Stay ConnectedThe Happy Hour Harmonica podcast brings profiles of some of the top harmonica players and technicians today.
The podcast is sponsored by Seydel harmonicas. Check out their great range of products at www.seydel1847.com.
If you would like to make a voluntary contribution to help keep the podcast running then please use this link: https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour.
Visit the main podcast webpage at: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/
Contact: happyhourharmonicapodcast@gmail.com
Copyright: ℗ & © 2020 Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast
Jerry Portnoy, Steve Guyger and Louis Erlanger join me on episode 123, for a retrospective on Paul Oscher.
Paul was born in Brooklyn in 1947 and has a place in history as the first white player in a major black blues band, with Muddy Waters. Joining Muddy’s band gave Paul the best grounding in Chicago blues, he lived in Muddy’s house where he also learnt from the great Otis Spann. After leaving Muddy’s band Paul moved to New York and became a pivotal figure in the blues scene there. Paul put out a number of albums under his own name, with the first being Rough Stuff in 1993, up to Cool Cat in 2018. These included solo and band albums, showcasing his wide range of talents on the harmonica, and also the guitar, piano and vocals.
Links:
Website:
https://www.pauloscher.com/
Interview with Paul, by Margie Goldsmith:
https://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/paul-oscher-interview.html
Louis Erlanger Blues Blast Magazine interview:
https://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/featured-interview-louis-x-erlanger/
Videos:
Paul Oscher documentary by Jordan Haro:
https://vimeo.com/208402633
Story of Jimmy Johnson and harmonica trick:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFFPMYhLTt0
Paul playing piano:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSbAahV30Do
Playing Juke on a rack:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3WJgDEN4aA
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Ross Garren joins me again on episode 122.
Ross lives near Los Angeles, where he has established himself as a leading session musician for harmonica recordings on movies, including Marvel’s Logan and the new Joker film, as well on albums with numerous pop artists, including recently on Beyonce’s album, Cowboy Carter.
Initially a piano player, Ross came to love the harmonica from the age of twelve and plays a wide range of harmonicas, from diatonic to chromatic, bass, chord and other types.
Ross plays in the roots meets electronica duo The Sheriffs of Schroedingham, and has just released a self-produced ambient album called Of Winds and Reeds and Very Old Trees. He also recorded the harmonica for a Bob Dylan biopic coming out soon.
Links:
Website:
http://www.rossgarren.com/
Selection of session recordings:
http://www.rossgarren.com/recordings.html
Bandcamp release: Of Winds and Reeds and Very Old Trees:
https://magneticvines.bandcamp.com/album/of-wind-and-reeds-and-very-old-trees
Harpsmith custom harmonicas by Kinya Pollard:
https://harpsmith.com/
Gamechanger harmonica:
https://bushmanmusic.com/shop/bushman-harmonicas/game-changer-harmonica/
Simple Mics:
https://simplemics.com/
Videos:
John & Ross Present: 'Caldonia' (feat. Nic Jackson):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTQ0QrHhcwA
Blue Rondo A La Turk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ceFONN_Mcs
Sous le Ciel de Paris, Pomplamoose ft. Ross Garren
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vol9dZ-t93s
Bass harp:
https://youtu.be/WgfKEE1QPiA?si=bEmyT8VPqwnjDt30&t=112
Royal Albert Hall from 2023:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cumStSUVX9w&t=134s
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Jim Zeller joins me on episode 121.
Jim is from Montreal, Canada, and first starting playing harmonica at age twelve after stealing one from a school friend. He ran away from home at age fifteen and learnt harmonica as he hitch-hiked around North America.
Jim has a very distinctive energetic style of playing on both the diatonic and chromatic harmonica. He developed this style by emulating guitar riffs and the percussive elements of Indian music.
He has played with and supported some famous blues names, appeared in a Bob Dylan movie and has had a stellar career in the Canadian blues scene, being nominated for Maple Blues awards and appearing at the Montreal Jazz Festival over thirty times.
Links:
Jim's website:
https://jimzeller.wixsite.com/jimzeller
Yonberg harmonicas:
https://www.yonberg-harmonica.com/en
Videos:
Fright Train:
https://youtu.be/ITftta0SXRY?si=pjJyN2ChsFPCCsds
The Man With The Harmonica:
https://youtu.be/fcHhRSIMSzU?si=MJJuVgbA3Dsc6Ode
Playing The Godfather live at the Montreal Jazz Festival:
https://youtu.be/ajypG_32ij8
Wild Life:
https://youtu.be/7Dr2J2CNbak?si=e38mCvAppGPqsItp
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Grant Dermody, Ross Garren and Pete Dammann join me on episode 120 for a retrospective on Paul DeLay.
