Customer Reviews

The Beatles Uke

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having only heard the uke being played by my father when I was a kid ("my dog has fleas"), the LAST thing I thought I'd ever hear is a complete album of Beatles songs played on one.

WOW - there are times when I'm listening to the new interpretations of these classic Lennon-McCartney songs and I literally cannot "place my ear" (and I forget!) which instrument is playing such magical chords.

Who knew that the ukulele was such a versatile little instrument and so enjoyable to hear playing songs other than "Little Grass Shack" and "Minnie the Mermaid?"

My favorites on "Beatles UKe"are "Penny Lane," "Eleanor Rigby" and "Yellow Submarine"....and this album has helped me appreciate some of the songs from The White Album that I never really got into....but with this whole new "take" on these tunes, they've been fun to hear with a whole new vibe.

This is a "must-buy" for any Beatles fan....great job Greg Hawkes....we loved you in The Cars and your newest project rocks!

I have to admit that I love the Beatles but hearing about a multi track ukelele approach...well it seemed like a Banjo Symphony or something annoying ...was I ever wrong! I heard a track on the "My Favorite Martin" CD ...Eleanor Rigby and was sold. Mr Hawkes uses different Ukes to play all the different parts of the arrangements and they are just the freshest take on the Fab Four I've ever heard! I love that he chose some of my favorite tunes like Penny Lane but also some of my favorite obscure songs like Honey Pie from The White Album. This will be an item I give as gifts this Holiday season and will enjoy playing forever!

By the way...Greg Hawkes was the Keyboard player on The Cars...my goodness is he multi talented!

What a pleasant suprise this is. I never knew that ukes could sound so good. Greg Hawkws really nailed it with this one. The detail of sound on each song pays proper reverence to the music. If you are a Beatle fan this is a must have. [...]

Stop! I know what you are thinking. You want to know why you would want a cd of Beatles song played on the ukulele. Get it and learn why. This truly is a wonderful cd and it puts these songs in a fantastic new light. And 'light' is what this album is full of. The songs sound wonderful and if you have an image in your head of some guy in a Hawaiian shirt with a lei around his neck playing the uke, FORGET IT!!! Greg Hawkes has successfully put that image to rest and given the uke a new breath of life and it is wonderful!!

The same talented hands that gave life to songs like 'Drive' and 'Just What I Needed' now give life to the uke and a FANTASTIC album of Beatle instrumentals. I encourage you to listen to the sound samples and buy this album!! You won't be sorry.

I heard this music in a gift store during a snow storm, and it was the most warming, calming music, I lingered in the store way after I was done. This is so lovely.

I had a bride that wanted uke music played at her wedding, even more specific...Beatles uke music. What I assumed was an impossible endeavor led me to this album by Greg Hawkes. My client was more than pleased and I am now a uke fan. This album is not full of Hawaiian style riffs and does not transport the listener to sand and surf, rather, the listener is challenged by the rich blend of England's most hummable anthems laid down (or resurrected) by Hawaii's most beloved instrument. My only regret is that the album was not available for download. I had to go "old school" on this deal.

These songs are amazing! Love it. Great versions of the songs plus the Ukes he uses are some of the finest sounding instruments I've ever heard. Great recording quality.

Oh Mr. Hawkes what a gift you have given me on this wintry afternoon. I have been rhapsodizing about the Beatles and John Lennon in particular the last few days. Just got your cd and it warms my soul. Aren't we lucky to have grown up when the Beatles were beginning? I am a student of Hawaiiana and so the marriage of the uke and the Beatles is the best for me....Just wish Bruddah Iz could hear this...oh he probably can....Mahalo nui loa and all you need is love....Vivian

This is actually a tour de force of Ukulele playing. Hawkes uses all different kinds of Ukuleles including a plastic one he sloshed water in to give an amazing effect to the sound. Genius.
My favorite tracks are She's Leaving Home and Blue Jay Way but the whole album is fun and beautiful Ukulele playing.

Greg Hawkes was one of my favorite Keyboard players back in the 70's/80's.... and now... he's picked up one of my other favorite instruments... the Ukulele!
Greg uses a variety of Ukes... and techniques to reproduce Beatles Classics on his Ukes!

Give this album a listen and you'll fall in love with the Uke and really appreciate the amazing musicianship of Greg Hawkes!