I first heard the performance on the TV program call “Chicago Hope” in which one of the starring doctors was dying from cancer and was spending his last days in Hawaii. The piece played by IS accompanies the doctor’s dying moments as the breeze blows through the room
A large man playing a tiny instrument with such care and love is just something to behold. The version where he segues from _Over the Rainbow_ into _What a Wonderful World_ is just sublime.
@@LordZoth6292 you can find it here on TH-cam by searching his name and looking for "somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world" There was a version originally released on the album Ka 'Ano'i (1990) but then the acoustic (and, I think, better) version was put out on the album Facing Future (1993)
I also noticed that his ukulele has a lot of tone, and on those backbeats, he lets that tone fly, and that is a very powerful element in his strumming.
@@powbobs Oh yes it does! Sound is extremely complex and science still hasn't figured it all out. Luther Vandross fans often claim he lost a little more than his weight. They argue his singing lost something that they can't really describe.
Somehow the algorithm landed me here. I'm not a musician, I haven't even thought of this song in years. We played it during our wedding in 1993. What a calming affect you have. Thank you for a wonderful 13 minutes.
I stumbled across this video in the year I turn 55. That said, I grew up in Hawaii. I learned to play the Uke at Kamiloiki elementary school. (We all did) And one of my fondest childhood memories was playing this song with my father and sista. I still have my Kamaka Koa tenor ukulele and the mimeographed songs from way back then. Thank you for sparking those good memories.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow sung by Judy Garland is one of a few songs that simply cannot be covered [ properly]. No matter how good, or famous a singer- they all fall flat, YET, This gentleman, not only did he capture the essence of it, he “owned “ it [ as they say. He nailed it. Totally different, yet totally it. Beautiful. 📻🙂
While you're absolutely right PLEASE go watch the somewhere over the rainbow cover by 'acoustic trench.' That's my personal close second (but beware there's a bit of a sad story attached...)
Over the Rainbow was almost cut from the Wizard of Oz (along with tunes like Jitterbug and Hail, Hail, the Witch is Dead.) Fortunately, the director insisted on keeping it in the movie.
I lived in Hawaii for a short time in 2004. I was a toddler at the time. My mom had a CD of this single, and she would play it every night until I went to sleep. This is one of my most beloved songs in my life.
The why is because life is hard. No matter who you are. And this song tells you that things are going to be alright. And that’s a powerful emotion to give someone who has a world on their shoulders.
I can remember hearing this song for the first time at a coffee shop. It was just playing softly in the background, but it seemed like the world slowed and light and peace entered the room. I bought the album and listened to every song over and over again. He is missed.
15 years ago I bought a Ukulele and tried to play this song and instantly sounded nothing like Isreal, and it looked like it would be so easy. Thank you for letting me know that this was not easy and there is genius in playing this easy looking sounding song. Now I don't feel so bad about my try. Thank you.
I remember walking along with his procession at his state funeral..He was laying in state at the Iolani palace..I was visiting my kids at their house in Palama when hundreds of Hawaiians came walking down Vinyard Blvd..My heart broke 💔 that day..Braddah IZ WAZ!
Oh man. Excellent breakdown and analysis. I saw Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Iz live in concert and while Michael and Whitney were amazing, they both lacked something that Iz had in spades, heart and love. I saw him perform with his oxygen tank and he still just absolutely blew everyone away. He didn’t dance or hit crazy notes but his voice wrapped you in a warm embrace of aloha and made you feel loved. Partly because this was my moms favorite song and partly because I loved Iz as an artist, but I cannot listen to this song anymore. It’s beautiful but it makes me cry every single time.
My favorite part of the song is in the "what a wonderful world" section where he sings "And the brightness of day, I like the dark. And I think to myself..." the original lyrics were "the bright blessed days, dark sacred nights. And I think to myself..." He by all means messes up the lyrics, but does that diminish the perfection of the song? Absolutely not, I think it makes it even better as it was never about getting the words right, but rather getting the emotion right, which he 100% did. He made an absolutely perfect song with all the love and heart in the world.
His voice was so rich and had such a luxurious tone. Listening to him sing was like being swaddled in warm crushed velvet. You felt smothered by the feelings he projected through his music. Absolutely breaks my heart that he's gone. I literally cried when I heard of his passing, just the magnitude of that loss of that level of art. It's an amazing and rare gift of which God places very few of on this earth and so very rarely do "we" (write large) get to share them.
You can hear not just his love for music but the need to make music. It's a feeling only some ever experience and even fewer experience it consistently. True passion from a true artist
This was the highlight song at my best friend’s funeral almost 20 years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed learning this about the song that’s pulled at my heart strings for so long. 🫶🏼 🤙🏼
I was watching the vice-presidential debate, then started watching warhammer 40k videos, now it's past 1 AM and I'm watching this.. TH-cam really takes you on late night adventures.