Paul is a harmonica player who may go under the radar for some but his unique approach to both the diatonic and chromatic harmonica, as well as his powerful vocals and his insightful and humorous songwriting have placed him firmly in the hearts of harmonica and music fans in the know.
Paul was from Portland, Oregon in the north west United States where his first outfit was the Brown Sugar Blues band. He formed The Paul deLay Blues band in the early 1980s releasing four albums before a period of incarceration in the early 1990s saw him breakout with his highly original blues based material, all laced with harmonica playing quite unlike any other. His passing in 2007 has left a Paul deLay shaped hole which has never been filled.
Links:
Paul deLay website:
http://www.pauldelay.com/
Grant Dermody interview:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/grant-dermody-interview/
Pete Dammann LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-dammann-4777b916/
Videos:
Brown Sugar Blues Band - I Know My Baby Been Cheating:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IdB1HuB9so
Burnin’ album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGa0DQNJ2ao
Fourteen Dollars In The Bank:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzqF1jNhO-Y
deLay Does Chicago album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaI0T2rhQQM
Ocean of Tears album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE1u-RBPfmI
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Yeore Kim joins me on episode 119.
Yeore is from South Korea, where she first picked up the tremolo harmonica at the age of six. Her mother is a piano teacher, so she also learnt piano and other instruments, including trumpet, before focusing on the chromatic harmonica from age 18.
Yeore has released two albums of duets with different pianists.
She moved to France in 2018 after meeting her guitarist husband, Antoine Boyer, with whom she has released an album, Tangram. This contains a great mix of jazz, world music and interpretations of pop songs.
Yeore is currently working on a duo album with her husband, due to released later in 2024, and to be followed by a tour in 2025 to promote the album.
Videos:
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfFkS5hmOn6BCgU1FCO_IEQ
Japanese player Nobuo Tokunaga:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33t6gCajgyw
7AM duet with pianist Mia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA2INoVumc0
Oasis song: Don’t Look Back In Anger:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGiQuyXSN7Y
HUK interview with Sam Spranger:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSKLp_di5uw&t=98s
European Tour blog:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaQmcObOMiU
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
David Barrett joins me on episode 118.
David is based in San Jose, California, where he took lessons from Gary Smith from age 16, in addition to learning from great harmonica recordings. He started teaching harmonica himself from age 18 and has become one of the foremost harmonica educators around, with his BluesHarmonica.com website an invaluable resource. He ran the School of Blues for twenty years and has written over seventy instructional books, DVDs and CDs.
David has four albums to his name, including two albums where he has collaborated with other harmonica players. These albums showcase his dedication to playing blues harmonica, where he has crafted harmonica parts from his lifelong study and love of the art form.
Links:
Website:
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/
School of Blues:
https://www.schooloftheblues.com/
Hohner profile page:
https://www.hohner.de/en/david-barrett
David's tuition books:
https://www.melbay.com/AdvancedSearch/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=david+barrett
Videos:
David's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@bluesharmonicateacher
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Yvonnick Prene joins me on episode 117.
Yvonnick was born in France and has been resident in New York for seventeen years after first moving to the city to study at the New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music.
He started out playing blues and jazz on the diatonic and took lessons with some of the great French players, before focusing his attention playing jazz on the chromatic.
Yvonnick is a bandleader and has released seven albums under his own name as well as numerous sessions as a sideman.
He also runs the New Harmonica School in New York and the excellent online tutorial website My Harmonica Studio, as well as numerous tutorial books.
Yvonnick is also the face of Hohner’s new Xpression chromatic harmonica.
Links:
Website:
https://www.yvonnickprene.com/
Tuition website:
https://www.myharmonicastudio.com/
Henriksen amplifiers:
https://www.henriksenamplifiers.com/
Videos:
Yvonnick’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCRked2IhFUqTf92SHisizQ
Yvonnick Prene & Manual Rocheman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O-y3YLahwY
Slim Shady song:
https://youtu.be/y6mgIJH6_EY
New York Harmonica School:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcwEprk6rJ8
Triste from Jobim’s World album:
https://youtu.be/nlztkwCXeKU
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Isabella Krapf joins me on episode 116.
