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Fran Guidry
Ha`aha`a
USA
1583 Posts |
 Posted - 02/14/2008 : 11:49:34 PM
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Eh, Wanda, my pace seems to be about a four year gestation, so I'm not due for another CD until about three more years.
Norman, the autoharp was a kick. I've seen him play the harp a few times, and it's on the "Waltz of the Wind" CD as well. Yours is certainly a nice looking instrument.
Julie, your set decorations elevate any performance where they appear. The guys really appreciated the effort and the result. As far as Led playing anything with strings, I haven't personally seen him play sitar or fiddle, but I'm not ruling them out <grin>. I _have_ seen him get great music out of the mandolin, banjo, electric guitar, steel guitar, and he's a monster on the washtub bass.
As far as my playing goes, these two guys are unbeatable for helping keep a player humble <grin>.
This tour, the second for Mike and Led together, seems to be picking up steam. The crowd at Don Quixote's was the best I've seen at that venue, it was definitely plenty of fun even with a few initial sound problems. I thought the "No Ke Ano Ahiahi" that opened the second set was one of the best performances I've heard of that song. And I really enjoyed the debut of "Kaulana Waialua A`o Moloka`i."
Tonight the Little Fox in Redwood City was sold out, and maybe a little beyond that, since there seemed to be more patrons than seats. Always full of surprises, Led pulled out "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" and the crowd went wild. I'm always glad to see another version of "Ku`u Ipo Onaona" and the one tonight was classic and clean. Led also did "Radio Hula" - a few years ago that song was in every show, but lately it's gotten semi-retired. The version he played tonight was another straightforward presentation, and it was another big crowd pleaser. Mike has been featuring a hapa haole Maui medley, "Pretty Maui Girl" and "Going to Maui Tomorrow (to Marry Tamara Malone)" and that one scored with the fans tonight as well. I keep forgetting to shout out about the 'Patch when I'm doing my little bit, so hi to you all, and thanks for coming to the shows and supporting Led and Mike. I think I'm overhearing plans for the April trip to be another duo tour. Be sure to check Led's calendar http://www.ledkaapana.com/concerts.htm so you can get your tickets when they become available.
Fran |
E ho`okani pila kakou ma Kaleponi
Slack Key on YouTube
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les_maverick
Lokahi
USA
238 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 06:01:17 AM
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Great show last night Fran
Your set was short, but the crowd really enjoyed it and it was a great warn up for Led.
This was the first time I got to see Led live on stage.
He sure likes being up there, he's always throwing in a chuckle now and then..
You were right Led and Mike playing together was awesome. They are both talented
musicians and vocals too.
Sure seems like Led was having fun with his new guitar and using the pedals.
Led's version of E Ku'u Morning Dew on the Ukulele and Mike on the 12 string
was fantastic.
They played many songs from their new CD, Force of Nature, that was taped live
at The Triple Door in Seattle, WA.
Fran was his normal friendly self before the performance.
I even got to meet Led and chat for a little while, too.
Looking forward to seeing them again in April.
Les |
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mahimahi
Aloha
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 07:39:31 AM
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To all the people that saw last night's performance at the Little Fox Theater need I say more ?....Once again thanks to Taropatcher Fran to get the show started....Fran started off with 3 appetizers of smooth songs to get the crowd buzzing including a sweet song for his wife Lynn...Fran's story telling compliments his playing.
He then intoduced the entree Led and the show once again started to gain steam...Led's rapport with the audience is classic....after Led dazzled the crowd he brought out Mike and now the main course was being served...they closed the first half with " Can't Help Falling in Love with You."...the crowd goes nuts.
To wash this all down Led & Mike performed " Twelve Street Rag/Sweet Georgia Brown at the end of the second half after performing many songs from " Force of Nature."
Led and Mike don't played together often because of their separate schedules, but when they do it's a sight to be seen...they play off and compliment each other very well...each taking the lead and falling back...improvising and blending melodies and harmonizing without overwhelming each other with riffs and runs....each note resonating thruout their bodies...as if they're talikn' to one another...but most of all it's FUN and it's all about them fingers ! |
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Magdog
Aloha
7 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 08:14:18 AM
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Hi all-
Maybe wrong place for this but anyone know the tuning Led was using for the uke on morning dew and killing me softly? and was it tenor or baritone? Couldn't see as The Little Fox was indeed oversold and after fighting traffic we were not thrilled to be standing/watching a pole for most of the show. Eventually though I just closed my eyes and let the aloha of the music do it's magic and came out smiling and warmed. Thanks for the vacation Led, Mike and Fran.
