Tag Archives: Northern Rivers Uke Orchestra

Sept 2017 – Ukelectica

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As I mentioned in the weekly mailers and on the night, I had literally run out of ideas for themes this month. There are plenty of themes that I could have chosen, though as these nights have turned into a labour of love, I have learned that I must be inspired to bring any kind of magic. Also I had limited time to produce a book so I went with some songs we have done in the past and improved the charts.

Each night’s set list relies on who I have as special guests… this month as Rod Coe was away I also needed to find a bass player. After producing the poster and the flimsy concept of Ukelectica… my cohort from Byron Reggae / Funk band Ragga Jump, young Max Foggon contacted me about being a performer. He was inspired by the image on the poster of the space girl as he has recently purchased a Vocoder with the view to performing a cover of Daft Punks ‘Something About Us’. Boom! Max became the star of the show as well as the bands bass player. I had also prior to that been contacted by Phil Frea – local freaky fella with a smooth deep voice about doing a few 40/50’s tunes. So Ukelectica it became… a bunch of eclectic songs for the uke – So Eclectic it was Out Of This World! (Yeah Right!)

We began with Iz’s version of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ with my newly acquired strum pattern, followed by a stirring version of Cow’s with Gun’s (where were you Coorabell kids!!!) and then Summer Time Blues before Miss Amber came out and lead with a really tough song to sing from Sia, Electric Bird and nailed it. Daughter Rose performed Adele’s ‘Send My Love To Your New Lover’ and then showed off her rapping skills with Iggy Azalea’s ‘Fancy’. That was way fun. We love Britney Spear’s ‘Baby One More Time’. Some of these songs are not great for Uke Players with limited technique I admit. It pays to come on Monday nights to learn some tricks. Phil Frea got up and somewhat tumbled through his tunes… he has had it tough and his mind is very active, though posses a rich and striking voice. Route 66 was a highlight.

The N.R.U.O were back and in really fine form. All the tunes went down well, particularly Patsy’s Gypsy Swing. Pete’s Apache is a favourite and fun to strum and the Duo Harmonies of ‘Hey Sherrif’ always ht the mark as we segue-wayed into the stirring ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’.  The Poster also influenced the choice for The Carpenters – Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft. Not an easy tune by any means though it really worked. The band handled the tempo changes with smooth ease. Top work Justin Bannister on Keys, Jason Caspen on Drums and Of course max Foggon on Bass.

I played bass for most of Max’s songs. I now appreciate any bass player who can sing as well… It’s not easy at all. Max Foggon is a quadruple threat… awesome bass player, fantastic uke player, wonderful singer and showman and… he can perform a very tuneful  mouth trumpet. Max lead a very entertaining set with a sweet version of Bill Withers ‘Just The Two Of Us’ and a flawless and atmospheric rendition of Daft Punk’s ‘Something About Us’. Disney’s ‘I Wanna Be Like You’ was a blast, taken home by a reggae version of ‘What A Wonderful World’… then after thank yous we all enjoyed ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ with the whole cast joining in apart from Rosie who had gone home to watch Netflix.

The numbers were down, perhaps because it was in the school holidays though everyone who was in attendance had a wonderful time even though there were more challenges in this months book than usual. Next month I will address that and make the book more playable to make up for it. Thanks to Luis on the sound and Deb on the door as well as the club for having us.

August 2017 – Keep Calm and Uke On

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This August 2017 theme ‘Keep Calm and Uke On’ came together at the last minute. I do admit I’m starting to find it difficult to come up with a fresh theme each month and the thought of all the work that it takes to finish off a book and compile the performers and players is very daunting. Though… for some reason… I keep doing it. I guess I know the the end result is always rewarding as it definitely was in this case. The poster came first and the idea for the theme was planted at Monday Night Mullum Uke Club after seeing the image. Special mention to Val Hodgson who often influences me with her strong opinions. (love you Val).