Is brings us to the bonfire, sitting around with friends and family, and he sings Over the Rainbow directly, effortlessly, to each one of us. With the Hawaiian ocean breeze and the palm trees swaying he takes us from wherever we are and transports us to a better world... Somewhere over the rainbow. ❤
I could listen to Israel play and sing all day. His voice and playing touches deep down in your soul. He was one of a kind, and he left us way to soon. Rip big fella.
Working in a kitchen for the summer at a conference center, we would listen to music all day long. One day, we decided to play one song for the whole day on repeat. It was Iz's Somewhere over the Rainbow. Fun memories there. The song is still in our family car ride rotation to this day. I'll never tire of this magical song.
Bruddah IZ lives forever in the hearts and minds of those whose hearts he has touched with his god given gift. I remember when i first discovered him and his music while living oahu(was stationed there in the marine corps). I loved it instantly. Now that im back on the east coast of Massachusetts, i still listen to his music. Whem i do it takes me back to that moment on the beautiful island of oahu. Aloha and mahalo for doing this video. 😁🤙
This was in my youtube feed and am glad I got to see/hear it. I don't play Ukelele, or any instrument, or even sing, for that matter. Still, I love IZ's music and was curious. The presentation itself was clear, even to a non musician, and held my interest all the way through. The final performance was an unexpected pleasure -- I quite enjoyed that! What a pleasure it must be to play music and sing and I'm glad I got to hear it! Thank you!
it's crazy to me that we can universally feel the literal magic in this song that's why music is so amazing as somebody who knows basically nothing about ukelele, like a lot of people, it's extremely hard to place what it is but there's something that makes this song incredible especially because it's so seemingly simple compared to some other pieces of music and to see it broken down and to see the work that actually goes into it his vocals pull it all together, but the fact that the ukelele on its own can do so much work is awesome Israel has this effortless skill, he's clearly passionate about what he does He's a legend and he will absolutely be remembered
I bought a tenor uke and re-stringed it with a low G just so I could learn this strum. I'm very happy having both a low G tenor and a high G soprano uke. It has greatly expanded my playing range and I'm loving it. This tutorial is fantastic. Thanks Brett!
Every time I hear over the rainbow I cant help but tear up, the visuals shown during the music video along with the fact that he is no longer with us just hit so hard. Although I wasn't born in his time his influence is still undeniable in Hawaii.
When I hear it sung by Iz, I can't help choking up. I have so many memories connected with it, and Iz' singing is right between happiness and sadness :-)
There are other tutorials for this song, but this one is the best! Brett, you brought magic to the magic of IZ through explaining the history and picking apart his strum. Knowing the history of a song makes it come alive even more. I also appreciate your slow, methodological approach to teaching; you make it simple and fun, but don’t downplay the importance of the effort of practicing. Thank you for sharing!
The instrument is a part of him. What is so captivating is his unique resonance and style of playing. And then there's something (else) that can not be described by words.
He executed the piece so simply and complex with an immense depth of musicality simultaneously. Early in my music life, a teacher once told me that playing twinkle well was incredibly difficult. I have to agree.
Great tutorial, and I love that you showcased IZ's voice with a snippet from his Maui Medley. There is so much focus on Over the Rainbow, White Sandy Beach, and the other English language songs he recorded, that I'm afraid a lot of listeners don't realize that most of IZ's music is in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language). This was particularly true in the years before his solo career, when he was with the Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau, one of the greatest groups of the Hawaiian Renaissance. I've still got all the original vinyl from those guys, but a lot of it is available in digital formats too. 🤙🏽
He really dissected the ukalele strum of Israel...And I think this is how the properway to dissect a song if you wanna coppy the original version...But as a musician, I can say you dont habe to do it this way...you can make your own groove and own style to cover a song like creating it like your own... But this video and this man teaches us big knowledge in music for free...So big big respect for this guy...😊😊😊🙏🙏🙏... Yes I know he is getting some monitization by us watching his video but how we can help him make more videos like this if we do not share it to others who are interested with music too like you ??.😊😊
His cover always makes me feel like tearing up out of joy. I'm not an avid music enjoyer but whenever I hear something so soulful and full of heart I truly appreciate it.
I love somewhere over the rainbow, it evokes a melancholy and nostalgia. It reminds me of my grandfather, he loved that song. The song is so sweet and gentle, and it feels like something pure
I heard it for the first time and immediately fell in love with it when I was watching "Finding Forrester" - one of my absolute favorite movies, highly recommended!
