Ukulele: The World's Friendliest Instrument

by Daniel Dixon, Jayne McKay

<!-- .pd-img1 { right; 10px; 10px; } .pd-img2 { left; 0px; 10px;} .pd-headline1 { #CC6600; 1.25em;} .pd-headline2 { #CC6600; medium} .pd-list { 450px;} .pd-text2 { 700; } .pd-text3 { 700; italic;} --> Celebrate and Learn About the Ukulele Craze These days the ukulele is experiencing a revolution—both as a valid instrument that can sweetly transform pop music and rock and roll, and as the focus of dozens of clubs springing up across the world. Ukulele! brings the "uke" world to light, exposing its colorful history, quirky characters, and irresistible charm. Dozens of colorful photos and ephemera make Ukulele! as fun to look at as it is to read. Celebrate the history of the ukulele and the unique culture that surrounds it in Ukulele by Daniel Dixon with Dixie Dixon and Jayne McKay. Ukulele explores the spiritual quality that brings people together by discussing the colorful characters that have been drawn to the instrument over the years. Daniel Dixon traces its origins in Hawaii and illustrates how it traveled to the mainland U.S. and became such a popular instrument. Ukulele also showcases the best of the early players such as Cliff Edwards as well as the most popular contemporary uke players like Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and Jake Shimabukuro. Chapters With more than 100 color photographs and ephemera, this charming book takes readers along the journey of the history of this increasingly popular instrument. Discover famous songs performed on the uke accompanied by nostalgic images of the original sheet music covers. See the evolution of the uke and learn about the various makers and manufacturers. Daniel Dixon wrote for such magazines as Life, Cosmopolitan, Esquire and House & Garden. He authored The Thunderbird Remembered, a memoir of his father, Maynard Dixon. Dixie Dixon is a musician, singer, and photographer. She lives in Carmel, California. Jayne McKay is a documentary filmaker with a focus on art and artists. Her first film is Maynard Dixon Art and Spirit. She lives in Los Angeles.

Genres: Music

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Yycdaisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had a look at this book in the local library and realized all I really need to know about the ukulele would be in a magazine article sized publication. So I just skimmed through this book as there is way too much information. The first part is about the history of the instrument, next the famous players, and the last short section has a small amount of information about playing the instrument.

[Gary Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Quick Overview of the Uke

If you’re just getting started or simply interested in the history of the ukulele and what’s going on generally in the ukulele world this book is for you. I enjoyed it and got a lot of good names to add to my music playlists.

[Brian Pagano · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though I don't think it was intentional, the author came across as quite negative throughout the book. I'm sure wherever the author is from, those types of snarky comments and put downs are simply a sign of affection or indicate normal speech, but it jarred me out of the text multiple times.

Also the lack of fact-checking was surprising. You don't see a lot of non-fiction books riddled with "maybe" and "possibly" with regards to facts and figures.

It's not that the book is without merit. It contains some nice photos and it's always fun to read about this pleasant little instrument. But, ultimately, I don't understand why this book was written. There are much better books about the Uke, better written and more complete (The Ukulele by Tranquada and King, for example). This book acknowledges the other volumes, even quotes from them, but doesn't add anything to what had already been achieved.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great resource depending on what information you seek about the ukelele. I wish the title gave a more precise definition of whether the book contains the instrument's history or how to play it. Approx. 95% of this book is information about the history, great artists and how ukuleles are crafted. However, the last few pages' chord chart and "ukulele 101" would be a great resource for those wanting to play a ukulele just not lesson replacement.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed this book from the library. It has information about Jake Shimabukuro, the amazing Hawaiian uke player (family originally from Okinawa, Japan). This book is a wonderful story about a fun instrument and gives a survey of many uke players (even Tiny Tim!), ukulele manufacturers and how the instrument is becoming popular again.

Now I want to buy a ukulele so I can strum and have fun.

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not an academic or scholarly book on the ukulele. But it offers an easy and respectful history. It is beautifully illustrated, and highlights the key ukulele performers, alongside the undulating history of the instrument.

At the end, basic chords and tunings are also included. At its best, this book demonstrates why the ukulele is popular to play, but difficult to play well.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant book to read, contains a history of the invention and development of the ukulele. There are also mentions of a few uke makers, but many popular makers are ignored. There is also mention of a couple of clubs. I would have liked a little more depth.

[Anne Ku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, easy to read hardback book covering the history, teachers, performers, composers, makers, and collectors of ukulele. Great overview! Really easy to read. I used it as a reference in my essay "Teach Yourself the 'Ukulele Using Free Sources"

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun little book about the history of the ukulele with lots of great ukulele eye candy.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light but interesting read on the history and some key players of the Uke.

[Carol Tensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great page layouts. Somewhat informative text. Nice fluff piece.