Thankfully, UKE NIGHT hero John Hill filled in on Piano at the last minute as Dan Brown sadly had to pull out due to family illness. Turns out he was the perfect man for the job, he is a wonderful player and performer and it is always an honour to share the stage with Mr. Hill. Special guests Tim Stokes and Vasudha Harte (A.K.A. Lady Boho) were wonderful guest performers. The first set was anti war / protest songs starting out with ‘And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’ by Eric Bogle… this is one heavy song… It set a maudlin tone. Miss Amber does a great Kate Bush and her version of Army Dreamers was very well received.

As the set moved on the songs became gradually lighter and after Lady Boho’s excellent versions ‘I Was Only 19’, ‘Thou Shalt Not Steel’, and a very cool ‘Tryin’ Times’ (excellent Bass by Mr. Rode Coe), we ended the set with the French tune ‘Le Temps De L’amour’ (The Time For Love). Vasuha has a voice like caramel. Audience members were excited to have a new face on stage and she has left quite an impression with most folk never having seen her perform although she is a multi talented musician and teacher and a stalwart of the local Byron Shire music scene.

Enter Tim Stokes for some songs of love and uniting. He is the man for these kind of songs… ego-less, full of love with a smile that melts your heart. His original tune ‘Blessed Are’ went over very cheerily and his version of ‘What a Wonderful World’ left the whole room all gooey.

We ended the evening off with two from John Lennon (and Yoko) with ‘Imagine’ and a rousing ‘Give Peace A Chance’. This night was a very palpable emotional journey that reaffirmed my belief in the power of song. Thanks to Jason Caspen on Drums, Deb on the door, Luis on Sound and everyone one who came along. There were a lot of faces who hadn’t been to the last few evenings and it was great to see almost all of the NRUO united again sitting together at a table strumming along.

 

Jan 2017 Modern Australian

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Thanks to everyone for coming to the Modern Australian UKE NIGHT. It was in the end a fantastic evening albeit with a late start and even later finish. I was up at the crack of dawn and so was our trusty sound man Luis Christia and Door Technician Deb Stoker at the Brunswick Heads Breakfast in the Park Australia Day celebration. The NRUO was leading the songs for the forth year in a row. So we were a little pooped.

This book featured Australian songs from the last 20 years. So not surprisingly some folk had never heard of them. This was the exact reason I did the book. It seems ludicrous that songs most people want to hear and play are the ones they know, usually from their youth when they first fell in love with them. While I understand why that is, in the past 20 years 10s of thousands of songs have been written… some real treasure too. We must keep moving along folks.

With this in mind I thought it important to have some young folk up on stage with us. Local band 100 Words consists of 12 year old – Miller Stuart-Long, (fantastic singer / song writer in the making), Jack Edmonds and Sam Sanders. These guys share the instruments around and have learned how to hold it down and keep it tight. So refreshing to see. Milly sang with daughter Rose Eadie on ‘Big Jet Plane’ before the band got up and played two original songs. Also Sonny Flynn played trumpet. What a great feeling to share the stage with these young musicians. Sam Sanders was actually in the UKE NIGHT band as guitarist and did a mighty job with a talent way beyond his years, playing some wicked riffs and solid grooves and solos on songs he heard for the first time the week before.

The first half of the show was full of pop songs from Australian bands and solo artists, including the wonderful message song ‘Caught In The Crowd’ by Kate Miller-Heidke. Guest vocalist Sara Tindley’s daughter Poppy Baily-Tindley sang this one with Rosie – they were amazing. Both Miss Amber and Sara sang harmonies with the girls unable to contain their proud mother smiles.

Brad Green won the highly coveted poster in the raffles and Noel won the two tickets for next month. Barb won the Australia Day ukulele and promptly told Miss Amber to bend over so she could show her were to stick it. (Barb is over 80 and doesn’t fancy learning I guess).

