Did you know that the West Coast ‘Ukulele Retreat offers the only opportunity in North America to meet and work with Phil Doleman, one of Europe’s leading ukulele stars and its top ‘ukulele “tutor?”
In case you are unfamiliar with Phil, here’s a little preview:
But that’s not the only reason we keep bringing him back. In addition to the musical talent and generosity Phil has brought to West Coast the past two years, he continues to deliver brand new workshops and instructional opportunities thoughtfully tailored specifically for the West Coast ‘Ukulele Retreat, giving us something to offer our attendees that they won’t find anywhere else.
Here’s a little note he attached to the descriptions for this year’s workshops:
“I’ve been knocking around some workshop ideas for Asilomar. . . . .I think I’ve come up with some corkers.”
Corkers, indeed!
Here they are:
Old-timey Songs for the Ukulele
It’s easy to think that old time songs are simple three chord affairs (in fact many only have 2!). But the real secret to bringing them to life is howyou play those chords, add the melody, and turn them into songs that people can’t help but sing along and dance to. During the course of this 3-part class, there’ll be a little claw hammer instruction, of course, but for those who haven’t quite got the hang of that yet there’ll be a wide variety of other ways of playing songs like “Old Joe Clarke,” “Cluck Old Hen,” “Greasy Coat,” “Wildwood Flower,” “Cindy, Cindy,” and lots more. We’ll even try a few more ‘modern’ songs in the old-time style. Whilst there will of course be charts to look at, the focus in these sessions will be in learning old-time music the old-time way, by listening and doing! This is a great opportunity for those just starting out or even more advanced players who may have gotten started on the wrong…..foot. (Level 1-2)
The Novelty Swing of Slim Gaillard
Slim Gaillard was not only a great swing guitar and piano player and writer of some of the funnest songs around, he invented his own cool jazz language! After a long and very successful career in the US, in the early 80’s he moved to the UK where “His tall, loping figure, invariably topped by a big grin and a rakish white beret, became a familiar sight in London’s jazz-land. In 1989 he starred in a four-part UK BBC television series, The World Of Slim Gaillard.” In addition to his singing and guitar playing, Gaillard also played piano, vibraphone and tenor saxophone. No ukuleles in that mix, but Phil won’t let that stop from teaching you a classic Slim intro and then swinging hard on “Potato Chips,” “Dunkin’ Bagels,” and “Flat Foot Floogie,” Bring your beret, it’ll be vout o’reenee! (Level 3)
Getting the Most from your Banjo Uke
And of course, the man from the land of George Formby will want to be showing us how to make banjo uke more rhythmically interesting when creating accompaniments and solo breaks. (Hint: take advantage of its loud attack and short sustain.) In this workshop you’ll cover the triple stroke and split stroke, see how to fit them into songs, and learn how to get the most from your banjo uke. If you don’t have one, don’t worry. Wooden ukes will also be allowed! (Level 2-3)
Building a Repertoire
In this class you will learn how to take songs you already know and find the patterns in them to help you learn new songs quickly and
expand your repertoire dramatically. Imagine being able to turn 10 songs into 50! A perfect class for beginning level students wanting to master a few more tunes quickly and efficiently. (Level 1-2)
That’s it for Phil, right now. But remember, he joins ahighly qualified staff that includes some of the most experienced and versatile ‘ukulele instructor/performers from coast to coast. . . . .and from over “the pond.”
