As we approach a third month of sequestration and social distancing, I—and I am sure that many of you fellow strummers—have a craving for what is universally recognized as “comfort food.” Never mind thoughts of “excess avoirdupois,” I want THAT NOW! And lots of it. So it is with the world of ukuleles.
It is a well known fact that high on the list of comfort foods is good old bacon, either straight or as a condiment. And, it is also a well known fact that the UKULELE is the BACON of music! Having said that, here we go . . .
First, lets take a look at a few, shall we say, bacon-ed up ukuleles. None here from my collection but worth a look nonetheless.
A strap instead of a strip, I think.
Then, of course, we have the classic banjo ukuleles made by the BACON Banjo Company of Groton, Connecticut–later Bacon & Day or plain old B&D. These range from simple models to the super tootsed-up, mother of pearled, gold plated numbers that sell today in the thousands of dollars—or pounds in the UK. A pound of bacon banjo uke? Hmmm . . .
Just to give you a sense of the sound, here is some strumming on a BACON banjo uke. Even though this is a low-end instrument of their line, it sounds pretty good for its age! Tap or click on the next image for a listen.
And then there are the tunes. Alas, not much in the way of BACONish sheet music out there.
How about a newer “BACON” song, just in time for breakfast! Click or tap on the next image for a taste treat.
And how about an unheralded, but appropriately named, ukulele player: Kevin BACON. Admittedly, a bit of a stretch here but that’s what musings are all about
Click or tap on the next image to hear him in action.
Or, how about the BACON Brothers with one of our old island favorites, “Ukulele Lady.”
So stay sequestered, stay safe, find your comfort food, disremember calories, and STAY TUNED!
Oh, yes. Wear your mask!
NOHOBANJO OF NORTHAMPTON, AND NOW EASTHAMPTON, "MUSICAL MUSINGS" 