On Ukeleles
When Steve tore his Achilles heel tendon two years ago, he decided to take up the ukelele to keep himself occupied. I was treated to endless voicemails of something that twanged along to “Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer true …” if you concentrated hard enough. It’s hard to squelch the initiave to learn a new instrument. And, alas, one certainly can’t complain about being serenaded either.
What I can say is this: There’s a reason the ukelele isn’t more popular. There’s a reason you never hear about ukelele solos, or the electric ukelele.
Simply put, the ukelele sounds like a cross between a cat in heat and the incessant, booming bass of recently-vehicled teenagers. Furthermore, it is very difficult to look hip and cool cradling the tiny instrument.
Not that this deters my Steve. I got the following Friday night, when I was out for Elizabeth’s farewell party.
From: S. Smith
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 7:40 PM
To: Zia Munshi
Subject: Just too good to be true….
While you were out caoursing (spelled for your benefit) I was home,busy, practicing my ukelele. I decided to look into lessons again, and found this gem……….
http://www.seattleukulele.org/pictures/20040801-sc/pages/DSCN0104.html