Ukulele Hope 2
Ukulele Hope 2

The amazing Crispy Jones whose music I have reviewed here before contacted me the other day with respect to a new charity album he is putting together. Raising funds for Medicins Sans Frontieres, it features music from many artists around the world. These artists have contributed a track each, free of charge, to raise money for the charity.

The album features well known artists such as Plastic Jeezus, The League Of Ukulele Gentlemen, Marc Gallagher, Percy Copley - all from the UK.

Also, others from around the world, Elisabeth Pfeiffer, We Tigers and Grace Kendall.

But, here's the bit that surprised me - I was asked to contribute a track!

I've been working on an EP (although it's now more like a CD, it's taken me so long and I've been writing more stuff), but as I learn more, add bass, learn some subtelty and how to put music together, recordings that I made a while ago are superseded by new recordings that I feel are better. Liam Capper Starr's advice was "keep doing it until it's right". Hmmm. That's going to be a while for me!

Ukulele Hope 2

So, I set to, and recorded a new version of one of my songs - "Parallel Lives", which was a most cathartic song writing experience, telling the story of my angst that I have in finding it really difficult to explain to people what I do for a living, about pressures I experienced, and a near nervous breakdown.

This was the first time I ever managed to explain to others about it, and it took a song to do it. Anyhow, I think I have done it justice and hopefully the song stands up in such esteemed company on the album. I'm still pinching myself that my name is on the list with these others!

Every time you record, you learn something else. I've managed to record against metronomes now, so I don't get faster through the track. Record a first track, then overlay with other instruments, vocals, bass lines. Panning tracks for a wider stereo effect. I even used an iUke - although it's given a major distortion effect as an accent. Harmonised vocals.

I think it all goes together OK.

In any case, there are seventeen other tracks on there, at least! So, if mine's not to your taste, there's others to listen to.

Ukulele Hope 2

The album will be released on the 27th of April 2018 at Crispy Jones' Bandcamp page. Please consider downloading it to support this worthwhile charity. If nothing else, it's a way of making a donation!

Thank you.

Article - Simon Taylor, 2nd April 2018


Simon! - This is your first 'proper' recording. On an album! Maybe you'll actually get your own album done at some point?