Tuney Tuesday: Kevin Presbrey

If you own a ukulele, you might have come across some of Kevin Presbrey’s tutorials (under his UkeKillerHotel title on YouTube). He dazzled me with his strumming 101 tricks, taught me the proper technique for hammering on and hand muting,and he tuned me in with his ‘Happiest Ukulele Song’ in the world tutorials (1, 2, and 3). Suddenly, I felt like I had talent just by watching some guy with fabulous blue eyes on the other end of a screen.

Then, I saw him perform “Ms. Sunny Day.” Now, I am secretly crushing on him like a love struck teenager. *Sigh* This is a really upbeat song. Just a guy singing with his ukulele, but, sometimes, that is all you need. Hope you enjoy it ☺ (Don’t be lazy, the song is only two minutes long so click that button☺).

If you would like to learn more about Kevin or listen to more of his songs, you can check out his website kevinpresbrey.com.

Tuney Tuesday: Dedication to the Family Visit

To my Fabulous Family,

I could have went with something like ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ for this one but somehow the words weren’t in the right context. Did you know that Devo actually sang this to me once? He doesn’t remember this, him and that photogenic memory of his, but I do. We were snuggled up on the couch, arms wrapped around each other. It was sweet, romantic, and the only time in my life that a man serenaded me. ☺

Now I know our recent visit wasn’t filled with thrill seeking adventures or very much excitement. It seemed to be more about checking off boxes and we so appreciated your help. But it was filled with quiet moments in close proximity. Moments where we were able to share our thoughts, passions and ideas. Moments where we bonded over music and gemstones. Moments filled with laughter and smiles as we marveled at how well the kids got along. It was ‘something unpredictable and in the end it’s right.’ So please ‘take the photographs and still frames in your mind, hang them on a shelf in good health and good time.’ For ‘what it’s worth, it was worth all the while.’ ☺

So I am dubbing this our family song. Maybe if we ever take the leap down the aisle, you guys can a perform a duet!? I printed off the uke cords last night (hint hint). At least the next time we see each other we might be able to jam to it? I love the violins in the solo… (also a hint hint).

So do me a favor dear S.I.L., gather the family around when you hit play and have a listen. Please know that we love you all very much and your visit has left us wanting more, more time with all of you. You may look back upon your visit and wish we could have done more, but don’t. I just hope you all had the ‘Time of Your Life’ (Greenday, Nimrod album, 1997). Until next time…

Tuney Tuesday

If you do not have any knowledge of Canadian currency, this title may be lost on you.

Yesterday morning, I had the privilege of being able to crank up the tunes and groove out to one of my favorite songs. As I raised my arms in the air and swayed my head with the music, I thought “Man, what a beautiful song.”  And, like all things that are beautiful, I felt it should be shared with you.

So this is my initiation of a new installment here in my blog. Every Tuesday, I will share one of my favorite tunes and I will ask you to join me by sharing yours.(I am not sure how this will work – pingback to the post? Reblog? Suggestions? ) What I am after here is a way to expand my musical horizons. I want to know what moves you. What makes you shake your booty, drive faster, or what helps you to cry? Our musical tastes are heavily influenced by the things that surround us – our social class, our culture, and our mood. We can’t be listening to the same thing?? Please enlighten me!

I realize that this is the internet and that there is probably someone doing this here already. I am too lazy to look for them. If you feel like I am hijacking someone’s idea, let me know. I also realize that music is an individual thing and you may not like what I post here. That’s okay. I might hurt your ears, you might reconstruct mine. Let’s get started…

This first piece comes straight from the lips of Canadian hip hop, musician Kyprios. He hails from the west coast of Canada, from the lovely shorelines of beautiful British Columbia. What I really love about him is the fact that his start in this business wasn’t playing songs in dimly lit bars, it was through his poetry. He made his big debut back in 2001 at the Nuyorican Poetry Cafe in NYC with “Hate.” The following song is titled “Never Say Goodbye” and stems from the “Say Something” album he released in 2004. If this composition isn’t your style, then at least check out the lyrics. It will be worth your time to read them.

So do me a favor – take a minute to kick back, close your eyes and enjoy this melody. Most importantly, listen to his words – that’s where the beauty lies in this one.