Isabella is from Vienna, Austria, where she started teaching and performing concerts in her late teens and has had a career in the harmonica ever since.
Isabella is a collector of harmonicas and puts on exhibitions. She played a part in keeping the Seydel factory in business when it was looking for new investors in the early 2000s, by ordering 1000 ‘boomerang’ harmonicas.
In 2011 Isabella was asked to visit North Korea to teach groups of music students there to play harmonica. A group later visited Austria and performed some concerts in Europe under her guidance.
Isabella also got to know Jerry Adler towards the end of his life and compiled an album for him and played in a concert with him and Howard Levy in 2006.
Links:
Website: https://www.isabellakrapf.com/
Videos:
Boomerang harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n7hfbd9BQ0
North Korean ensemble at Trossingen in 2013:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCoL33Y0-24
North Korean group playing at Bristol in 2012:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dI7k5s0uVw
The Bossa Nova Company:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uujLkY_iCfo
Pablo Fegundas:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=792673521775393
HUK virtual workshop:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1LjuOwqaic
Historical diatonic video:
https://www.facebook.com/denise.uthoff.3/videos/1020566385917951
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Pat Missin joins me on episode 115.
Pat’s knowledge about the harmonica is unsurpassed, with his website at patmissin.com, a definitive source of information for over twenty years. He gives us an insight into some of this knowledge, starting with how free reed instruments were the predecessor of the harmonica and the questionable history of who actually invented the harmonica as we know it today. We also discuss various harmonica recording firsts, such as the first blues harmonica song recorded, the first second and third position and chromatic recording. Pat was also one of the earlier leading exponents on exploring harmonica tuning schemes and has released some song books for harmonica as well as some on other free reed instruments.
Links:
Website:
https://patmissin.com/
Free reed instrument history:
https://patmissin.com/history/history.html
Harmonica collection:
https://patmissin.com/gallery/gallery.html
Tunings:
https://patmissin.com/tunings/tunings.html
Vintage harmonica recordings:
https://www.patmissin.com/78rpm/78rpm.html
Harmonica reviews:
https://patmissin.com/index1.html
Magazine articles:
https://www.patmissin.com/articles/articles.html
Roger Trobridge’s Harmonica Archivist site:
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/
Videos:
Pat playing at the NHL festival in 1999:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKOBtWLuV7E
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Seth Shumate joins me on episode 114.
Seth is an Old Timey and pre-war harmonica player originally from Arkansas, now living in Tennessee. Seth has deeply researched the early history of the harmonica and has written an Old Time Harmonica Handbook which contains lots of great information, as well as techniques on how to play authentic Old Timey harmonica using various tongue blocking techniques to add percussive rhythm and to provide self-accompaniment while also playing the melody of the tune. Seth likes to play acoustically, making use of an Edison phonograph cylinder for amplification, and accompanying himself using bones and other instruments, and he’s recently acquired the Masterharp USA tuning table company.
Seth plays with The Ozark Highballers band and releases regular videos to his YouTube channel of his playing.
Links:
Contact Seth:
seth.shumate@googlemail.com
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/seth-shumate
Facebook group:
Harmonica Country, Bluegrass, Rock & Celtic
Videos:
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrSFmT4zFksy1YRKGVJSfhg
Seth playing Turkey In The Straw with Edison Horn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s9obWRYkEI
Tupelo Blues played with bones:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrSFmT4zFksy1YRKGVJSfhg
Dave Rice Old Timey album:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9g13kPvKhaMrGaHI8RdBYWvmWOHzeV75
Seth YouTube Interview and playing:
https://youtu.be/1As3CbgL9ug
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Andre Godoy Coelho (and Brendan Power) join me on episode 113.
Andre is a Brazilian who relocated to Portugal in 2018, performing and recording two albums with the Rio Grande band in Sao Paulo, before recording a recent album in a duo in Portugal.
Andre quickly became interested in harmonica customisation when his first harmonica didn’t quite perform as he wanted. This has turned into a full time business for Andre, who has now teamed up with Brendan Power on his x-reed harmonica range. The partnership has just released the Morbendz, a diatonic with a slide which increases the number of available bends from 8 to 14, providing the missing notes from a standard diatonic, while playing just the same.