The 2nd half of the show was more singer songwriter flavoured, perfect for our guests Sara and Mr Ash Bell. Ash is having a break from performing at the moment and it was so great to hear his voice again. See clip of Ash singing Paul Kelly’s ‘They Thought I Was Asleep’. A few people had left by now as it was getting late so it was a very special intimate 30 minutes, finished of by a rockin’ version of  ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ from Jet sang by Sara, who can belt out a rock tune with the best of them. (I love when Sara Rocks out)

There was a lot of learning from the musicians this month and I really appreciate the time and effort that went into recreating all the little details. Brilliant keys from new comer Dan Brown who was the perfect man for the job with the ability to pull authentic synth sounds one minute and beautiful piano solos the next. Thanks To Al Brooker and Jason Caspen for their exceptional rhythm section work. The night was ended with a soulful version of Nick Caves ‘Into My Arms’ with impromptu 4 part harmonies in the last chorus. We were packed up and out of there before 10pm.

See more pics from Lyn McCarthy at Niche pics here

Modern Australian

Riptide – Vance Joy
Cry – The Mavis’s
Lighthouse – The Waifs
Coin Laundry – Lisa Mitchell
Caught In The Crowd – Kate Miller-Heidke
Big Jet Plane – Angus & Julia Stone
Don’t Be Silly – 100 Words
Hoops – The Rubens
To My Table – Mama Kin
Walking on A Dream – Empire Of The Sun

Black Bugs – Regurgitator
I’m Not Coming Back – Husky
Buttons – Sia
Time – Sara Tindley
We Won’t Run – Sarah Blasko
Bowen Station – Ash Bell
They Thought I Was Asleep – Paul Kelly
My Happiness – Powderfinger
Heart Beating – Suzannah Espie
Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye
Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
Into My Arms – Nick Cave

November 2016 – The Best Of the 2016

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The Best Of The 2016 Songbooks

 

This was one of the best fun Uke Nights as it was spontaneous and loose though still very musical and entertaining. Traditionally, November is all about looking back on the songbooks we have presented and choosing the favourites. The result was a very eclectic mix. Sharny Russell was roped in at the last minute. She was coming over to do a guest spot though Stu quickly put her to work on keys, at times playing songs she hadn’t heard before. Of course Sharny (sister of Steve Russell) is one of the Austrailia’s most accomplished Jazz pianists and vocalists. What a touch of class. (we are blessed with the most wonderfully talented musicians).

The band were great as usual – Al Brooker on bass, Jason Caspen on Drums and Evan Landers on Guitars. It was so great to have Misty Henderson back with us. She is such a star in the making. The NRUO backed her during ‘Summertime’ and also performed ‘Lullaby Of Birdland’ which was beautifully garnished with Sharny’s piano.

A great highlight was ‘100 Words’, a band consisting of local 12 year old, Mila Stuart-Long, Sam Sanders and Jack Edmonds who played their 3 original songs during the break. We hope to see more of the group next year. Straight after you could have heard a pin drop during Sharny’s version of Carole Kings ‘You Got A Friend’…. simply stunning. Jono Hillman sang a few tunes with us from the British Invasion book of last month and then did a fine John Kay from Steppenwolf in ‘Born To be Wild’.  Val and Erina did a fine ‘She’s Not There’ by the Zombies. We finished the night with Time After Time which Miss Amber always slays especially with the addition of beautiful harmonies from Sharny and Misty.

Val and Barry won the door prize  – free tickets and somehow convinced Stu that a free bottle of wine was part of the prize. Pete Brosnan took home the poster with the winning number 16. Doesn’t get more fortuitous that. Smiles all round for another fun event in Club Mullum with a bunch of new and familiar faces.

May 2016 – All That Jazz

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All That Jazz _ Thu 26 May

This was the month I promised to do an easy book… then the club tells me it’s ‘Jazz’ month… I could have made the songs easier and in fact I did… the thing is Jazz is a high musical art form and it is not really a beginners night. Strange that it attracted more beginners that we have had in a long time. Any way, with the addition of trumpeter Ben Van-Kleef at the last minute, this was one of the best nights the band has ever had. The Audience enjoyed the music though a lot of folk were finding the chord changes too quick and they weren’t familiar with the names and shapes.

