Download My Instrumental   The month of January in this brand new year is gonna be all about happy, inspiring, uplifting songs – songs you might whistle or hum to yourself as you hike along a nature trail on a bright, sunny morning.

Of course, when you hear “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, you think of Judy Garland and little dogs and tornadoes and a mysterious man behind the curtain.  But if you want to perform this wonderful piece onstage, Dorothy’s version leaves something to be desired.  Enter “Brother Iz” and his ukulele.

Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole (this is why they called him Brother Iz) was a Hawaiian musician and entertainer and an activist for Hawaiian sovereignty.  His voice was especially suited for a song like “Rainbow” – high, clear, and joyful.  He toyed with the original melody in such a way as to make it even more inspiring.  In his recorded arrangement, he coupled it with “What a Wonderful World” – pure genius.  Sadly, he died at the age of 38, but his music lives on forever.

If you can master his vocal intricacies, this one can be a show stopper for you.  If you play the ukulele – even better.  And not a tornado in sight.