Links:
Website:
https://linktr.ee/agcoelho
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/andre.coelho.1694059/
Order the Morbendz and other x-reed harmonicas:
https://x-reed.com/products.php
Harmonetta information:
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1306551
Videos:
Andre's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@agc_custom_harps
Little Lady Hip Hop track:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx05yBNybXw
Lapa & Godoy duo:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB0l7d8Zq0HLoVfSIdapXoOEvKox4JCjn&si=dOzFb8z6lC7MmGfk
Andre and Brendan playing together:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KPaUDT9RbM
Brendan introduction video to Morbendz diatonic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z3WLTRymYU
Andre playing on the Morbendz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwYRXqgwTv8
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Harmonica group Svang join me on episode 112.
Svang are a harmonica quartet from Finland, who have been performing and recording for over twenty years now. They first formed in 2003 when Jouko was teaching at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and suggested forming a harmonica group with two of his students.
The group doesn’t play the typical harmonicas of a harmonica group, with a harmonetta used instead of a chord, and bluesy diatonics used as part of the sound alongside chromatic.
Their repertoire includes folk music from Finland and the rest of the world, but is equally influenced by classical music or Finnish tango. They have released ten albums to date, with the latest, Svang Nuevo coming out in 2024 to celebrate their 20 year anniversary.
Links:
Website:
https://www.svang.fi/
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/svangharmonica
Concerts:
https://www.svang.fi/concerts
Galileo Music: (to buy their albums)
https://www.galileomusic.de/katalogsuche.aspx
Videos:
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@SvangHarmonicaQuartet
Appearance on Jools Holland BBC TV show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwEkbFHpLTc
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Episode 111 is part 2 of the ten minute question, from the remaining podcast guests up until this point.
As per the last episode, I’ll say the name of each guest before they respond to the question: “if you had 10 minutes to practise, what would you spend that ten minutes doing”.
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Something a little different for episode 110 (and also episode 111 so I can keep the length around the one hour mark).
The next two episodes are a compilation of all the ten minute question answers from the series so far, in this, the 110th episode (get it?)
Not every episode had a ten minute question, such as the retrospectives, but most did, 96 in fact.
So I hope you enjoy listening back to this collection and apply some of the tips and tricks offered by the great players who have been on the podcast so far.
I’ll say the name of each person before they respond to the question: “if you had 10 minutes to practise, what would you spend that ten minutes doing”.
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Clint Hoover joins me on episode 109.
Clint is originally from Minneapolis and has spent a life immersed in music and the harmonica. He’s reached great heights on both the chromatic and the diatonic. Early on he also studied guitar and saxophone and attended a jazz course in New York City where he also took chromatic lessons from Robert Bonfiglio.
His eclectic mix of interests has led him to recording albums in genres from pre-war blues to modern jazz, to rock, pop and World Music. His first recorded album was with a mainstream band called The Fontanas back in 1989, with the album release being delayed for thirty four years, coming out in 2023. In-between he’s released jazz albums, jug band music, rock and more, really showcasing his extraordinary talents on both the diatonic and chromatic harmonicas.
Links:
Website:
https://clinthoover.com/
Clint article: ‘My Harmonica Journey’:
https://clinthoover.com/a-harmonica-journey/
Richard Hunter interview with Clint:
https://www.hunterharp.com/hoover1/
The Fontanas album:
https://blackberrywayrecords.com/album/2566074/the-fontanas
Videos:
Clint’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7io6uwgGzsOBpanupYdBg
Les Thompson performing live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlLGjO8MzpU
Get Up Off That Jazzophone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23VJPJeakJI
Sister Sadie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQG1sHJedgY
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
--------------------------------
Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com
Roly Platt joins me on episode 108.
Roly is a Canadian player who has recorded countless sessions over his 45 year career. He started out playing in a country band which set the scene for him playing a diverse range of genres throughout that time. Roly has recorded 1700 individual session cuts, with the numerous bands he has played in, and also various film, tv and commercial jingles.
Roly ecorded his own album in 2017, Inside Out, where he showcased his versatility by including a range of different types of song.
Roly produced and sells the great Harp Wah harmonica mute and later this year he will be releasing a book about his life with the harmonica.