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http://www.Alohashirtrescue.com |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 08:42:17 AM
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| Well, if Mike is doing No Ke Ano Ahiahi, how swell that is. He does it so very powerfully. His voice and the 12-string seem to be made specifically to present that song. Mike commands great power in his voice -- it makes you sit up and take notice. He tells you he's got something to say with it. What an experience that has got to be for you, Fran. Oh, hey - and for Led & Mike to tour with Fran. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 08:44:07 AM
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| Re: autoharp -- don't forget there is a Hui `Ohana, if think, with Kanaka Waiwai done on autoharp. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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les_maverick
Lokahi
USA
238 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 09:38:01 AM
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Magdog:
At first I was trying to figure out what tuning he was using, but then
I started watching his left and right hand together since there were
so many picked notes flying by. Then I realized that he was using his
echo pedal. So I just sat back and relaxed....
Les |
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Momi
Lokahi
402 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 09:43:52 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Magdog
Hi all-
Maybe wrong place for this but anyone know the tuning Led was using for the uke on morning dew and killing me softly? and was it tenor or baritone?
Fran had this to say in an earlier post on this thread:
quote:
His [Led's] stage uke for this trip is a Ko`olau Pono, deep bodied tenor cutaway.
I can't be sure, but I thought Led was in standard `ukulele tuning (G-C-E-A) when he did "Killing Me Softly" in Seattle (which was, of course, jaw-droppingly good. Dr. Cookie, sitting in back of me, patted my shoulder consolingly during this song and said "now, now, it's okay"). The only "slack key" tuning I know of for `ukulele (now, Hiram, don't get annoyed by this) is GCEG, and I don't think that's what he was doing.
Fran, any insights? Or Thumbstruck or Slpry 1, who were sitting with me? |
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hikabe
Lokahi
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2008 : 5:36:38 PM
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Fran,
Keep up the good work... |
Stay Tuned... |
Edited by - hikabe on 02/16/2008 11:22:59 AM |
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Fran Guidry
Ha`aha`a
USA
1583 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2008 : 12:19:14 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Magdog
Hi all-
Maybe wrong place for this but anyone know the tuning Led was using for the uke on morning dew and killing me softly? and was it tenor or baritone? Couldn't see as The Little Fox was indeed oversold and after fighting traffic we were not thrilled to be standing/watching a pole for most of the show. Eventually though I just closed my eyes and let the aloha of the music do it's magic and came out smiling and warmed. Thanks for the vacation Led, Mike and Fran.
Steve, the folks who identified it as "standard" uke tuning were right, GCEA low to high, with a low G. That was really bunk about the seating, even worse because Mike and Led just love to play, it's hard to get them to stay under three hours. A long time to be standing up, even if you're having fun.
Fran |
E ho`okani pila kakou ma Kaleponi
Slack Key on YouTube
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Fran Guidry
Ha`aha`a
USA
1583 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2008 : 12:29:31 PM
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Thanks, Hiram, see you at the Aloha Fest if they ever get it organized <grin>.
Momi, Led uses the tuning you mention when he does some of his slack key classics on `ukulele. The first time I saw him do "Opihi Moemoe" on uke I fell out of my chair. He even does a double slack version for "Whee Ha Swing" and that's another jaw dropper.
Wanda, I sometimes think you're right about Mike's 12 and "No Ke Ano Ahiahi" - but the next tune in a different style seems just as perfect so maybe it isn't the guitar <grin>.
Thanks to everyone for coming to the shows, and for the kind comments. Tonight in Mill Valley Led's buddy from Marin, Rodney Johnson will be opening. Led added lead guitar to Rodney's CD a few years ago. On Sunday evening Faith Ako <wheeeee haaaaaa!!> will open at Rancho Nicasio. Hope to see you there!
Fran |
E ho`okani pila kakou ma Kaleponi
Slack Key on YouTube
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catheglass
Lokahi
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2008 : 9:06:27 PM
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Eh Fran!
Will see you there, fo' sure!
All these great reviews have me drooling. Fortunately, it's tomorrow. |
cathe |
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