Learning Supplements for Intermediate Song 8: Yellow Bird
from 30 Progressive duets for Low-G Ukulele
This is installment number 18 of 30 supplemental learning lessons to accompany the Book 30 Progressive Duets for Low-G Ukulele: Purchase HERE
History and Background
"Choucoune" is a 19th-century Haitian song composed by Michel Mauléart Monton with lyrics from a poem by Oswald Durand. It was rewritten with English lyrics in the 20th century as "Yellow Bird". Exotica musician Arthur Lyman made the song a hit in 1961.
The song "Yellow Bird" has a long history, including its origins as a Haitian Creole song, its English re-writing, and its many versions:
• Origins
The song originated as a Haitian Creole song, and is sometimes called "Ti Zwazo" or "Ti Zwezo".
• English re-writing
In the 20th century, the song was re-written with English lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.
• Early recordings
The Norman Luboff Choir released an English version of the song on their 1957 album Calypso Holiday.
• Mills Brothers version
The Mills Brothers had a minor hit with their version of the song in 1959, reaching number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Arthur Lyman Group version
The Arthur Lyman Group had a more successful version of the song in 1961, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Other versions
Many versions of the song were recorded and released in Jamaica in the 1950s and 1960s.
Learning Supplement: Useful Scales
Audio Play-Along
This jaunty and classic tune is all about rhythm. Pay close attention to the staccato notes and how they energize the musical phrases. The non-diatonic chromatic notes add to the dreamy quality of the melody in the A section and are added to the harmony in section C.
Uke 1 Audio
Uke 2 Audio
Both Parts Audio
