in the fun process of moving house, and when this comes out the removalist will be arriving to take all my possessions from my current home.  I will be spending a couple of weeks in an Airbnb before I can move into the new place, so hopefully I will have the time to make an original episode for next time. This is another of my favourites from season 1, with Mal Webb - a ukulele player and multi-instrumentalist who was a source of both fun and inspiration for me.  I hope you enjoy it! ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES: Mal Webb describes himself as a “vocal adventurer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist”, and I can’t think of a better description.  I hope you enjoy his vocal adventures as much as I did! Mal plays one of his songs, “TLA”.  This episode was recorded at the Newkulele Festival, including a small excerpt from Mal’s ukulooping workshop.  More information about Mal and his workshops can be found on his website. Mal mentions a few interesting instruments: the Zimbabwean thumb piano and African udu drums.  And despite being from Melbourne, he refers to some Canberra things: TUGS ukulele group and Questacon. He also mentions a band he and his partner Kylie play in, which has the BEST BAND NAME EVER: Formidable Vegetable Sound System. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

CLASSIC EPISODE - Mal Webb

Hi listeners!  Life is a bit frantic for me at the moment – I’ve sold my house and I’m desperately trying to buy a new one before I have to move out – a task which has proved more difficult and stressful than I’d anticipated.  As a result I’ve struggled to find the time and headspace to record a new interview for you, so instead I’m bringing one back from the vault! This episode is from my first season back in 2018 – a time when ukulele players could safely go to crowded festivals and hang out together.  When I arranged this interview at the Central Coast Ukulele Festival I had no idea how influential my guests were.  In the three years since, I have lost count of the number of times people I’ve interviewed have said how these two ukulele players had inspired and helped them – not just Australian players, but people from across the world. Please enjoy this classic episode with Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart. ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES: In today’s episode I chat to Jane Jelbart and Mark Jackson, who performed with the Ukastle Ukestra at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival in August this year.  Mark and Jane play their rendition of “I’ll be Your San Antone Rose” by Susanna Clark. More about Mark and Jane, including their Ukestration manual, can be found at The Sum of the Parts. This episode was recorded at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival. The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

CLASSIC EPISODE: Jane Jelbart and Mark Jackson

Today I have a chat to Christopher Davis-Shannon, a Philadelphia-based musician who grew up in a very musical family.  He discovered ukulele a few years back and fell in love with it, and he now plays some fantastic music, much of it influenced by early 20th century players such as Roy Smeck and George Formby.  Enjoy! To find out more about Christopher’s music, teaching, and his new book “The George Formby Handbook”, go to his website thetinman.co. Some show-related links below: Roy Smeck Campanella Sam Muir Choan Galvez Paul Mansell Django Reinhardt George Formby Cliff Edwards Art Fowler Wunderkammer instruments by Liam Kirby Original style ukuleles – Nunes and Dias Gene Austin Bing Crosby Prat Instruments "Checking In" podcast Chris’ Jazz Cafe Songs played on the show: Bluebird (Christopher Davis-Shannon) Smile (Charlie Chaplin, 1936) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E06 - Christopher Davis-Shannon

In today’s episode I talk to Bill and Lizzie, otherwise known as Toast Garden, a couple and musical duo based in Tasmania.  Originally from Sydney where they started out as a guitar and voice duo, they discovered ukulele and have now filled their Tasmanian home with them.  They play a couple of great renditions of Beatles songs during our chat, which I am sure you will enjoy. If you want to hear more great ukulele from Toast Garden check them out on YouTube, or on Instagram. Some show-related links below: Lanikai Ukuleles Kala Ukulele Kanile’a Ukulele KoAloha Ukulele Outdoor Ukulele The Ukulele Site Honoka and Azita Taimane Jobkeeper Gwendolyn Fitz Brooklyn Ukulele Festival Dave Hughes James Hill – The Ukulele Way Songs played on the show: Here Comes the Sun (George Harrison, 1969) Day Tripper (Lennon / McCartney, 1965) Something (George Harrison, 1969) I’ll See You In My Dreams (Isham Jones & Gus Kahn, 1962) Perfect (Mark E. Nevin, 1988) – performed by Meredith Harper, Jasmine Fellows, Chris Williams, Jim Croft, Geoff Skellams and Paul Marsh Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E05 - Toast Garden

I’ve talked to a lot of overseas players recently so I figured it was time to bring back some Australian content!  I have a chat to Sugarman Slim, a Sydney-based musician who combines ukulele with bass riffs in a way that will make you want to jump up and dance!  He plays some fantastic songs written by his daughter, and tells us about his small, mobile rehearsal space.  Enjoy! For more information about Slim, and to get details of his daughter’s songs, go to sugarmanslim.com, and check out his music on YouTube. Some show-related links below: The Norman Gunston Show Tiny Tim Sydney Opera House Black Bear BBQ Lleyton Hewitt Maton Ukuleles Eddy Finn Ukuleles Jobkeeper Slim’s Blog Songs played on the show: Ain’t She Sweet (Milton Ager & Jack Yellen, 1927) Sex Machine (James Brown, Bobby Byrd, Ron Lenhoff – 1970) Is This Love (Bob Marley, 1978) One Shot (Beatrice McBride) Sweet Honest Passion (Beatrice McBride) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E04 - Sugarman Slim

Today’s episode features actor and musician Rich Sexton, who entertains and educates young children as the award-winning Funnybones Music, putting his acting and ukulele skills to excellent use.  I discovered in our chat that Rich can play grown-up music as well, as you will hear in this episode.  Enjoy! Some show-related links below: Cole Clark guitars Kala Ukulele My Enya Nova orange ukulele Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs Songs played on the show: Sleeping Bunnies (Rich Sexton) Golden Brown (Hugh Cornwell, Jean-Jacques Burnel, Dave Greenfield, Jet Black – 1982) No Humour on the Underground (Rich Sexton) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E03 - Rich Sexton

Today I bring you a chat with Marc Gallagher, a multi-instrumentalist from Manchester in the UK.  Marc started out trying to play all the instruments, but when the time came to pick a specialty he wisely opted for the fun one - the ukulele.  He is also an accomplished songwriter, and he plays a couple of his songs in today’s episode. Some show-related links below: Monsters vs Aliens The Dave Clark Five Highway to Hell cover with Ben Gorb Barry Maz – Got a Ukulele Grand Northern Ukulele Festival Pono Ukulele Cocobolo Ukuleles World of Ukes Pete Howlett Ukulele Charlotte Pelgen Victoria Vox Abe Lagrimas Jr Andrew Molina Danielle ate the sandwich Rumours Kanilea Ukulele Rob Collins, Luthier aNueNue Boulder Creek Ohana Music Southern Ukulele Store Gaithersburg Ukefest Galway Uke Fest Songs played on the show: The Next Move (Marc Gallagher) City Bells (Marc Gallagher) Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper.  I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams.  Seb Carraro does the graphic design. Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast: Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

S4E02 - Marc Gallagher

Move over guitar - everyone is playing the ukulele! But what is it about this little instrument that has us all hooked? We talk to the people who play to find out why they love the ukulele.

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Ukulele Is The New Black

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