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If the fool would persist in his folly,
he would become wise.
William Blake

Brook Adams: Solo Performer

contact recordings ukulele
Solo performances, projects and compostions

Me Myself and I

A man and his chickenA man and his chicken

Brook Adams is a ukulele madman with a strong voice and guitar chops too. He describes his collection of novelty songs, tv themes, modern pop and swing-era classics as a musical cartoon of the 20th century. Add warm tenor vocals and jazzy R&B flavored guitar for an evening of great entertainment. His latest gimmick is playing the Beatles' ABBEY ROAD album start to finish on ukulele. Brook has played a lot in the Pacific Northwest where he makes his home. His festival resumé includes the Northwest Folklife, Seattle Bumbershoot, Oregon Country Fair, and the Portland Ukulele Festival. He played at the Portland premiere of the film Rock That Uke and opened for Japanese ukulele queens, Petty Booka. His current CD is with his band the Swingin' Marmalukeys and they have new one coming out in April 2009. In addition to performing, Adams teaches ukulele workshops for beginners and more advanced players. The intro class teaches simple songs and the chords you need to play them. The advanced class teaches tricks and tips to make your playing more interesting and exciting. His relaxed style and friendly manner put students at ease for a class that is fun and entertaining.

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The Fab Four on four strings!

Abbey Road On Ukulele

Abbey Road On UkuleleAbbey Road On Ukulele

Play: come together (aru)
Play: Something (aru)

The entire album sung and played on one ukulele. It took a long time to figure out all the songs. The hardest part was making arrangements where the low notes went down further than a ukulele can play. I play everything in the original key except for 'Here comes The Sun' and one other, I can't remember which. The first time I performed it, it had a surprising effect on an audience. I think for people in my age range (52), it takes us back to our youth and that's a happy place to visit. Here are some comments and audio.

Here's what some people had to say about 'Abbey Road On Ukulele'

Abbey Road Comments

Your Abbey Road performance at Artichoke was fabulous! Fabulous! I look forward to the Brook Abbey Road CD!
F.Y. Portland, OR

I could almost see George Harrison standing behind you in Jedi robes, nodding his head in approval. Many many thanks and kudos.
R.L. Eugene, OR

I was teary-eyed after your recital of Abbey Road yesterday at the PUA meeting...your voice was strong and the structure of the songs came through loud and clear. Conceptually, I enjoyed how you took the entire lush farewell Beatles album and reduced it to 4 small strings and a voice.
J.T. Portland, OR

One of my favorite albums of all time, and you did an awesome one-man cover of it. Unbelievable!
F. S. Berkeley, CA

Wow is the word! Just fantastic!! I like the way Brook used the ukulele as a drum.
J.P. Location ?

He just played Abbey Road...the entire album...at UCSC last night and tore the place down. Everyone at the club was blown away by his show.
R.T. Santa Cruz, CA

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Music, Photos and Hyperbole

Brook's Press Kit

Download photo, poster and info sheet here

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