(Fretted). This collection includes 15 magnificent chord solos arranged by the ukulele jazz master, Lyle Ritz. A chord solo is an arrangement where both the melody and harmony of a song are ingeniously captured in the many chord changes. These are some of the most challenging arrangements ever published for the ukulele, and unquestionably, some of the most beautiful. Also features info on creating your own ukulele chord solos, and recordings of all 15 tunes performed by Ritz himself. Songs are arranged for both GCEA- and DGBE-tuned ukes and include: Bluesette * Dream * Honeysuckle Rose * How High the Moon * Lover * Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars * Satin Doll * Where or When * and more. Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.
Recently, a good friend from Hawaii reminded me that he was the one who had told me about Lyle Ritz. After hearing that Lyle had recorded two jazz ukulele LP’s for Verve in the late ‘50’s, I became obsessed with finding both recordings. I’ll never forget hearing How About Uke for the first time and feeling that suddenly anything was possible on this instrument. The sophistication of Lyle’s chord voicings, his solos and the choice of the material completely erased for me any notion that the ukulele was one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated musical instruments of all time. It also gave me the desire to try to change that perception.
This songbook is certainly a step in that direction. As more and more people are getting acquainted or reacquainted with the ukulele these days, there is a growing demand for more sophisticated arrangements. I can think of no better response than this extraordinary collection.