The next few months will be really busy with different members of SCD in rehearsals with a target date for recording later in the year. It’s tricky sometimes to get all five of us in the same place so we will often split into smaller groups to work on material A key part of creating […]
Garry Jackson brings Bass to The Small Change Diaries
We just got back from a terrific practice session at Blueberry Hill Studios where Garry Jackson joined us for the first time. Garry is a brilliant addition to the group, bringing a whole new sonic dimension. He is also an accomplished musician and is going to be invaluable in helping arrange the Small Change Diaries […]
New member for The Small Change Diaries
When one seasoned musician recommends a drummer I know to take notice. When two seasoned musicians recommend, then I really know to take notice! Its a real pleasure to have Richard Ferdinando join The Small Change Diaries and assist with working on the current material with a view for recording later this year!
Filming the back story for The Small Change Diaries
Last week we filmed and edited material for the back story for The Small Change Diaries. I’m always keen that filming and audio recording is the best possible I’m also mindful that The Small Change Diaries is the collective endeavours of those of us involved in the ensemble and it’s important to document this. My […]
A Strong case for Ukuleles?
As an avid collector of high quality instruments I am always mindful about the importance of protecting such items especially when travelling. Some manufacturers a supply case with instruments, but it’s always smart to invest in the best protection. A number of years ago I attended a martin Simpson workshop and noticed that his Sobell […]
Practice time with Nick Cody & Jessica Bowie – Ukulele magic!
I never fully appreciated the importance of group practice until I began to gather members for The Small Change Diaries! It’s very different writing and arranging original material than covering other’s material and practice is absolutely essential if you want to create a great listening experience for an audience. We practice every week either as […]
Ukuleles from the Nick Cody Collection – Collings, Shimo and Kanilea
Here are some ukuleles from the Nick Cody collection of ukes which is growing fast! Thanks to everyone who encouraged and was involved in such purchases including Dean from Ukulele Mania, master builder Shimo and local Yorkshire guy Rob from Tin Guitar. Also thanks to Matt and Zeke from Matt Umanov Guitars in New York!
Choosing Ukulele Strings and getting the best sounds for your ukulele
Just as all ukuleles are not the same, all ukulele strings are not the same either! In recent months I have been experimenting with a number of different types with some fascinating results… The ukulele is of course a small bodied instrument and depending on the construction, each instrument can sound completely different. My background […]
The Joys of playing the Ukulele
I have a background of playing electric and acoustic guitars for many years, but if you told me I would be totally seduced by playing ukuleles, I would not have believed you! As I mentioned on already the site, my first ukulele was purchased in New York from Zeke at Matt Umanov Guitars. This turned […]
Songwriting Inspirations and Ukulele Explorations with Jessica Bowie, Rob Sayles and Nick Cody
In recent years I have been reflecting more on what makes a really great singer songwriter. I grew up in the 1970s and remember an era of what I consider to be classic albums including Tom Waits “Closing Time” and “Small Change” Joni Mitchell’s “Hejira” and “Hissing of Summer Lawns” and John Hiatt’s “Bring the […]