On the cover: The Maui-based group Kanekoa, featuring two ukulele players, bass and percussion. They are eclectic, playing many styles, from pop to reggae, to Hawaiian, and are sometimes considered a “jamband.” Their new album was produced by Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin, who guests on the album, along with Jake Shimabukuro and others.
Profiles: Teacher/musician Gracie Terzian, who specializes in harp ukulele; and Eden Brower of the East River String Band, who specialize in playing music from the ’20s and ’30s.
It’s All in the Details: A photo exploration of all the little things that make vintage ukes attractive and cool looking–odd-shaped bridges, shapely headstocks, beautiful fingerboard inlays, unusual mechanical tuners, complex purflings and soundhole rosettes, etc.
Songs to Play: The Grateful Dead’s folksy classic “Friend of the Devil”; and ukulele singer-songwriter-advocate Jim Beloff’s charming anthem about the uke “Can’t Help But Smile.”
Lessons: Jim D’Ville on Diminished 7th chords; Daniel Ward on De-mystifying Chord Substitutions
Also: The Ukulele Guild of Hawaii; recent ukulele albums; Uke Tales from readers; Fall Ukulele Events; Gear Reviews; and more!