The Ukulele Entertainer - Powerful Pointers for Players and Performers
Ralph, like many of my favourite performers, is an unlikely character. I'll never quite understand how such a man came to be: a physicist-turned-clown-turned-ukulele-ambassador-and-teacher. Ralph is a genuine mystery. He's a man with a knack for engaging an audience and keeping them right in the palm of his hand. He's also a man who's able and willing to help others understand the art of performance. He's a rare mix, our Ralph: an uber-talented performer with the soul of a teacher.I've known Ralph for years now; I've seen him grow and change as a performer and come into his own as a teacher. It's interesting: I'm not sure if Ralph even makes a clear-cut distinction between performing, teaching and facilitating. He's an entertaining teacher/facilitator and an enlightening performer; the best of both worlds. So, when I heard that he'd started writing a newsletter I signed up immediately. I was only a little bit skeptical. After all, I thought, does the world really need another ukulele blog and/or newsletter, even if it is from Ralph?I should have known better; Ralph's newsletters were (and still are) a breath of fresh air. His insights go far beyond strum patterns and chord progressions. Contrary to what his often-maniacal stage presence suggests, Ralph is a quite a philosophical guy. Pearls of wisdom abound in his well-crafted writings; often hilarious, occasionally cryptic, sometimes sarcastic, they're all quintessentially Ralph. I mean, where else can you learn to play the wimpy-strong strum from a man who actually touched Liam Neeson's wig?I'm thrilled to see this book in print; it's the collection of Ralph Shaw wisdom we've been waiting for. Keep it in your ukulele case, under your pillow, in your car... anywhere you might need a little inspiration from a true entertainer and a gifted teacher.Are we with you? Yes, Ralph! --From the foreword by ukulele master James HillRalph Shaw's Book The Ukulele Entertainer is THE Ukulele book to read! It is filled with great morsels of Uke and life wisdom, with laugh out loud humour - the perfect combination of education and entertainment. --Daphne Roubini ~ Founder of Ruby's Ukes Ukulele SchoolThis is a must read for anyone who loves the ukulele, hates the ukulele, is ambivalent about the ukulele, or has never heard of the instrument. All others should opt for War & Peace. --Douglas Reynolds, Director - Reno Ukulele Festival--Douglas Reynolds, Director - Reno Ukulele FestivalRalph Shaw's Book The Ukulele Entertainer is THE Ukulele book to read! It is filled with great morsels of Uke and life wisdom, with laugh out loud humour - the perfect combination of education and entertainment. --Daphne Roubini ~ Founder of Ruby's Ukes Ukulele SchoolThis is a must read for anyone who loves the ukulele, hates the ukulele, is ambivalent about the ukulele, or has never heard of the instrument. All others should opt for War & Peace. --Douglas Reynolds, Director - Reno Ukulele Festival