Runnin' Wild (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Liz and Jim Beloff): Ukulele

Breezy and syncopated, with the kind of forward momentum that makes you want to move. There's a lightness to it all; even when the harmony gets interesting, the tune itself stays accessible and fun to play.

Intermediate ukulele players who've moved beyond strumming patterns and want to explore jazz repertoire on their instrument. This works well for ensemble settings where ukulele adds a rhythmic and harmonic layer to a mixed instrumentation.

• Articulate the syncopated hits crisply to keep the jazzy feel from sounding sluggish; this tune lives in the space between notes.
• Pay attention to chord voicings as written rather than substituting simpler options; the Beloffs' choices drive the harmonic style.
• Lean into swing feel throughout, even on the straightforward passages, so the groove feels intentional rather than accidental.
• Balance melodic clarity with rhythmic commitment; "Runnin' Wild" needs both a confident line and locked-in groove.

Perfect for a jazz or standards-focused concert where you need something recognizable but not predictable. It also fits nicely into a ukulele ensemble set or as a showcase piece that demonstrates jazz interpretation beyond traditional uke repertoire.

• Jazz phrasing and syncopation on ukulele
• Chord voicing interpretation and voice leading
• Swing feel and rhythmic placement in jazz context
• Reading and executing articulation in a jazz idiom