Hymns For the Ukulele
Artist: Chip Mergott
http://www.myspace.com/hymnsforacousticguitar
Label: Notebook Records
Time: 12 tracks/32 mins

Chip Mergott has been writing and making music since the ‘70s’ reaching both popular and critical success, and was one of Bonnie Raitt’s "favorite songwriters.”  He went on to have several hits in the ‘80’s on RCA RECORDS as a member of the country rock group “Baillie and the Boys.” In the ‘90’s, Chip hosted a radio show dedicated to the art of songwriting on WDVR FM.  Lately Chip has become better known for his guitar playing, his instrumental CDs, and for his folk music written and performed for/with his wife, Annie Bauerlien.

I love his guitar playing.  He doesn’t demand you listen to him, but if you take the time to Chips’ guitar playing it is intricate, even lyrical.   He has released several albums to critical acclaim.   And then comes this album, Hymns For the Ukulele.   What the?  I have always associated the Ukulele with Hawaii and Elvis.   Chip is accompanied on this disc with another couple of players.   Together, with his production, they have transformed my opinion of this instrument.  Chip manages to translate some of the old time favorites with a sensitivity I never expected to hear from an Ukulele.  There is some great free playing at the end of the first track, “This Little Light of Mine.”

Of course, this is not going to be every ones cup of tea, and may be one of those discs you dust off to play only once a year.  But if you are adventurous and want to try something different then this is the disc for you.   I don’t think this is a bad disc, nor is it a difficult CD to listen to.  I think what catches me most off guard is the fact that it is an Ukulele.  It is on now with “Just As I Am” playing.  With out any thought (something I am often accused of) I am getting into it, and then something snaps in my head when I realize what it is I am listening to.  I CAN”T HELP IT!!!  I like Banjos too.

Robert Boynton