Legends of Ukulele (CD) by Various Artists

CD. First there was Rhino's Legends of Guitar series, then Legends of Accordion, and now Legends of Ukulele. Compiled with notes by Jim Beloff, the author of the coffee table book The Ukulele: A Visual History, this compilation doesn't concern itself so much with sampling the most virtuosic players as with presenting those who were most influential in the various waves of popularity enjoyed by the uke. Of course, there is virtuosity in this CD along with the hokum. Although the ukulele is associated with Hawaiian music, it has made inroads into other genres. This compilation shows how the ukulele performs as a rock, jazz, or pop instrument as well as Hawaiian. It's a good way for people to expose themselves to dazzling artists such as King Benny Nawahi or Cliff Edwards, whose work would be hard to obtain at the average record shop. ~ Megan Lynch, Rovi

Legends of Ukulele (CD) by Various Artists