Customer Reviews

Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Country

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

 

 

This is a great collection of songs you don't normally think of when you think ukulele: old country tunes you will imediately recognize, cowboy songs, even some Elvis.
All the chord progressions are easy, and all written in easily accesible keys like C, G and D.
More advanced players would probably find these arangements a little simplistic, but these are perfect for quick learning when you've got a campfire to sit around later tonight.
I have other Jim Beloff books (and one of his Flukes) and he really knows how to arrange a song for the uke.
I highly recomend this book!

The selection is limited to "classic country" which is one of my favorite genres of music, so I'm biased. But, you wouldn't be buying this if you weren't biased, I suppose. I guess my point is that you won't find any Reba McEntire or Shania Twain in this book. It's Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline territory, so be expecting that if you buy it.
Some of the chords are a little boring, but country music is often three chords, so what can you do? The chords are always appropriate, though and sound great. "Crying" is especially good, as well as "Tennessee Waltz" and "Crazy."
Also, this is certainly a valuable book for ukulele beginners. Because the chords are often repetitive, they become familiar quickly and ingrain themselves in the mind, thus familiarizing the player with common song structures and basic music theory. Without even knowing it! Ta da!
I've had a lot of fun with this book, and I highly recommend it.

All jumpin' jim's books are great I own three of them. They are instructive, full of songs and very easy to follow. I suggest you jump immediately on Jumpin' Jims books. Lots of fun between the covers.

Jumpin' Joe

This book is an absolutely terrific collection of songs. Even if you don't play the Yuke, the melody, chords and words are there for piano, guitar or whatever. Highly recommended.