Breakaway

“Breakaway” is my cover of a Primitives arrangement of a Toni Basil song. The Primitives had they’re heyday in the late 1980s. The Primitives still record the occasional album. The song has a mid 60’s power-pop sound to it. Basil’s original also has a Motown groove. The lyrics speak to my quarantine restriction restlessness, the ax-grinding 2nd verse notwithstanding. I had thought this was a Primitive’s original, my wife discovered it was a cover. I should have suspected from the anachronistic song feel. I decided to use the low G Blackbird Farallon because I had not featured it in awhile. I think this is the most difficult of my 3 ukuleles to play. The frets are more typical depth, not shallow like the Kanile’a. However, changing chords between positions seems awkward. The next time I change the strings, I’ll consider lowering the action. I took the song on zoom tour to:

Gilroy Ukulele Jam
The group themes were Love and done me wrong songs. “Three Little Birds” was led by Nancy using a blues swing. Karen covered “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” the 4/4 time version. Linda led Sophie Tucker’s “Some of These Days.” Florence led “The End of the World.” Curt led “Worst Day Since Yesterday.” Rudy led Johnny Ray’s “No Wedding Today.” The Round Robin was “Red River Valley.” Linda led “The Great Pretender.” Karen led “Something Stupid. “Karen reprised “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in ¾ time. Curt led “Lonesome Garbage Man.” George led “All My Loving.” Pat led “Choo Choo ch’Boogie,” Including a verse of her own. Open Mics: Linda covered “Comes Love.”

Ukulele Rebellion / Bronco Billy
Beatle’s night part 1. I appreciate being allowed to lead a non-Beatles song. Mary led “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” Mark led “I Should Have Known Better.” Mike and Pam led “8 Days a Week.” Mary led “When I’m 64.” Kathy led “Imagine.” Mary led “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.” There was more, but I had to bail.

Monterey Ukulele Club
I took advantage of their rare Players Choice Jam. Keith led “Hawaiian Lullaby.” Pat led “Honeysuckle Rose.” Sam B. led “House of the Rising Sun.” Marilyn led Bobby Darin’s “I’ll Be There.” Karen led “John Kanaka.” Kathy led “Let the Mystery Be.” Lisa led “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” Cindy led “Paniolo Country,” Sam K. Led “Papa Loves Mambo,” Steven led “Paradise,” Malcolm and Sheila led “Silver Machine,” simulating a theremin. I am not sure what they were using to do so.. Marilyn led “Some Days are Diamonds,” Mary and Clay led “Tea for Two,” Steven led “The Last Thing on my Mind,” Jan led “Three Little Fishes,” Nancy led “What the World Needs Now.” Does it ever.