I played this for my mum a few yrs ago and she loved it so when she passed away in December t from COVID this was played at the end as her coffin was taken away, at the same time the minister opened the curtains and we had one beautiful winter sunset
An amazing story and great breakdown of the music. You know - at the opening of the video, I heard Israel's voice and it is so tender and lovely that my heart began to melt. I suspect on this evening he HAD to get to the studio, he realised that he'd found some real Magic - beyond skill and talent and everything, something so intangible, precious and delicate that he absolutely MUST record it in case it should be lost. Good thing engineer dude was good enough to stay open! Thanks for your analysis Brett - it does point to an ineffable and tremendous something! RIP Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, never to be forgotten.
What I like about your video is that you acknowledge that while you have analysed and replicated Iz’s iconic strumming pattern, it is and always will be his very own magical playing and singing style that no one will be able to copy. Although Over the rainbow is every ukulele players dream to play, mine included, it will stay Iz’s.
Omg, you are the first Uke instructor I’ve found who can give the CORRECT Iz strum and teach it. Thank you so much! I’d like to use this vid in my Strum the Month workshop for October. Thank you a million!!!
Even now after all these years listening to this song ....i cry 😢...isreal brought life to this song 🎵. Miss you big man ,sleep wall isreal ,sleep well 🙏. Peace out ✌️
Love from India. Iz is my favourite singer. His songs touched my heart wheh I first heard him. Then I searched for his songs and came to know about makaha brothers...listened to many. Another favourite song of him is Kaleohano. I read many testimonials by different people about Iz. He was a true artist who came onto a stage sing with tubes in his nose when his health was declining. How dedicated was Iz. And he won that night too. Those who want to listen to that performance search for Kaleohano live and you can see an angel singing. Omg im crying. Thank you Iz. Thank you channel owner. You did a wonderful research on Iz' playing style. ❤❤❤
iz is amazing, he manages to make it feel like there is more than just a ukulele, he can almost replicate other sounds in a way i cant exactly describe
I grew up listening to braddah Iz as a child. "somewhere of the rainbow" was a lullaby for me. I'm glad to see him getting this appreciation and exposure today. He was such a kind soul.
*I'm so glad I didn't take music theory or sound engineering in school. My musical experience and skills were all natural. I had SOOOO many professionals tell me I was playing wrong and my strumming or picking was incompatible or off tempo to work with other musicians ie: percussion. Then I asked a drummer to jump in with a simple punk beat or whatever I needed for one speciffic song. BOOM!! It lined up flawlessly. My strumming was equivalent to percussion and a metronome all-in-one.* *I'm not a musical genius. But I have always strummed and picked in a complex manner and I find it easier to compose music that way.*
Thanks for your perseverance, patience and professionalism - you've been on a hell of a journey and taken a lot of us aspiring amateurs with you. Thanks for everything, you have been a great influence in helping me enjoy and improve my ukulele skills 👍
What a beautiful and absolute master. No matter how many times I hear Iz perform this, I am moved to deep tears that come from the deepest parts of my heart and soul. RIP Iz. We miss you and are grateful for what you gave us.
I first became aware of Israel when I saw the Adam Sandler movie, "Fifty First Dates". When I heard "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel, I was awestruck. I immediately wanted to hear more of his music and learn more about him. When I heard the medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World", it brought me to tears, a second time. It sounded so beautiful. It wasn't until I started researching other music he did, I learned that he had passed away some years ago. It made me question myself, what was I hearing? Was it the pain he was going through? Had I discovered for myself a kindred soul? I don't know. What I do know is that Israel was a wonderful man and it shined through his music. I have nothing but love for Israel. Rest In Peace Big Brother, You Deserve It. I am sure that you are in a better place now, The Big Island in the Sky🌈 🏝 🗿🙏📿.
@@UkuleleTricks It was heartbreaking to learn that he already had passed away even though I had only known about him for a very, very short time. It seemed like I knew him for a long time, I was full of grief and I shed many tears.
my dad would play these songs to me on his ukulele when i was a lot younger. it's one of the reasons i was inspired to be a musician. the more i listen to Alone in IZ World the more i can feel that he's probably playing along with Iz up above.
Makes the hairs on my arms stand up every time I hear this song.. it is both beautiful and somehow haunting at the same time.. not much in life stirs my emotions like this does
For a haole boy you have done the best tutorial ! Is would have said right on braddah! You are good. Will watch for other tutorials you do...Awesome!!!!
It was so sad to see him go home. I live this guy. One of the greatest. He is definitely missed by me. Unlike some of my great singing friends that I will never get to hear again. Since they left this earth. Izzy will always be on recordings. Along with some friends. We were blessed to have had Izzy on this planet. He brought so much joy and love.
20 years ago and I was trying to learn this song I ran into the exact same problem. Took me quite a good while to get it right! BRAHDA. IZ!!!!!! We all miss him here in hawaii
I was blessed to meet Bruddah Iz when both our bands were just starting out back in the 70's. Such a beautiful guy, in his voice is the aching sadness of the Hawaiian experience, a sound that will pierce your soul, mixed with pure aloha that warms your heart. Iz forever. Great job breaking this down, btw. Your appreciation for his magic shines here.
