If Not For You

This is my umpteenth Dylan cover, retrieved from the list of San Jose Ukulele Club’s suggestions. Relatively easy, in that, there are no vocal phrasing challenges. The song is from the 1970’s New Morning album, showing George Harrison’s influence. I think the San Jose club’s chart is based on Harrison’s cover. I had forgotten that Olivia Newton-John had a hit with it. I used the Risa, which continues to get positive feedback. I slowed the song down from Bob’s 144 BPM to 125 BPM. I had fun with slides from G 12 11 10 10, D 7655 and C 5433, then G 0232 D-add-4 0 9 10 9 C 0787.

San Jose 3-14-2021
Brian led off with the new song book entry “Sunshine Superman.” Mike G. led “Beyond the Blue Neon,” along with some song-playing instruction. Gillian led the challenging “Orinoco Flow,” another new songbook entry. Roy led “Today.” 1st timer for San Jose participant Jeremy Uejio led “Blue Skies,” including a melodica instrumental. Evie led “Tickle My Heart.” Isle of Wight’s Geoff and southpaw Veronica led “Hotel California.” New leader Marge led “I Fall to Pieces.” Evie led “Five Foot Two.” Then came the St. Paddy’s day-oriented songs. Dennis led “Molly Malone.” Katrina led “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” Brian led “O’Brien is Tryin’ to Learn to Talk Hawaiian.” Done with the saint, Geoff and Veronica returned with “I Saw Her Standing There.” Dennis led “Let It Be.” Gillian led “Fixing a Hole.” Brian with his mom led “Mummer’s Dance.” Roy led “Let it Be Me.” Karen led “Annie’s Song.” Bob S. led “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”

South Bay Music Meetup 3-19-2021
Mostly guitarists. I was the only ukulele. Lonely me. Jacaranda led “Don’t Know Why.”, Mike W. led “And It Stoned Me.” Ron led “Tears in Heaven.” Diana sang “Some Days Are Diamonds,” a-cappella. Time Victim covered “Master of the Mouth” with keyboard accompaniment. Bob G. Performed the self-penned “Ashes.” Aric performed the self-penned “Blown in on the Wind.” Peter covered “Galway Girl” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. David S covered “Be More Kind.” Ray covered “The Wonder Of You.”

Oakland Ukulele Jam – 3-20-2021
Mary led, “Ise a b’y.” Diana led “It’s too late.” Annie led “It Might As Well Be Spring.” Christine led “Baby Can I Hold You.” Bob ably led “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Take Me The Way I Am,” among others.

Gilroy Ukulele Jam 3-27-2021
The emphasis was on a new Tin Pan Alley songbook, so Glen and I provided Tin Pan Dylan. Glen added a harmonica intro and a short instrumental for “If Not For You.” I had trouble focusing on the beat and chord progression after Glen’s intro. That was on me. I considered it a rehearsal for Bronco Billy later in the evening. I usually start my cover song cycle with Gilroy, so they get the rough version 1st. I was hoping to deliver something better this time. Karen opened with “Blue Skies” instead of “Three Little Birds” to note the improving pandemic situation. Curt led “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Linda led “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie.” Karen led “All of Me.” The round-robin was “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Linda led “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows.” Curt led “Side By Side.” Karen led “By the Sea and “Everybody Loves My Baby.” Linda led “I’m Confessing (That I Love You).”

Ukulele Rebellion / Bronco Billy. 3-27-2012
Glen and I nailed “If Not For You,” thanks to the Gilroy rehearsal. Unfortunately, I failed to get a recording. Melody led off with “Let It Be” and “Love Me Do.” Helen led “Budapest.” Michael led “The Best Friend I Ever Had.” Kathryn led “Catfish John.” Katrina led “Am I Losing You.” There was much more, but I had to drop out.