This time of year is all about new beginnings. The season of new hope, growth and cheeky buds of life.
We have had a super Easter here in Ferryview. The nights are lighter, some days have been a little warmer, but the icing on the cake this year has been the safe arrival of our first grand-baby. A wee girl called Joy. What fun!! I am happy to report that she is doing everything a new baby should be doing - eating and sleeping 😴. Although I believe the sleeping bit is still under construction, as she apparently is enjoying the night fandango a little too much. 🤣
Ahh, remember the first days of new parenthood ?
Looking at my current Ukulele repertoire, I noticed that I didn't have fun children's songs in my back catalogue. In fact - I had no children's songs!! This prompted me to search and revisit children's songs from my own childhood and songs I sang to my own children..what a hoot!!! Some of these songs would not see the light of day today!..The PC police would have em' 🤦♀️
Can you remember...
Nobody loves me everybody hates me, I think I'll go and eat worms...Dreadful treatment of our little squidgy friends
Georgie Porgie pudding and pie, Kissed the girls and made them cry...Was George guilty of upsetting the girls?
Goosey Goosey Gander...took him by the left leg and threw him down the stairs.. I bet the old man wished he had said his prayers!!
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe, She has so many children, she didn't know what to do. She gave then some butter without any bread, she whipped them all soundly and sent them to bed....Quick get the child protection folk
Scary stuff indeed!!!!!! Do you remember any childhood songs that left you with the collie wobbles?
Subscribers will be able to download some children's songs for ukulele from newsletter:
Mr Sun, Mr Golden Sun
The Wheels on the bus
If You're Happy and You know it
Old MacDonald
10 Green Bottles
Rock-a-Bye Baby
..Just the job for little voices.
Should you wish to learn more kiddie songs, I can highly recommend
"The Chester Book of Nursery Rhymes & Children's Songs" 169 fun songs in Piano/Voice/Guitar format. Enjoy !
Happy Birthday Duke Ellington Born on 29th April 1899
(Died May 1974)
The famous American composer, pianist and band leader, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington had a career spanning more than six decades. Not only was he one of the greatest Jazz greats, he also composed sacred music and music for stage and screen.
Folks often share their love of Jazz with me, many times these passions are about Big Band Swing and Duke was the originator of Big Band swing/Jazz. Innovative arrangements built around his piano playing. Famous in America then later in Britain and Europe. His career embraced the best in the business in radio and live venues.
Open the bar...pop on some night club glam and enjoy that glittering era of Big Band.
Many of you know, I am the founder of Inverkeithing Community Big Band and was their musical director or 7 years. Here, I was able to indulge my passion for a number of 'Duke's" great tunes:
"Take the A Train"
"Satin Doll,"
..and a particular favourite "It Don't Mean a Thing.. If it ain't got that Swing"
Here is our recording of "It Don't Mean a Thing" with me conducting. Check out that great swing drumming - The brilliant Sean Hughes. Enjoy x
Click on bottom left arrow head
Comments