Links:
Roly’s main website:
https://www.harmonicamute.com
Other website:
https://rolyplatt.com/
The Book - pre-order:
https://www.harmonicamute.com/product/i-play-harmonica-book-preorder/
Roly’s harmonica workshops:
https://www.harmonicamute.com/2-hour-harmonica-workshops-prerecorded/
Roly’s gear reviews:
https://www.harmonicamute.com/gear-reviews/
Ross Garden interview with Jimmie Fadden:
http://www.rossgarren.com/jimmie-fadden.html
Videos:
With Matt Minglewood:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbXuNtkxTSY
Inside Out album interview:
https://rolyplatt.com/canadian-harmonica-player-roly-platt-talks-debut-cd-inside.html
It Ain’t Right:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx0NOq5ma5Q
Toronto Blue Jays theme song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTGDF0dc5T0
New Orleans Funk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPljRQKt59o
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Yotam Ben-Or joins me on episode 107.
Yotam is a chromatic player who attended the Tel-Aviv Music Conservatory, making a name for himself on the Israeli music scene before winning a scholarship to study at The New School for Jazz in New York, age 21.
Although predominately a jazz player, Yotam is keen to emphasise the diverse range of genres this encapsulates, including world music and South American influences on his music. Yotam has previously released two albums under his own name, with a third coming out in 2025. Many of the songs on these albums are composed by Yotam as he helps to push the chromatic in new and exciting directions.
Links:
Yotam's website:
https://www.yotambo.com/
Videos:
Yotam Ben-Or Quartet live at Festival da Jazz St. Moritz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GI9HM6NqCY
Satla song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv6zOhUKa6o
MiLiM song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tGBXF0nHw4
Live at Carnegie Hall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wmKRaXdW9A
Live in Switzerland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GI9HM6NqCY
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Eddie Martin joins me on episode 106.
Eddie has been described as the ambassador of British Blues, having released seventeen albums over his near fifty year career, with many of the songs self-penned by Eddie. He started out as a one-man band, but also performs as part of his own bands too. In either format Eddie makes extensive use of rack harmonica, and is one of the leading players of using a rack, while also playing some hand-held harmonica as well. Eddie gives us some great tips on playing on the rack.
Eddie also had a two year spell in the US where he regularly played on Beale St, Memphis and Clarksdale, Mississippi, as well as time playing in Italy.
And he regularly teaches at workshops in the UK and Europe.
Links:
Eddie’s website:
http://eddiemartin.com
Big Red Radio:
https://soundcloud.com/eddie-martin/sets/eddie-martins-big-red-radio
Harmonica Master’s Workshop:
https://www.harmonica-masters.de/en/workshops-2024/master-workshops-diatonic/eddie-martin.html
EuroBlues week:
https://www.euroblues.co.uk/blues-week-2024/
Son of Dave interview:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/son-of-dave-interview/
Videos:
One Man Band video from Thirst album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK6Qr9nSugw&t=18s
Birdcage Sessions video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU87CViwfJA
Harpin’ By The Sea 2024: Breakeven Blues:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S83O-scnX_I
Harpin’ By The Sea 2024: Early In The Morning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fuwgMcaJ4Q
NHL festival 2006: Queen of Spades:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW-Y9JplJ4w
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Paul Barry joins me again on episode 105, for another look at the life and career of the great William Clarke.
Paul has now released his biography: Blowin’ Like Hell: The William Clarke Story, writing it from insights he gained from Bill’s wife Jeanette, and Bill's children, and the musicians who played with him, as well as many others.
Bill dedicated his life from the age of sixteen to become the bluesman he dreamed he could be, and he worked extremely hard at it. He honed his craft from woodshedding at home, attending the blues clubs of LA, becoming the protege of George Smith, and pushing himself hard to create his unique voice both vocally and especially on the diatonic and chromatic harmonica. All this despite his personal demons, to become one of the leading players of his generation.
Links:
Paul’s website:
https://www.paulbarryblues.com/
Where to buy the biography:
https://www.paulbarryblues.com/william-clarke.html
Blues Blast magazine review of the William Clarke book:
https://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/issue-18-7-february-15-2024/?fbclid=IwAR3lctX2K7JrotYoAczEp_JE_rIktqg6QejnVrSMR52OYIvKiEM-GeyJS9Q
William Clarke Remembered Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/171827912850208/
The first William Clarke retrospective with Paul:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/william-clarke-retrospective-with-paul-barry/
Videos:
Bill playing Lollipop Mama at the San Fran Blues Festival in 1991:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrXrsmUWAGM
Interview with Bill, and concert footage from Byron Bay festival in Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfgWsyKvC3o
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Mike Turk joins me on episode 104.
