2020 “Uketide” Tunes – Part II

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Last time it was a hymn. Today, it’s a holiday standard. Johnny Marks was a prolific writer of Christmas songs. Entries that have become staples in popular music: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Holly Jolly Christmas, Run Rudolph Run, and my entry today, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

Brenda Lee was 13 when she recorded the song in 1958 that we hear every holiday season. You read that right, 13. Talk about mature-sounding voices! Rockin’  is one of the best-selling holiday digital downloads in history, and it charts every Christmas on the Billboard  Hot 100.

I started working on this last December but ran out of time before I could perform it. I played through the song once a week or so this year and then ramped up the practice and added a few elements starting in November. It was suggested I use a full strum through the verses of the song, something I hadn’t done before when playing chord melody. There is a challenge to this, as the booming low G string can drown out the other notes, but the change up is fun:

In the next installment, Aria and I pair up for a song that she chose from the 1950s. Perry Como was the first to record it, but the Carpenters’ version is the best known.

2020 “Uketide” Tunes – Part I

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If you’re new to this blog, “Uketide” Tunes is in its third year of existence. We officially have a tradition of Christmas on the ukulele! Sometimes it’s solo chord melody and other times it’s hum and strum as my daughter and I ham it up. Kazoos and sleigh bells may be involved. Ugly sweaters, too. I’m still working up a schedule, so check back regularly this month.

Let’s get things rolling by starting on a serious note with one of my favorite Advent hymns, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The song has a long history dating back centuries with text originally written in Latin. While it has been performed in both the sacred and secular worlds, I’ve enjoyed hearing it most sung a cappella or with light instrumentation. It’s hauntingly beautiful.

In my performance I play three verses. The first is a simple melody with single notes, followed by chord melody for the second, then single notes played high on the fretboard with chord melody for the final verse:

Next up, a Brenda Lee song recorded in the late 1950s that is a holiday standard.

Thanksgiving 2020

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Thanksgiving during a year of trial. Difficulties aside, there is plenty to be grateful for in what has been a unique timeline:

1. I’ve had extended time with my family.

2. Aria has adapted to distance learning like a champ. Little kids are so good at adjusting. She is proving to be a high achiever.

3. Working from home has been an absolute joy, and my audio skills have increased with the need to compensate for related hurdles.

4. I’m a better ukulele player than I was a year ago, even with in-person instruction curtailed.

5. I performed my first virtual ukulele recital. (It went well!)

6. Lisa’s dad is recovering from serious health issues that had everyone worried. I’m so happy we live close and have been able to help.

7. We have remained relatively unscathed by the pandemic and managed to stay healthy by taking necessary precautions.

8. I’ve enjoyed creating video and even a writing project for a church we attend in Salem. I love being able to use and hone these skills.

9. My plans for 2020 have not worked out as charted (surprise!), but they are still underway and moving forward.

10. A great deal of foolishness is about to end in Washington, D.C., benefitting the entire country.

How about you? What are you grateful for as you look back over a hard year? However you celebrate the holiday in 2020, be safe and peace be with you. Happy Thanksgiving!