What an incredible breakdown of the song and strum with excellent video production! One suggestion for the percussive strum is to try a right hand palm muted downstrum on beats 2 & 4 instead of tapping the top of the ukulele. This allows the right hand to flow in a consistent motion throughout the 16th note subdivision.
OMG! You nailed it on the uke. As far as Iz's voice...only IZ could have done that, but Iam Tongi has a very similar silky voice. I'm looking forward to what he gives us in the future. NICE JOB, Brett.
Fantastic job! I’ve been playing guitar for 30+ years so you can imagine I’ve seen a lot of technique breakdown demonstrations and your method is detailed , informative , professional and entertaining !
Great video. I don't know anything about music but the first time I heard this song, I think probably the same as everyone, I was overwhelmed with peace. I can see why Izrael wanted to record it that night at 3am. I'm sure even he was getting chills. Izrael's voice is almost angelic in this song.
I've never seen a complete breakdown of someone's style that's also so incredibly respectful of the original artist It's not, "this is totally how they did it and you can too" it's "I am so passionate about this that I've done my best to learn how to replicate it, but no one could ever top that"
Do you want to strum like Iz? Get the "Over the Rainbow" Strum Pattern Worksheet here! ⬇
bit.ly/OverTheRainbowWorksheet
Yes Please I would like a play sheet😊
Getting this for my Grandson...thank you 🤙
It is superb!
I first heard the performance on the TV program call “Chicago Hope” in which one of the starring doctors was dying from cancer and was spending his last days in Hawaii. The piece played by IS accompanies the doctor’s dying moments as the breeze blows through the room
Thanks a lot indeed for providing us with this extremely helpful worksheet ❣️
A large man playing a tiny instrument with such care and love is just something to behold.
The version where he segues from _Over the Rainbow_ into _What a Wonderful World_ is just sublime.
Any idea where I can find that cut? Spotify has both his albums, but neither of them have that segue.
@@LordZoth6292 th-cam.com/video/Z26BvHOD_sg/w-d-xo.html
@@LordZoth6292 you can find it here on TH-cam by searching his name and looking for "somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world"
There was a version originally released on the album Ka 'Ano'i (1990) but then the acoustic (and, I think, better) version was put out on the album Facing Future (1993)
@@LordZoth6292 th-cam.com/video/Z26BvHOD_sg/w-d-xo.html
@@LordZoth6292 th-cam.com/video/Z26BvHOD_sg/w-d-xo.html
I also noticed that his ukulele has a lot of tone, and on those backbeats, he lets that tone fly, and that is a very powerful element in his strumming.
It’s a Martin tenor.
By holding the ukulele tight to his enormous chest, gives it more resonance and depth.
@@bobweiram6321
That’s not how that works.
@@powbobs Oh yes it does! Sound is extremely complex and science still hasn't figured it all out. Luther Vandross fans often claim he lost a little more than his weight. They argue his singing lost something that they can't really describe.
@@bobweiram6321
But pressing an ukulele or guitar against your chest inhibits vibrations and projection from the instrument.
It’s the vocal. He was feeling it. The recording captured that feeling.
Yes, exactly! It was the absolute intimacy of his vocal that captured me! His voice just flowed like liquid gold all over my senses!
you can hear him licking his lips talkin about them lemon drops
Somehow the algorithm landed me here. I'm not a musician, I haven't even thought of this song in years. We played it during our wedding in 1993. What a calming affect you have. Thank you for a wonderful 13 minutes.
Well said , I concur .
His voice and variation on the melody are the secret sauce.
That story of how it took 5 minutes for IZ to record his masterpiece... he woke up from an evening nap and chose to be a legend
@@SawGudman im not a huge fan but boy with uke is popular
he also did meth
He was already a legend. Always will be.
So does 1/3 of the entire island according to arrest records and statistics @@YuriTarted1337
People recognized him as a legend ... he just did his thing n we all went on the ride he invited us to go on...
He’s a true Artist bro. That’s what they do, mesmerize you with their mysterious talents.
A true artist is right!
Well put
I stumbled across this video in the year I turn 55. That said, I grew up in Hawaii. I learned to play the Uke at Kamiloiki elementary school. (We all did) And one of my fondest childhood memories was playing this song with my father and sista. I still have my Kamaka Koa tenor ukulele and the mimeographed songs from way back then. Thank you for sparking those good memories.
I grew up near Mililani! There's something powerful about genuinely connecting to something sincere.
That's fantastic, thanks for sharing
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
sung by Judy Garland is one of a few songs that simply cannot be covered [ properly]. No matter how good, or famous a singer- they all fall flat, YET,
This gentleman, not only did he capture the essence of it, he “owned “ it [ as they say. He nailed it.