Mike is a Boston-based player who started out playing blues harmonica, inspired by the great Paul Butterfield, before becoming interested in playing jazz on the chromatic. He recorded some session work in New York and recorded through the 1970s with various artists, with many of those tracks available on anthology albums Mike has put out. He released his first solo album, Harmonica Salad, in 1991. Mike went on to record several more albums, with a letter from Toots Thielemans included in the liner notes for Turk’s Works. He also toured Europe and recorded some albums with the Italian band he was working with while in Europe.
Links:
Mike’s website:
https://www.tinsandwichmusic.com/
Toots Thielmans testimonial on Mike’s website:
https://www.tinsandwichmusic.com/?page_id=265
Polyphonia harmonica:
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1306456
Great interview with Mike:
https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/harmonica-virtuoso-mike-turk-talks-about-jazz-blues-lowel-fulsom
Videos:
Don Brooks session recordings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDGSb5NxtJY&list=PLGbKWi5veb_nwSHBWYjEgDPtHfYbFFufY&index=4
Honeydripper film opening credits:
https://youtu.be/BO5eP6XsF9M
Douglas Tate playing at the NHL Festival in 1988 (not on a Renaissance):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th1PbXWfoY8
Mike trio gig from March 2022:
https://www.facebook.com/themadmonkfish/videos/1593252841059782
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Konstantin Reinfeld joins me on episode 103.
Konstantin is a German who comes from the overblow school of harmonica, studying music at a conservatory and taking lessons from Howard Levy as part of his early development. He released a jazz album at age 18, with two more albums to follow before releasing a classical album played on the diatonic harmonica, for which he won a German Grammy award for classical music.
On top of this Konstantin is a music producer, including producing his own recordings bringing the harmonica into a contemporary pop setting. He has a very active online presence and hosts harmonica interviews for the Hohner Live X series of YouTube videos.
Links:
Konstantin’s website:
https://www.konstantinreinfeld.com
Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/konstantinreinfeld
Compositions for harmonica and piano:
https://www.doerken-stiftung.de/foerderung/kompositionen-fuer-mundharmonika-als-gratisdownload/downloads-kompositionen-fuer-mundharmonika-und-klavier
Videos:
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@KonstantinReinfeld
Body Heat with Benjamin Nuss:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KEJzFcZgqg&list=TLGGMrKWZLRF3CoyMjAxMjAyNA&t=2s
Cinema Paradiso - Love Theme:
https://youtu.be/ULj-GjL4nFA?si=D6G11zXwOCd32kvv
Interview on Hohner channel with the 14 year old Konstantin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIPCFRTIJDU
Hohner Live X interview with Howard Levy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_DDBgcEViw
Country Harmonica Challenge:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glvupq6gpf8
Don Toliver harmonica cover:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2BVsMa5QiM
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Christian Marsh joins me on episode 102.
Christian is an Australian who plays both the diatonic and chromatic harmonica. Starting out playing diatonic, Christian drew inspiration from players such as Norton Buffalo and Charlie McCoy, absorbing as much harmonica as he could lay his hands on . He picked the chromatic up a few years later after hearing Toots Thielemans play, and even went on to maintain Larry Adler’s harmonicas while he was touring Australia.
Christian is a mainstay on the Australian music scene, having 60 album credits sessions to his name, as well as a number of albums with Dr Goodvibe, and several under his own name, with a new release coming out in January 2024. Christian has also performed a concerto written for harmonica, as well as performing at the Sydney Opera House.
Links:
Christian Marsh website:
https://christianmarsh.com.au/
Recording credits:
https://christianmarsh.com.au/credits/
Online tracks:
https://www.reverbnation.com/christianmarsh/song/27991199-sven-libaeks-harmonica-concerto
Videos:
Nun In The Back Seat, with Dr Goodvibe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cov-WjwvCp4&t=200s
Roxanne, live with Dr Goodvibe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh136n8OQHY
Live with Paul Robert Burton trio:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBMiFbRZYSk
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram
Tom Ellis interviews Neil Warren on episode 101.
Neil started out playing blues harmonica in his hometown of Blackburn (with it’s 4000 holes). He progressed into learning jazz, taking jazz chromatic lessons for several years, and then folk music. Neil currently plays in two bands around his local area, an acoustic act playing blues and folk, and an electric band playing different genres, such as ska and funk and blues, including use of the DM48 midi chromatic.
