Customer Reviews

A Night of Ukulele Jazz Live at McCabe's

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This CD is two very good musicians playing swinging relaxed jazz. The fact that both use the ukelele as their main instrument has nothing to do with anything. Great musicians can use any instrument, and both of these fellows are great musicians. There is love and laughter here, too. Beautiful melodies, nice chord substitutions and just a happy, swinging set. Well worth the money if you like good music. This CD also has Ohta-San's wonderful song "Song for Anna" which he plays solo. I don't think there has ever been a more beautiful song, no matter what instrument is used.

Not sure if the CD packaging is defective but the inside of the CD I have a picture of trees at the bottom with no type what so ever. So the only thing I have is the song list, no indication of who is playing on what.

This album features two ukulele heroes doing what they do best in front of an appreciative live audience. Lyle Ritz is of course one of the originators of Ukulele Jazz. In this environment, Ritz is joined by another innovator. Having released an album of ukulele interpretations of Bach, Herb Ohta is a like mind when it comes to pushing the uke envelope. The first five songs feature Ritz. As would be expected, he plays 'Lulu's Back in Town,' one of the quintessential Jazz Ukulele tunes. He also does a rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim's 'Triste.' The next four songs comprise the Ohta set. The last three pieces document the collaboration. Together, Ritz and Ohta play 'Stompin' at the Savoy' and 'Fly me to the Moon.' The third musician is Richard Simon, who plays the acoustic bass. Not playing luau music for tourists, it is Simon's contribution that puts the exclamation point on this as a Jazz endeavor. As far as the venue goes, there could not be a more appropriate mainland location for this group. The liner notes are illuminating with respects to biographical information and a song by song analysis of this particular show. Sonically, all three line-ups are intelligent yet relaxing. Indeed, "Live at McCabe's" works well for active listening or as mellow background music. The only potential drawback may be the volume of the audience's between song clapping. The Ukulele Jazz experience has been well documented in the studio. Thanks to this performance, it is also a joy to hear it on stage.