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Pops
Lokahi
USA
387 Posts |
 Posted - 06/17/2004 : 12:34:04 PM
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Aloha,
Has anyone had the opportunity to purchase/work with John's new book of solos and duets?
Thanks for your review.
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kihoalukid
Lokahi
USA
289 Posts |
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Tonya
Lokahi
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2004 : 10:43:01 AM
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Well, as I'm a pretty basic player, this "review" might be next to worthless for a lot of you, but here goes:
I bought the book directly from John King at http://www.nalu-music.com/
The shipping was quick and John was speedy in answering my "before sales" question regarding which tuning was mostly used in the book--(high)GCEA. The book is not fancy in design, but is loaded with great information, melody, tabs and song selection. I've read a fair amount of the "standard" ukulele history, but found John's intro in this book to be superb (what else would you expect of John, right?). The included CD is a delight in and of itself. Some (most? all?) of these older tunes are ones I'm unfamiliar with, so listening along with the CD is a requirement since I don't read music well. I spent much time just listening to the CD, then listening to choice songs while following along with the book.
As stated, I'm a pretty basic player and even I found the tablature easy to follow along. If you're a more advanced player I sense you could really work the songs hard, even playing along with the CD. Note: John plays really fast. Not that fast is bad, it's just as it should be, I'm sure, but I am not good enough to play that quickly yet (ever?). To John's credit, though, the arrangements sound great at my slower speed, too (I have to jokingly admit, though, that I practiced a song several evenings in a row before I realized it was one I really liked on the CD--my playing just wasn't up to John's level where I could recognize "my" song!).
I especially enjoyed hearing different strum types on the CD and seeing them in the music. It helped me make the connection between what I was hearing, what I *knew* I was supposed to be doing and then actually doing it. I use the book by playing a chosen song in sections, slowly adding them together and re-listening to the CD to get it down better. Since I don't have any others to play with, I can't comment on the "duos" portion--but the songs can all be played by a solo player, it seems.
In short, this book is helping me develop my playing and giving me more confidence--and the CD is great to listen to any time! |
http://www.uketreasures.com
http://www.ukuleletonya.com |
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Pops
Lokahi
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2004 : 7:04:16 PM
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Thanks, Tonya for such a nice review. I appreciate the time and effort you put into it. Also, thanks, kihoalukid for the link. I ordered the book yesterday and can't wait to get started.
Mahalo to the both of you for your kindness.
Aloha!
--Mark "Pops" |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2004 : 03:07:00 AM
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| I just ordered a copy from the Nalu Music link. It's worth noting that Mr. King charges a nominal amount for shipping, so the total is under $20. |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
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Pops
Lokahi
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2004 : 10:32:30 PM
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Mahalo to all for the input. I just got my copy and I'll let you know what I find. Thanks,
Mark |
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finemc28
Aloha
14 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2004 : 01:57:32 AM
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I love this forum.
Based on the review I ordered the book and am enjoying it tremendously. John makes full use of the high G tuning by treating the G string in a way that gets the most out of the instrument.
This is really helping this guitar player do something other than just thumping on the G string as if it was the bass. I am finding new finger patterns that are difficult to get used to, but as I continue working on them they are becoming more natural.
Thanks for the review.
Mike |
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