Totally different, yet totally it.
Beautiful.
📻🙂
You should give Ian Tysons cover a listen. It’s a beautiful rendition.
Eva Cassidy’s entire posthumous career was based on her version of this song.
While you're absolutely right PLEASE go watch the somewhere over the rainbow cover by 'acoustic trench.'
That's my personal close second (but beware there's a bit of a sad story attached...)
This is so true because i never knew judy garland sang it for years
Over the Rainbow was almost cut from the Wizard of Oz (along with tunes like Jitterbug and Hail, Hail, the Witch is Dead.) Fortunately, the director insisted on keeping it in the movie.
I lived in Hawaii for a short time in 2004. I was a toddler at the time. My mom had a CD of this single, and she would play it every night until I went to sleep. This is one of my most beloved songs in my life.
That song touches me so much, that it makes me want to cry every time I hear it. I really don't understand why, but it is so beautiful.
The why is because life is hard. No matter who you are. And this song tells you that things are going to be alright. And that’s a powerful emotion to give someone who has a world on their shoulders.
Iz had the Spirit
You're listening to a man's soul that's why i think it makes us emotional almost instantly
A great artist makes you feel what they feel inside. He put his heart and soul into this song.
Same here!
I can remember hearing this song for the first time at a coffee shop. It was just playing softly in the background, but it seemed like the world slowed and light and peace entered the room. I bought the album and listened to every song over and over again. He is missed.
15 years ago I bought a Ukulele and tried to play this song and instantly sounded nothing like Isreal, and it looked like it would be so easy. Thank you for letting me know that this was not easy and there is genius in playing this easy looking sounding song. Now I don't feel so bad about my try. Thank you.
I remember walking along with his procession at his state funeral..He was laying in state at the Iolani palace..I was visiting my kids at their house in Palama when hundreds of Hawaiians came walking down Vinyard Blvd..My heart broke 💔 that day..Braddah IZ WAZ!
Oh man. Excellent breakdown and analysis.
I saw Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Iz live in concert and while Michael and Whitney were amazing, they both lacked something that Iz had in spades, heart and love. I saw him perform with his oxygen tank and he still just absolutely blew everyone away. He didn’t dance or hit crazy notes but his voice wrapped you in a warm embrace of aloha and made you feel loved.
Partly because this was my moms favorite song and partly because I loved Iz as an artist, but I cannot listen to this song anymore. It’s beautiful but it makes me cry every single time.
Listen to it it will set you free
Beautiful story you shared about that concert experience. Thanks.
This will play at my funeral. I cry every time I play this. Simply beautiful.
I cry every time I hear it I don’t think I could ever play it
My favorite part of the song is in the "what a wonderful world" section where he sings "And the brightness of day, I like the dark. And I think to myself..." the original lyrics were "the bright blessed days, dark sacred nights. And I think to myself..." He by all means messes up the lyrics, but does that diminish the perfection of the song? Absolutely not, I think it makes it even better as it was never about getting the words right, but rather getting the emotion right, which he 100% did. He made an absolutely perfect song with all the love and heart in the world.
I've searched and searched for how to do this hybrid strum, to no avail. Today this video popped up randomly. Thank you! Can't wait to practice this.
Have fun with it!!
I still can hear his voice 20 years later it was beautiful
His voice was so rich and had such a luxurious tone. Listening to him sing was like being swaddled in warm crushed velvet. You felt smothered by the feelings he projected through his music. Absolutely breaks my heart that he's gone. I literally cried when I heard of his passing, just the magnitude of that loss of that level of art. It's an amazing and rare gift of which God places very few of on this earth and so very rarely do "we" (write large) get to share them.
You can hear not just his love for music but the need to make music. It's a feeling only some ever experience and even fewer experience it consistently. True passion from a true artist
No
Iz was pure magic. He brought so much to his music. You could feel the emotion in his voice.
This was the highlight song at my best friend’s funeral almost 20 years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed learning this about the song that’s pulled at my heart strings for so long. 🫶🏼 🤙🏼
Sorry mate but it's Israel's voice that is captivating. Sure the Uke is cool but OMG the passion in his voice is transcendental!
Absolutely, but this is a Uke channel 😂
The combination of the two(voice and uke) is what makes the song transcendent. 🎉🎉❤❤😂
Iz is definitely the draw. His approach to life still makes one cry 😢 while just wanting to be a better human
I was watching the vice-presidential debate, then started watching warhammer 40k videos, now it's past 1 AM and I'm watching this.. TH-cam really takes you on late night adventures.
me too buddy lmao
This world was such a better place with Iz in it!!!💖
This man's music was in the backdrop of my childhood. Rest in peace, Brudda Iz. o7
From what I heard, this song didn’t get much recognition until after he passes away.
