Inspired by William Shakespeare's "The Tempest;" the wizard Prospero bids farewell to Miranda as they leave their island home and Miranda becomes Queen of Naples.

Leaving The Island

Another Tempest-inspired piece. The story of the witch Sycorax's banishment to the Island, from her perspective

The Exile of Sycorax

Third track inspired by The Tempest -- the spirit Ariel seeks common ground with the reformed Caliban, Sycorax's son

The Reconciliation

Sunflower Dance, occasionally known as With The Tide Schottische. Composed for banjo by Vess Osman c1908, also recorded by Fred Van Eps

Proving that soprano ukuleles can flourish in re-entrant baritone tuning (dGBE)

Sunflower Dance

Although this tune was first published by parlor guitar instructor/composer/arranger Henry Worrall in 1866, it in fact was already popular at the time. The original composer is unknown. It has since been rearranged and recorded by the likes of Elizabeth Cotten, Mississippi John Hurt, and many others. Oftentimes it may not even sound like the same tune!

Proving once again that a soprano ukulele can flourish in re-entrant baritone tuning (dGBE), here is my arrangement

Spanish Fandango

One of the first recordings I ever made, back when I had just downloaded Audacity and was learning the ropes. I don't think I had intended to share this -- it was a simple test, just to see how I sounded, and before I'd even figured out how to overdub.

The song itself, by the band Grandaddy, is the last lament of a depressed automaton. It has a companion song from the perspective of Jed's creators -- in November of 2012, I covered that song as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwq2TBOTNaQ

Jed's Other Poem - Grandaddy cover (March 2011)

Ukulele - DV L. Shetler
Lap harp - Avery Finnivan

Composed in the spring of 2014 for a production of Shakespeare's "Pericles, Prince of Tyre" by Yorick, the Shakespearean theatre club at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

we had to rush this demo recording to get it to the dance choreographer in time so it's a bit rough here and there

Dance at Pentapolis

another demo from the time capsule. Not sure of its exact date -- I'm sure I wrote it in November of 2012, while I was depressed, despairing, and misanthropic due to academic burnout, but the recording includes my melodica, which I did not acquire until about 2 months later

I decided not to share this at the time because it was such a downer, and I did not want to box myself into an "emo-folk" genre. Writing from my own life just felt a bit whiny besides. But now that I have other compositions to stand on, sharing this one is totes fine

Hard To Find (late 2012/early 2013)

Simple but sweet song I learned about two years back.

Different direction compared to my last track, in which I strived to use as many instruments as possible. Here, there's nothing but the uke and my voice. Yes, whistling counts as my voice.

I promise I'll get back to uploading original material next time.

Stray Dog and the Chocolate Shake - Grandaddy cover

That piece we've all heard even though half of us don't know what it's called

Originally composed by Vince Guaraldi

Linus & Lucy (cover)

Recorded outdoors on a damp foggy evening in central Ohio

Sun On Snow

Old-time folk, parlour music, Shakespearean balladry

Quaint Devices

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