Jumpin' Jim's Gone Hawaiian

Jim Beloff's books are always nice for all levels of players. This one doesn't disappoint.

If you want to be a true ukulele enthusiast, you must have a quality ukulele, a Hawaiian shirt, lazy evenings on the beach, and this book. This book, like no other ukulele book I have seen, submerges the ukulele player into the rich culture and Hawaiian influences of ukulele music and "ukulele philosophy." "Tiny Bubbles" is a beautiful Hawaiian song that warms the heart. One of the greatest romantic moments of my life was singing "Tiny Bubbles" to my love at the beach while the waves provided the roar of applause. "My Little Grass Shack in Kealakeua, Hawaii" is a fun, upbeat song that forces you to sing part in English and part in Hawaiian, and is distinctly Hawaiian sounding, which makes it a great ukulele favorite. "Princess Poo-poo-ly Has Plenty of Pa-pa-ya" is another distinctly Hawaiian song with a chord pattern invented by the people of Hawaii. You might not know these songs, but if you want to submerge yourself into an island-attitude, this book and these songs will change you.

The book is OK and the arrangements are good, but I miss a CD. I can't read standard notation and I can't find a recording of all songs featured on the book on the same key, so I can play along.

If you’re considering this book, I recommend you spend a few more dollars and get Jumpin’ Jim’s “The Daily Ukulele 365” instead, for the following reasons:1. Many of the songs in this book are in the 365 book.2. Simplified chord fingering in the chart and diagrams for several chords, including D7, F7 & Cm.3. Simpler chords substituted for more difficult ones.4. Omitted difficult and unnecessary chords.5. Comb binding allows book to lie perfectly flat.6. Larger pages, so no page turning necessary.7. About twelve times as many songs.8. If you're a beginner, like me.So, why did I buy this if I already had the 365 book? It has several tunes not in the 365 book that I wanted.

I live in Hawaii and, after almost 40 years here, have begun to learn the ukulele. This book is SO MUCH FUN!!! I play the songs with my friends and we always end up cracking up. Some of the words are a riot. The chords are diagramed above the song so there is an instant reference. Though I have a stack of ukulele books, I recently traveled extensively and this book, Jumpin Jim's Gone Hawaiian, is the only book I took, and the only book I needed. It is like diving into a trip to Hawaii. The songs are easy enough to play, with some more challenging songs throughout so there is always an area for me to work on. I LOVE this book.

Not too difficult and songs easily recognizable.

I have had a copy of this book for 6 years, and it is still in great condition. Also, with all the chord charts available, this is still my "go to" when I need a to find a new chord. I bought this for a friend. We sing popular Hawaiian songs together, this book has a great collection of them. I truly recommend it to any beginning or advanced beginner.

Terrific book - great songs and a great compliment for the Hawaiian Songs For Ukulele book - only a few tunes the same. Chords are correct and well diagrammed. Lyrics are well done - plenty of Hawaiian words spelled out to be useful where needed.