About This Composition

The ukulele is a great instrument for blues, often to the surprise and delight of listeners and players alike! Trip-O-Let Blues is an original tune which was composed to give students a feel for the primary elements of blues music. Triplets, shuffle rhythm, 7th chords, the I-IV-V chord progression, turn-arounds and  blues riffs are all included in this original composition. My interest in blues music dates back to my teenage years when I still recall hearing Lightnin’ Hopkins for the first time. Later my interest in the blues drew me to host my own blues radio show at my university and to bring acts like Buddy Guy to my hometown of Boise, Idaho. Blues music can be a great way to get an ensemble to feel, express, groove and blend each of the individual sounds together. This tune has been taught and performed at numerous festivals, camps, and workshops and is always a “hit” among players and audience.