@@kenzulian2007that’s how it tends to go
Is brings us to the bonfire, sitting around with friends and family, and he sings Over the Rainbow directly, effortlessly, to each one of us. With the Hawaiian ocean breeze and the palm trees swaying he takes us from wherever we are and transports us to a better world... Somewhere over the rainbow. ❤
I could listen to Israel play and sing all day. His voice and playing touches deep down in your soul. He was one of a kind, and he left us way to soon. Rip big fella.
Rip a true GOAT. I will never forget the day he passed. every semi truck on the island just cruised along the highway blasting the horns
Working in a kitchen for the summer at a conference center, we would listen to music all day long. One day, we decided to play one song for the whole day on repeat. It was Iz's Somewhere over the Rainbow. Fun memories there. The song is still in our family car ride rotation to this day. I'll never tire of this magical song.
Bruddah IZ lives forever in the hearts and minds of those whose hearts he has touched with his god given gift. I remember when i first discovered him and his music while living oahu(was stationed there in the marine corps). I loved it instantly. Now that im back on the east coast of Massachusetts, i still listen to his music. Whem i do it takes me back to that moment on the beautiful island of oahu. Aloha and mahalo for doing this video. 😁🤙
This was in my youtube feed and am glad I got to see/hear it. I don't play Ukelele, or any instrument, or even sing, for that matter. Still, I love IZ's music and was curious. The presentation itself was clear, even to a non musician, and held my interest all the way through. The final performance was an unexpected pleasure -- I quite enjoyed that! What a pleasure it must be to play music and sing and I'm glad I got to hear it! Thank you!
it's crazy to me that we can universally feel the literal magic in this song
that's why music is so amazing
as somebody who knows basically nothing about ukelele, like a lot of people, it's extremely hard to place what it is
but there's something that makes this song incredible
especially because it's so seemingly simple compared to some other pieces of music
and to see it broken down and to see the work that actually goes into it
his vocals pull it all together, but the fact that the ukelele on its own can do so much work is awesome
Israel has this effortless skill, he's clearly passionate about what he does
He's a legend and he will absolutely be remembered
The world is a better place because of Iz. I'm sure of it. Such a beautiful human.
It is magical because it is authentic, simple, sincere, pure.
I bought a tenor uke and re-stringed it with a low G just so I could learn this strum. I'm very happy having both a low G tenor and a high G soprano uke. It has greatly expanded my playing range and I'm loving it. This tutorial is fantastic. Thanks Brett!
Every time I hear over the rainbow I cant help but tear up, the visuals shown during the music video along with the fact that he is no longer with us just hit so hard. Although I wasn't born in his time his influence is still undeniable in Hawaii.
When I hear it sung by Iz, I can't help choking up. I have so many memories connected with it, and Iz' singing is right between happiness and sadness :-)
masterful dissection!
There are other tutorials for this song, but this one is the best! Brett, you brought magic to the magic of IZ through explaining the history and picking apart his strum. Knowing the history of a song makes it come alive even more. I also appreciate your slow, methodological approach to teaching; you make it simple and fun, but don’t downplay the importance of the effort of practicing. Thank you for sharing!
Wow thank you Steve! I'm really glad you enjoyed this!!
The instrument is a part of him. What is so captivating is his unique resonance and style of playing. And then there's something (else) that can not be described by words.
Iz will always be remembered as a wonderful musician and ukelele player. Rest in Peace brother. I hope you're shredding that uke up in heaven.
Is has an incredible delivery in his music plus an awesome voice. He sounds so sincere it takes you somewhere over the rainbow
Been listening to this for years, usually when I just happen to spot the song, it is truly magical. Art at its best!
He executed the piece so simply and complex with an immense depth of musicality simultaneously. Early in my music life, a teacher once told me that playing twinkle well was incredibly difficult. I have to agree.
Great tutorial, and I love that you showcased IZ's voice with a snippet from his Maui Medley. There is so much focus on Over the Rainbow, White Sandy Beach, and the other English language songs he recorded, that I'm afraid a lot of listeners don't realize that most of IZ's music is in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language). This was particularly true in the years before his solo career, when he was with the Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau, one of the greatest groups of the Hawaiian Renaissance. I've still got all the original vinyl from those guys, but a lot of it is available in digital formats too. 🤙🏽
He really dissected the ukalele strum of Israel...And I think this is how the properway to dissect a song if you wanna coppy the original version...But as a musician, I can say you dont habe to do it this way...you can make your own groove and own style to cover a song like creating it like your own...
But this video and this man teaches us big knowledge in music for free...So big big respect for this guy...😊😊😊🙏🙏🙏...
