HMMMMM. A full album of songs where the lead instrument is the ukulele.

Most people would need convincing that it would work, but when the person who has tackled this is known as ‘the king of the ukulele’, then you know it stands a chance.

When Joe Brown (for it is he) performed I’ll See You in my Dreams on a uke at the George Harrison Tribute Concert, sales of the instrument increased tenfold and he was asked to design and endorse his own Signature Series of ukuleles (or is that ukuleleii?).

Amazingly, the unique sound of the little instrument holds it’s own against it’s bigger cousins – electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins, steel guitars and banjos.

There are also a couple of ukulele orchestras, made up of pupils of Joe’s daughter Sam, who now teaches the instrument.

I’ll See You in my Dreams features on the album and of course they had to include a George Formby classic- When I’m Cleaning Windows.

But it’s the familiar hits being given a new twist that makes this album special.

ELO’s Mr Blue Sky, 10CC’s I’m Not in Love and The Who’s Pinball Wizard are brilliant interpretations.

And the first single from the album is Ace of Spades which, for the first time ever, makes a Motorhead track sound palatable.

Every one of these 15 songs has a distinct new sound, and with any luck this will only ne Volume One of many.

Joe Brown Records. UGCD 008.


Martin Hutchinson.