Our young star Misty Henderson was divine, The NRUO were wonderful, specially in ‘Inch Worm’ with our other cool cat guest Jimmy Dowling. Also Patsy Brosnan brought down the house with her original Gypsy Jazz tune. Miss Amber did well. Jazz swing tunes suit her voice wonderfully.

Jimmy Dowling is deadly with a standard and he did a great A capella version of ‘If I only Had A Brain’ from the Wizard of OZ.  Roddy Rod Rod on bass doesn’t mind a jazz tune as does Rex Carter on drums. Great night was had although a few people may have been put of the ukulele  – as really hard instrument. Someone stole my poster so it must have been enjoyed.

 

Brilliant Pics by Lyn McCarthy of Niche Pics

Feb 2016 – Hawaiian Night

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Uke Mullum's Hawaiian Night - Thu 25 Feb 2016

 

Wow. The room looked wonderful thanks to the efforts of Miss Amber and Lilith from Mana Aloha Hula Dancers (Byron Bay) with floral table settings and Palm Fronds adorning the stage. It was the biggest crowd we have had since we moved to the Ex-Services with folk traveling down from the Gold Coast and even international visitors from as far away as Argentina.

The band sounded wonderful with Paul Agar on Lap and Pedal steel, Rod Coe on the U-Bass and BV’s and Rex Carter on Drums. The dancers were so beautiful and all went off without a hitch with the musical arrangements (well almost). Beautiful singing with 3 part harmonies from Misty Henderson, Parrisa Bouas and Miss Amber. Terry Flatly made a surprise appearance on ‘Hula Girl’ and the members of the NRUO even got up unannounced on the dance floor to wiggle their hips.

Val Hodgson won the poster for a second time in a row (for the second time in a row). Best dressed male was Graham, Best dressed female was Leander and overall best dressed who took home the Lanikai ukulele was Leilani (who as it turns out lived next door to terry Flatly in the Lismore in the 60’s, now resides between Main Arm and Hawaii, she also supplied most of the beautiful Hawaiian dresses on display). Our aim was to show all who attended what an amazing place we live in. The aloha spirit was in the room and everyone left with a big smile on their face.

See Photo Album from Lyn at Niche Pics here

 

Uke Mullum 3rd Birthday – July 2014

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Uke Mullum 3rd Birthday

With the apt theme of ‘3’ we had such a great time for our third birthday… Rod Coe on bass, Jason Caspen on drums and Evan Sun on stringed things. All the important folk who have helped these nights to be so great were there. The Northern Rivers Uke Orchestra kicked of the night… we are still working on amplifying the sound of the orchestra and had a few problems on the night.. trail and error. Nothing beats an a nice live room though the Courty requires a PA. Our favourite MC / Juggler funny guy Joel Salom managed to juggle 3 ukes for 2:28 before being put off by the flash photography (better luck next year).

Fiona Knight and Chad Sheather came down from up north to play three great tunes. Fi’s singing was very strong and she made a meal of Meatloaf’s ‘2 Out Of 3 Aint Bad’, Patsy Cline’s ‘3 Cigarettes in the Ashtray’ and ‘You’re So Vain’ by Carly Simon. Chad’s noodle-style picking was very tasty also.

Misty Henderson graced the 2nd set with ‘3 Little Birds’ and her own calypso love song ‘Island Boy’ with ‘I Can’t Help My Self’… such a talent at only 14 years old. She is a great singer and is so very grounded in her delivery for her age. The band were on fire… then ‘ol mate Ash Bell (Starboard Cannons) floored everyone with laughing fits during his rendition of ‘3 Times A Lady’. It was great to see people standing and rocking out on the ukes to ‘Johnny Be Goode’ adorned by Warren Earls‘ tasting and fluent lead work. Miss Amber did a great job of 3 Dog Night’s ‘Joy To The World’ to bring the night to an end.

Great cake by Miss Amber and Deb.. Great sound by Luis Christia as usual. Thanks to The Couthouse Hotel for hosting the event for 3 years in a row. Thanks to all who attended the evening. It was the biggest and best crowd we have had thus far. It was really great to see faces who haven’t been in a long time. Welcome back and Happy Birthday to Us!