Ukulele Is The New Black

Ukulele Is The New Black

Meredith Harper

conversations with ukulele players

46 minutes 54 seconds

S4E14 - Meredith Harper
I promised you a special guest for the last episode – surprise, it’s me!! I figured my story was long overdue so I asked my friend and fellow ukulele podcaster Cameron Murray to interview me. It was a bit weird to be on the other side of the microphone but I really enjoyed it. I play a couple of songs, including a new original. I wasn’t entirely happy with either performance and I could have re-recorded them, but that felt like cheating so you’re stuck with what I played on the day, warts and all!

Some show-related links below:
Podcasts I mentioned:
Episodes I mentioned:
Songs played on the show:
- If You Could Read My Mind (Gordon Lightfoot, 1970)
- One Heart is Enough (Meredith Harper)
Go to the Ukulele is the New Black YouTube channel for a playlist of songs relating to today’s episode.

Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thank you so much to Cameron Murray for being part of this final episode. If you haven’t heard Cameron’s podcast Ukulele Stories, now is the perfect time to subscribe so that you keep on getting your ukulele podcast fix!

Well listeners, this is the last interview I will be posting on this feed for now, but please stay subscribed as I will be releasing a 2021 compilation episode in early 2022. And who knows, I might get inspired and make the occasional new episode. Thank you so much for listening and supporting the podcast, with special thanks to my wonderful patrons. Stay safe and keep strumming!

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
31 October 2021, 9:00 pm
37 minutes 47 seconds

S4E13 - Jasmine Fellows
It’s taken me four years to get her on the show but I finally did it! Today I chat to my great friend and musical collaborator Jasmine Fellows. Jas is a multi-instrumentalist who I originally met through Canberra ukulele groups, but who has now become an irreplaceable member of house band The New Black, and our ukulele and cello duo Four Strings Two. We had a great time recording this - I think I cut out at least ten minutes of giggling in the edit! Please enjoy.

Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
- The Llama Song (Jasmine Fellows)
- Out in the Late (Jasmine Fellows)
- Ventura Highway (Dewey Bunnell, 1972)
- Mad World (Roland Orzabal, 1982)
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode.

Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
17 October 2021, 9:00 pm
39 minutes 52 seconds

S4E12 - Jim Croft
Today’s guest is one of the members of the Ukulele is the New Black house band – Jim Croft. I’ve been wanting to get him on the show for some time, but because I know he’s not really a fan of the limelight I didn’t approach him – until now! Fortunately he said yes, and we had a great chat about experimenting with different tunings, the importance of music theory, and his extensive ukulele collection. Please enjoy!

Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
- Sister Golden Hair (Gerry Beckley, 1975)
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode

Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
3 October 2021, 9:00 pm
42 minutes 47 seconds

S4E11 - Nicole and Aaron Keim
Today’s guests were suggested by one of my patrons, Maja Zweck. Nicole and Aaron Keim are trained musicians who play ukulele as the duo “The Quiet American”, and luthier Aaron also makes beautiful handcrafted ukuleles at Beansprout Musical Instruments, at their home in Hood River, Oregon. After I recorded this interview another listener, Paul Gissing, also suggested I talk to Aaron – so chances are you should all enjoy it!

Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
- Greasy Coat (Traditional)
- Cold Frosty Morn (Traditional)
- Carved into my Heart (Nicole and Aaron Keim)
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode

For more information about Aaron and Nicole, and to buy their books and CDs, go to QuietAmericanMusic.com, and check out Aaron’s ukuleles at thebeansprout.com. And of course there’s also a whole lot of content on Aaron’s YouTube channel.

Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
19 September 2021, 10:00 pm
34 minutes 40 seconds

S4E10 - Kim Yang
I’ve talked to ukulele players all over the world but it’s nice to talk to someone local again from Canberra where I live. Originally from Taiwan, Kim Yang moved here around 10 years ago where she discovered the joy of music and, of course, ukulele. Kim is now a full-time musician and songwriter who is about to release her new EP, Brave. We had a chat a few weeks ago about her musical journey.

Some show-related links below:
- artsACT
- Eden bushfires 2019
Songs played on the show:
- Wake me Up (Kim Yang)
- The Bath Song (Kim Yang)
Go to the Ukulele Is the New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode

For more information about Kim, go to kimyangmusic.com where you will also be able to buy her new EP on 10th September.

Also don’t forget to send me suggestions for people you would like me to interview on the show, before it’s too late!

Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS
5 September 2021, 10:00 pm
47 minutes 14 seconds

S4E09 - Dani Joy and Perry Stauffer
In today’s episode I talk to Dani Joy and her partner in life and music, Perry Stauffer. Dani and Perry live in Portland, Oregon where they run an online music academy, create wonderful music as a duo and with others, and have a wall full of ukuleles which they sell from their living room. They are a wonderfully warm and energetic couple and I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with them. I think you will too!

Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
- Rhino Clouds (Dani Joy)
- My Baby Just Cares for Me (Gus Kahn & Walter Donaldson, 1930)
- Happy Birthday (Patty Hill, Mildred J Hill – 1893)
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode

Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
22 August 2021, 10:00 pm
38 minutes 11 seconds

S4E08 - Aldrine Guerrero
Today I talk to Aldrine Guerrero of Ukulele Underground, a passionate ukulele player and teacher based in Kaua’i in Hawai’i. We chat about the creation of the Ukulele Underground forums, his love of teaching and performing, and he plays a couple of incredible songs. Towards the end you may hear some roosters in the background – for me that is the sound of Kau’ai, a place I really hope I can visit again some day. Please enjoy!

Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
- Dance with a Bandit (Aldrine Guerrero)
- Senor Viktor (Aldrine Guerrero)
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode

Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
8 August 2021, 10:00 pm
33 minutes 20 seconds

S4E07 - Barbara Taylor
In this episode I talk to Barbara Taylor, a dynamic ukulele player and organiser from Busselton in Western Australia. Barbara has been on my list since previous guest Kevin Chennell mentioned her, and I’m so glad I finally caught up with her, because she is a delight.

Oh and Barbara mentions my cat curtains, which were pretty hard to miss when I talked to her over Zoom. If you want to see them, here’s a picture. They are wonderfully tacky and you won’t be disappointed!

Some show-related links below:
Songs played on the show:
- My Own Kind of Hat (Merle Haggard, Red Lane – 1979)
- Waterloo Road (Michael Anthony Deighan, Michael Wilshaw – 1968)
Go to the Ukulele Is The New Black YouTube channel for a playlist to hear these songs as well as other content relating to the episode

Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
25 July 2021, 10:00 pm
7 minutes 2 seconds

BONUS - Life is a Musical
Today I have a bonus episode for you. If you’ve been listening to my recent episodes you will know that I have been going through a long and painful process of moving house, and as a result I haven’t been able to find the time to make new episodes. Today I bring you something which is new, but a little different. I’m going to tell you about some of the challenges I’ve been facing, and how music – or specifically, musicians – brought me an incredible moment of light and joy.

Songs played in this episode:
- The Chain (Lindsay Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Steve Nicks - 1977)
Ukulele is the New Black is produced by me, Meredith Harper. I wrote the theme tune and I performed it with Janine Chandler, Jim Croft, Jasmine Fellows, Paul Marsh, Sandra Shaw and Chris Williams. Seb Carraro does the graphic design.

Thanks to my $10 and over Patreon supporters for helping me to make this podcast:
- Ukulele Legend: Linda Dodwell
- Ukulele Champions: Debbie Hoad, Maja Zweck & Christopher Boatwright
The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.
11 July 2021, 10:00 pm
39 minutes 45 seconds

CLASSIC EPISODE - Mal Webb

Sorry listeners - I am still in the fun process of moving house, and when this comes out the removalist will be arriving to take all my possessions from my current home. I will be spending a couple of weeks in an Airbnb before I can move into the new place, so hopefully I will have the time to make an original episode for next time.

This is another of my favourites from season 1, with Mal Webb - a ukulele player and multi-instrumentalist who was a source of both fun and inspiration for me. I hope you enjoy it!

ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES:

Mal Webb describes himself as a “vocal adventurer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist”, and I can’t think of a better description. I hope you enjoy his vocal adventures as much as I did!

Mal plays one of his songs, “TLA”.

This episode was recorded at the Newkulele Festival, including a small excerpt from Mal’s ukulooping workshop. More information about Mal and his workshops can be found on his website.

Mal mentions a few interesting instruments: the Zimbabwean thumb piano and African udu drums. And despite being from Melbourne, he refers to some Canberra things: TUGS ukulele group and Questacon.

He also mentions a band he and his partner Kylie play in, which has the BEST BAND NAME EVER: Formidable Vegetable Sound System.

The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

27 June 2021, 10:00 pm
29 minutes 57 seconds

CLASSIC EPISODE: Jane Jelbart and Mark Jackson

Hi listeners! Life is a bit frantic for me at the moment – I’ve sold my house and I’m desperately trying to buy a new one before I have to move out – a task which has proved more difficult and stressful than I’d anticipated. As a result I’ve struggled to find the time and headspace to record a new interview for you, so instead I’m bringing one back from the vault!

This episode is from my first season back in 2018 – a time when ukulele players could safely go to crowded festivals and hang out together. When I arranged this interview at the Central Coast Ukulele Festival I had no idea how influential my guests were. In the three years since, I have lost count of the number of times people I’ve interviewed have said how these two ukulele players had inspired and helped them – not just Australian players, but people from across the world.

Please enjoy this classic episode with Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart.

ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES:

In today’s episode I chat to Jane Jelbart and Mark Jackson, who performed with the Ukastle Ukestra at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival in August this year.

Mark and Jane play their rendition of “I’ll be Your San Antone Rose” by Susanna Clark.

More about Mark and Jane, including their Ukestration manual, can be found at The Sum of the Parts.

This episode was recorded at the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival.

The music played in this episode is licenced under a Podcasts (Featured Music) agreement with APRA AMCOS.

13 June 2021, 10:00 pm
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