Lunes 16 May 2011, 23:31

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mThZxzt-Nv0/Tbl5SPWqmfI/AAAAAAAAASU/BFcVyEPD3dw/s1600/ukulele.jpg

I started casually playing the ukulele in February. With the exception of singing, I do not consider myself to be overly skilled with instruments. I wish I were, but unfortunately, it takes a lot more effort than most other skills.

My ears seem to find joy in chill, folk-type music, so the uke is very pleasing (when played correctly). The uke, however, is not a very mainstream instrument, so it is difficult to find artists who truly embrace it.

I'm not entirely sure how I came across the following video. I do know it was the product of clicking several different youtube recommendations, but I don't know what started it. But, have a listen/watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOnFwpk6LRI

Okay, so not only is the video kind of awesome (feat. Shirley Manson and Elijah Wood), but the music instantly grabbed me! I recognize that happy little twang! It was, in fact, a ukulele!

That was just one song by Zee Avi, but I decided to check out some more of her stuff, and it was all equally pleasing! I instantly decided to get her album, Zee Avi.

http://www.zeeavi.com/images/uploads/album_art/105/zeeavi_music_cd.jpg

She has another EP coming out in July and I am very excited for it. She already has a youtube following (since that was how she was discovered). But she still is an unknown name amongst my friends (this is nothing new, considering most have atrocious musical tastes).

Zee Avi and her ukulele have easily made their way to the top of my list! It's interesting that almost all of my favourite artists are discovered via crazy random happenstances!!

One of the best things that came from discovering her, is that I now have a bunch of new songs I can learn on the uke!!

Until next time ;)