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Canadian ukulele virtuoso, James Hill, has released a new album titled Man with a Love Song. Hill is best known for his mastery of the uke which was introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese fishermen. This small unassuming instrument has grown in rapid popularity in recent years thanks to artists like Hill and Eddie Vedder (Ukulele Songs), but as this album proves James Hill has more up his sleeve than tricks on strings.
The album features a good mix of song and instrumentals with accompanying vocals from Anne Davison and Ryan McGrath. The album launches with a fast paced stomper Hand Over my Heart. The pace of the album varies beautifully from slow jazzy numbers (Lying in Wait) to folk and roots driven instrumentals (Assam / Like a Bird) to some fine Django inspired gypsy jazz (Indecision Rag).
Despite being renowned for his uke it doesn’t feature throughout, banjo and other instruments take its place. Hill also proves he has an inventive ear for arrangements as well as a great talent for song writing. If you fancy a fun and easy going laid-back album which has a good balance of humour and contemplation then you can’t go far wrong with this.
Hand Over My Heart is the first single to be released from Man with a Love song and as you can see from the music video below Mr Hill can make some delicious looking maple syrup and pancakes, best not watched on an empty stomach.
Man With A Love Song
is released on Borealis (14 Nov 2011).