Jumpin Jim's Ukulele Masters : Lyle Ritz (Paperback)

by Ritz (Author), Lyle (Author), Jim Beloff (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
25 hand-picked standards lushly arranged by jazz ukulele great Lyle Ritz. Each song is arranged for both GCEA (standard tuning) and DGBE (tenor/baritone) tuned ukuleles. Also includes a CD of 12 of the songs performed by Ritz himself. While this songbook is ideal for the experienced player, with practice, these magnificent arrangements can be enjoyed and appreciated by all ukulele enthusiasts. Includes: All the Things You Are * As Time Goes By * Autumn Leaves * Body and Soul * Laura * My Funny Valentine * Spring Is Here * and more, plus a chord solo of "Fly Me to the Moon," and an introduction by and biography of Ritz.

About the Author
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 LP’s for Verve in the late ‘50’s, I became obsessed with finding both recordings. I’ll never forget hearing How About Uke for the first time and feeling that suddenly anything was possible on this instrument. The sophistication of Lyle’s 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 56 pages
• Publisher: Flea Market Music (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0634027646
• ISBN-13: 978-0634027642
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #600,958 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jazz Uke'n, August 11, 2005

By	Arjuna Duryea (Santa Cruz, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Great book. This collection of jazz songs arranged by Ukulele Jazz Master Lyle Ritz contains the music for twenty five beautiful jazz songs as well as a cd. The disc features a bass line and both ukulele parts: tenor and standard tunings. With finger charts that are very user friendly, this collection adds a refined quality to any player's quiver of songs. As with Lyle Ritz's Solo collection in Jumpin' Jim's "Ukulele Masters" series this disc also provides wonderful pleasure listening to those not learning to play. A classy book with beautiful, elegant music, a fabulous glimpse of what the Ukulele is capable of. Mahalo.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The path to sweet sounds!, August 15, 2006

By	Swing Crazy "swingcrazy" (Sandpoint, ID USA) - See all my reviews

Lyle Ritz is a national treasure. In this book, he guides your fingers to the lush jazz chords that make the unassuming little ukulele show just what a musical powerhouse it really can be. Although not for the very beginner, the chord voicings are definitely approachable for the intermediate player and will rocket your knowledge of the fingerboard forward in a big way. The CD is the perfect complement to the excellent tunes in this book. Highly recommended, especially for those who adore the great jazz standards.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for intermediate or above skill level, February 6, 2009

By	C. Mason "basecase" (Fullerton, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this book about a month ago and have been enjoying it just about every day since. The arrangements & many complex chords are definitely not for beginners. I consider myself an intermediate player and the songs are very challenging but within reach with consistent practice. With this book I have started to learn how to approach chords in a number of ways. I'm glad I made the purchased, especially at Amazon's price.

A few things worth noting:
-These are all "standard romantic ballads". I kind of wish it included a few upbeat songs.
-25 songs in the book, but only 12 are on the CD. It would have been nice to include all of them on the CD.
-Chords are included for both standard GCEA and tenor/baritone DGBE tuning. However, I think the melodies are for DGBE tuning. I've only tried the melody for one song, "All The Things You Are" and there is one note too low for standard tuning.
-A chord solo arrangement for "Fly Me to the Moon" is included. It's a great arrangement and probably my favorite in the book.