Yes I know he is getting some monitization by us watching his video but how we can help him make more videos like this if we do not share it to others who are interested with music too like you ??.😊😊
I was obsessed with Iz as a little kid, really glad this video has brought back the memory of this legend
His cover always makes me feel like tearing up out of joy. I'm not an avid music enjoyer but whenever I hear something so soulful and full of heart I truly appreciate it.
Great analysis and video style!! I hope you do more like this
Wow dude, thank you so much! I love your videos! Much respect
@@UkuleleTricksur my hero I subbed 😅
a love song from paris is 😫
You're alive?
I am not a musician; but, I thoroughly enjoyed this lesson. Your lesson also describes how special this man was. RIP, Israel, you are missed.
I love somewhere over the rainbow, it evokes a melancholy and nostalgia. It reminds me of my grandfather, he loved that song. The song is so sweet and gentle, and it feels like something pure
I heard it for the first time and immediately fell in love with it when I was watching "Finding Forrester" - one of my absolute favorite movies, highly recommended!
That was a great presentation. But as you sais, what finally makes this performance is Izzi's enchanting voice. It always brings a tear to my eye
I can't hear that song without crying tears of joy and hope for a better future.
Well, done! I never tire of hearing Iz’s “over the rainbow“. Dreaming is wonderful, living the dream is magical.
I played this for my mum a few yrs ago and she loved it so when she passed away in December t from COVID this was played at the end as her coffin was taken away, at the same time the minister opened the curtains and we had one beautiful winter sunset
An amazing story and great breakdown of the music. You know - at the opening of the video, I heard Israel's voice and it is so tender and lovely that my heart began to melt. I suspect on this evening he HAD to get to the studio, he realised that he'd found some real Magic - beyond skill and talent and everything, something so intangible, precious and delicate that he absolutely MUST record it in case it should be lost. Good thing engineer dude was good enough to stay open!
Thanks for your analysis Brett - it does point to an ineffable and tremendous something! RIP Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, never to be forgotten.
What I like about your video is that you acknowledge that while you have analysed and replicated Iz’s iconic strumming pattern, it is and always will be his very own magical playing and singing style that no one will be able to copy. Although Over the rainbow is every ukulele players dream to play, mine included, it will stay Iz’s.
Well said!
Omg, you are the first Uke instructor I’ve found who can give the CORRECT Iz strum and teach it. Thank you so much! I’d like to use this vid in my Strum the Month workshop for October. Thank you a million!!!
Please definitely share with your workshop! So glad you liked it!
The first time I heard this song… it was so beautiful that I found myself crying.
Even now after all these years listening to this song ....i cry 😢...isreal brought life to this song 🎵.
Miss you big man ,sleep wall isreal ,sleep well 🙏.
Peace out ✌️
One of George Noory's favorite songs to play on his nightly radio program, Coast to Coast.
Right!! 🥰 And Art played "Midnight at the Oasis"........ 🥰🥰✌️🇨🇦😟😢
The very impressive thing in this video is that you so flawlessly pronounced his name
Love from India. Iz is my favourite singer. His songs touched my heart wheh I first heard him. Then I searched for his songs and came to know about makaha brothers...listened to many. Another favourite song of him is Kaleohano. I read many testimonials by different people about Iz. He was a true artist who came onto a stage sing with tubes in his nose when his health was declining. How dedicated was Iz. And he won that night too. Those who want to listen to that performance search for Kaleohano live and you can see an angel singing. Omg im crying. Thank you Iz. Thank you channel owner. You did a wonderful research on Iz' playing style. ❤❤❤
iz is amazing, he manages to make it feel like there is more than just a ukulele, he can almost replicate other sounds in a way i cant exactly describe
I grew up listening to braddah Iz as a child. "somewhere of the rainbow" was a lullaby for me. I'm glad to see him getting this appreciation and exposure today. He was such a kind soul.
Why when he does it it feels so calm and gentle even though you are both at the same tempo.
Iz was a real G
I cry everytime I hear this !!! Just magical....beautiful ❤❤❤
*I'm so glad I didn't take music theory or sound engineering in school. My musical experience and skills were all natural. I had SOOOO many professionals tell me I was playing wrong and my strumming or picking was incompatible or off tempo to work with other musicians ie: percussion. Then I asked a drummer to jump in with a simple punk beat or whatever I needed for one speciffic song. BOOM!! It lined up flawlessly. My strumming was equivalent to percussion and a metronome all-in-one.*
*I'm not a musical genius. But I have always strummed and picked in a complex manner and I find it easier to compose music that way.*
We all can learn how to play. But having the gift. Is what gives it a whole new level of play ing and sound.
First piece I have learned on the Uke. Rhythm is indeed the toughest part you have to think reggae. IZ invented the Jawaiian genre
I think the magic behind the song is how raw and flowing with passionate it was.
