Ukulele cover versions are fine, BUT how about some original music?

Three weeks ago I set up a FB group specifically to showcase original ukulele based songs at

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/Originalukulelesongs/ I have no problem with good cover versions, but in my view writing and performing original material requires a particular set of skills. I amazed at how such a simple instrument can produce such an amazing array of sounds and the FB ground has reinforced this view. In just three weeks we have over 300 members and the quality of a lot of the material has been really excellent. My aim is to expand this FB group and then if there is enough enthusiasm further develop this initiative.

When I seek out live performers I am mostly interested in new expression and musical construction.

Yes there is a place for cover versions and especially those that present a song in a new way, but its IMO never as inspiring as someone who has produced original music.  I have heard endless ukulele versions of “My Girl” “You are my sunshine” and other old classics”  Of course The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain have an entire show covering other’s tunes. What however in my opinion makes them so entertaining are the arrangements and the very high standard of playing. They are also constantly developing and generating new live sets and clearly love what they do! I admit to totally loving the tradition of singer songwriters and really well considered music. Similarly I love great tribute bands, but without original artists, there would be no such emulations… In the video below I talk about some of The Small Change Diaries original tracks and how different ukuleles inspire different musical ideas

Personal influences include Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Frank Tedesso, Steve Earle and Steely Dan. All these musicians and writers created something original and inspiring. Yes not all the work is consistently great (I’ll never listen to Dylan’s X Mas album) but they have an orientation to create and inspire, rather than repeat what already exists. The Original Ukulele Songs initiative is in its first stage, I have a much bigger vision for this, depending on how things develop online…