Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Masters: Lyle Ritz is a jazz ukulele songbook featuring 25 hand-picked standards lushly arranged by jazz great Lyle Ritz and prepared for publication by Jim Beloff. Designed for experienced players, this collection presents expressive solo arrangements that highlight melody and rich harmonic movement while remaining deeply musical and rewarding to perform.
Each standard is arranged for both GCEA standard tuning and DGBE tenor or baritone tuning, making the repertoire adaptable across common ukulele setups. The included CD features 12 selections performed by Ritz himself, allowing players to hear authentic phrasing, tone, and interpretation directly from one of jazz ukulele’s most respected voices.
The arrangements balance lyrical lines with sophisticated harmony, supporting focused practice and confident solo performance beyond basic strumming. These timeless standards provide depth, nuance, and expressive possibilities that encourage mature musical interpretation and stylistic refinement.
Song list: All The Things You Are * All The Way * As Time Goes By * Autumn Leaves * Body And Soul * But Beautiful * Embraceable You * For All We Know * (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons * Here's That Rainy Day * I Only Have Eyes For You * I'll Never Smile Again * Imagination * In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning * Laura * Like Someone In Love * Make Someone Happy * My Funny Valentine * My Romance * Someone To Watch Over Me * Spring Is Here * Time After Time * Tonight You Belong To Me * Unforgettable
Also includes a chord solo of “Fly Me to the Moon,” along with an introduction and brief biography of Lyle Ritz, offering additional insight into his musical legacy and distinctive jazz style for dedicated ukulele performers.
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 LPs for Verve in the late 50s, I became obsessed with finding both recordings. Ill never forget hearing How About Uke for the first time and feeling that suddenly anything was possible on this instrument. The sophistication of Lyles 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.