Thanks for your perseverance, patience and professionalism - you've been on a hell of a journey and taken a lot of us aspiring amateurs with you. Thanks for everything, you have been a great influence in helping me enjoy and improve my ukulele skills 👍
I really appreciate that!!
What a beautiful and absolute master. No matter how many times I hear Iz perform this, I am moved to deep tears that come from the deepest parts of my heart and soul. RIP Iz. We miss you and are grateful for what you gave us.
I first became aware of Israel when I saw the Adam Sandler movie, "Fifty First Dates". When I heard "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel, I was awestruck. I immediately wanted to hear more of his music and learn more about him. When I heard the medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World", it brought me to tears, a second time. It sounded so beautiful. It wasn't until I started researching other music he did, I learned that he had passed away some years ago.
It made me question myself, what was I hearing? Was it the pain he was going through? Had I discovered for myself a kindred soul? I don't know. What I do know is that Israel was a wonderful man and it shined through his music.
I have nothing but love for Israel. Rest In Peace Big Brother, You Deserve It. I am sure that you are in a better place now, The Big Island in the Sky🌈 🏝 🗿🙏📿.
Well said! That movie was also the first time I heard this song too!
@@UkuleleTricks It was heartbreaking to learn that he already had passed away even though I had only known about him for a very, very short time. It seemed like I knew him for a long time, I was full of grief and I shed many tears.
my dad would play these songs to me on his ukulele when i was a lot younger. it's one of the reasons i was inspired to be a musician. the more i listen to Alone in IZ World the more i can feel that he's probably playing along with Iz up above.
i cry everytime i hear this song, its amazing!!
Makes the hairs on my arms stand up every time I hear this song.. it is both beautiful and somehow haunting at the same time.. not much in life stirs my emotions like this does
This is a video that ukulele players have needed! All the other versions were never quite right. Thank you so much for your insight.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
For a haole boy you have done the best tutorial ! Is would have said right on braddah! You are good. Will watch for other tutorials you do...Awesome!!!!
watching you slowly deconstruct that strum throughout the video was so satisfying and it turned out so well ahhh 😭
Hey thank you so much! This one was a lot of fun. Glad you liked it!
you are right about something he was magic perfect song whish he still alive god bless israel
Lightning in a bottle... the most beautiful version ever... lightning in a bottle...
It was so sad to see him go home. I live this guy. One of the greatest. He is definitely missed by me. Unlike some of my great singing friends that I will never get to hear again. Since they left this earth. Izzy will always be on recordings. Along with some friends. We were blessed to have had Izzy on this planet. He brought so much joy and love.
20 years ago and I was trying to learn this song I ran into the exact same problem. Took me quite a good while to get it right! BRAHDA. IZ!!!!!! We all miss him here in hawaii
Goosebumps every time.
You rock brother! ZThank you for having so much love to create this! Much Love Blessings and Gratutude! - Guy 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it my friend!
I was blessed to meet Bruddah Iz when both our bands were just starting out back in the 70's. Such a beautiful guy, in his voice is the aching sadness of the Hawaiian experience, a sound that will pierce your soul, mixed with pure aloha that warms your heart. Iz forever. Great job breaking this down, btw. Your appreciation for his magic shines here.
thank you for sharing
Thank you, Brett, for this in-depth look at Iz's ukulele magic ❤
I know nothing about the ukelele, don't think i've ever heard IZ's original and yet you managed to keep it engaging the whole way through, well done
What an incredible breakdown of the song and strum with excellent video production! One suggestion for the percussive strum is to try a right hand palm muted downstrum on beats 2 & 4 instead of tapping the top of the ukulele. This allows the right hand to flow in a consistent motion throughout the 16th note subdivision.
I truly appreciate that Brian! I love that idea as well. Thank you!
Always nice to see another fellow muso appreciate another muso's work, well done!!! I like your work too Brian.
videos like this is what I really appreciate about youtube.
OMG! You nailed it on the uke. As far as Iz's voice...only IZ could have done that, but Iam Tongi has a very similar silky voice. I'm looking forward to what he gives us in the future. NICE JOB, Brett.
Silky is a good word! His voice really is something else. Thanks for your comment!
The strumming beat sounds like a heartbeat.
I love Israel’s music ❤
Fantastic job! I’ve been playing guitar for 30+ years so you can imagine I’ve seen a lot of technique breakdown demonstrations and your method is detailed , informative , professional and entertaining !
Great video. I don't know anything about music but the first time I heard this song, I think probably the same as everyone, I was overwhelmed with peace. I can see why Izrael wanted to record it that night at 3am. I'm sure even he was getting chills. Izrael's voice is almost angelic in this song.
I've never seen a complete breakdown of someone's style that's also so incredibly respectful of the original artist
It's not, "this is totally how they did it and you can too"
it's "I am so passionate about this that I've done my best to learn how to replicate it, but no one could ever top that"