fcukulele

They Rock… but in a jaunty way…The nucleus of the group is James ‘Jaff’ Jeffrey (Drums), Ross MacLeod (Ukes/Vocals), Craig ‘Silky’ Wilkie (Ukes/Vocals), Andy ‘Cronin’ Cronin (Baritone Uke/Harmonica/Vocals) and the fantastic Emma ‘Ooooh, I Need A Cold Shower’ Irving (Vocals/Tambourine/Human Theremin.)Emma and Ross first came through the ranks in the late 1990’s in the fondly remembered Musselburgh Supergroup the Lazy Diamonds. After an argument over petrol money the band had an acrimonious split which resulted in Emma taking a vow of silence (sadly short lived) and surviving on a diet of mung beans and Quavers (she even eats musically…) for three months. Ross, however flourished and continued playing and creating music from the comfort of his own smug self satisfaction.After the Lazy Diamonds split (and Emma commenced a more balanced diet) Ross and Emma got together to record a series of demos with newcomer, Craig Wilkie (a veteran of the Scottish Country Dancing Scene.) Although Craig didn’t immediately fit in, and was (some say) bullied by the other two, the magic was back and the idea of touring as ‘Billy Simpson and his Fabulous Flying Carpets’ was bandied around. This idea was quickly shelved.It was during this period the for a bit of fun, Ross bought himself a ukulele, and romance blossomed. To the dismay of his (now ex-) wife, he played it constantly, bringing great joy to only himself. Still, he was happy. He lent said ukulele to Craig who, also taken with this miniature Hawaiian instrument immediately bought himself one.This is where our ‘Maestro of the Moothie’ comes in. Craig had for some time been beard buddies with Andrew Cronin. During one of their facial grooming sessions Craig mentioned that he had a Ukulele and lent it to Andy – who (spotted the pattern yet??) purchased one for himself.Then a flash of inspiration hit – Three Men! Three Ukuleles! One Dream (and it wasn’t world harmony….)After a debut Gig at Edinburgh’s gothic Jekyll and Hyde pub the lads realised there were 2 things missing; a female vocalist to carry the tune over the infectious, dancing rhythms of the ukuleles, and someone who can count to 4 over and over again – preferably whilst hitting stuff.Enter Gentleman Jim Jeffrey, unlikely focal point of the group, drummer extraordinaire and mediocre gambler. James is a veteran of the Edinburgh Music Scene who has gigged constantly for the last 20 years for such forgotten greats as Unreal, Gods Monkey, The Raspberries and the late Rooster. James and Ross had formed an unlikely friendship during a week of sleeping in a hut on the outskirts of Amsterdam and loosely talked of forming a band ever since.With the addition of this explosive drummer the circle was complete and they have been been gigging throughout Edinburgh for the last 18 months with repeat bookings at the Traverse Theatre Bar, Berts Bar, the Jekyll and Hyde and various others.If you’re in trouble,No-one else can help,And if you can find them,Maybe you can hireF.C. Ukulele!!!!!