Gordon Mark explores beyond the definitive elements of music in his 'ukulele arrangements. As the various sections of an orchestra would realize inner lines, counterpoint, and extended chords around the melody and harmony, Gordon remarkably achieves this in his unique and masterful way on only four strings.
Solo 'Ukulele Orchestrations is Gordon's third release following Nohea and Personal Notes. With a repertoire of over a thousand songs, Daniel Ho's record label has only begun to document and share the vast montage that makes up his life's work. This collection of music showcases Gordon's extraordinary versatility. He covers a wide range of styles with equal proficiency--modern classical/jazz masterpieces like George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, jazz standards like The Shadow of Your Smile, pop hits like Yesterday, and Hawaiian classics like Ku'u Pua I Paoakalani.
The intricacies of Gordon's arrangements are like hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed by avid and careful listeners. The simultaneous execution of these extended chords, contrapuntal lines, melodies and harmonies is a Herculean task. Memorizing hundreds of pieces in this style, a doubly impressive feat. This album represents decades of creative study and practice. It is solo 'ukulele at its finest.