He has won three categories of competitions at the UK National Harmonica League festival and helped organise the Chromatic Weekend festival for them for several years.
The discussion then turns to focus on the Happy Hour Harmonica podcast, how it got started, how he sources the people to interview, what the podcast tries to do and some of his own favourite moments from the first 100 episodes.
Links:
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/
Contact podcast:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/contact/
Transcription website:
https://www.harptranscripts.co.uk/
Harp Keys: showing key of harmonica used on over 1000 songs:
https://www.harptranscripts.co.uk/harpkeys.html
Rev John and the Revelations:
https://revjohnh490546051.wordpress.com/
Greg Mayston band:
https://www.folkbluesandamericana.com/
Harmonica UK (was National Harmonica League):
https://www.harmonica.uk/
Videos:
Roseanne soundtrack:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSE51IAUZ3M
Dark Eyes at UK Chromatic Weekend:
https://youtu.be/fh664YnZcFc?si=mowTd5gPtJJdBvNc
Blair Athol (Scottish folk song):
https://youtu.be/eZ-FT48q05Q
Blowing The Family Jewels:
https://youtu.be/fnOZrIr7AE4
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram
Episode 100 is a retrospective on the greatest ever blues harmonica player, Marion Walter Jacobs, aka Little Walter.
Little Walter was born in 1930, probably, and started playing harmonica age 8. He was busking on the streets of New Orleans by age 12, spent some time in Helena, before heading north to Chicago to make his indelible mark on blues and the harmonica. Little Walter teamed up with Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers and cut some classic blues recordings before he went out under his own name after he was launched into superstardom with his instrumental Juke, in 1952. He was riding high in the charts and touring for the next few years, including another number one with My Babe, while still also recording with Muddy Waters.
The arrival of rhythm and blues started to replace the blues as the popular music of the day, which saw Little Walter start to go down slow, but he still made some great recordings and completed two tours of Europe.
He was then taken far too young, at the age of 37, as a result of an injury sustained in a street fight. But he left behind numerous masterpieces in the blues harmonica genre, that have influenced pretty much every player since.
Links:
The Little Walter Foundation:
https://littlewalterfoundation.org/
Billy Boy Arnold interview:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/billy-boy-arnold-interview/
Kim Field website:
https://www.kimfield.com/
Bob Corritore Little Walter photo tribute page:
https://bobcorritore.com/photos/little-walter-photo-tribute/
Videos:
Lonnie Glosson and Wayne Raney:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfXb7OEjVzU
Ora Nelle Blues, first recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E7z56E0DwI
Playing Walter's Jump with Hound Dog Taylor in 1967:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8GWEvIkzGE
Trailer of Blue Midnight Little Walter biography:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtZDbiCEfnM
She’s 19 Years Old bootleg recording with Sam Lay from 1967:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9-pYoSCcHc
Little Walter’s induction into Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyYk_PlnnUo
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram
Dennis Gruenling joins me on episode 99.
Dennis is originally from the New York area, where he began his love affair with record collecting, listening to a wide range of music, from country to rhythm and blues and beyond before it all came together when he heard his first harmonica on the great Harp Attack album.
Dennis cut his teeth with the support of local harp players before releasing his first album, Jump Time, featuring the jump swing style of his early output. On this, and subsequent albums, Dennis was a trailblazer in making extensive use of amplified low tuned harmonicas. Dennis has gone on to make some great albums across the jump and Chicago blues genres, and currently plays with the Nick Moss band.
From an early age Dennis has been renovating vintage microphones, and is now one of the leading providers of vintage mics and amps in the world, via his BadAssHarmonicas website, as well as a huge collection of webinars on all things harmonica.
Links:
Dennis Gruenling websites:
https://badassharmonica.com/
https://www.dennisgruenling.co
Nick Moss band:
https://badassharmonica.com/pages/nick-moss-band
Webinars / Membership:
https://badassharmonica.com/collections/memberships
Gear used by Dennis:
https://www.dennisgruenling.com/gear
Bands In Town page:
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/14484438-dennis-gruenling-badass-harmonica
Tip Dennis:
https://badassharmonica.com/collections/tips-thank-you
Videos:
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@DennisGruenling
Playing Rocker with the Nick Moss band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=2EswyXuWwz
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram
Michael Pettersen And James Waldron join me on episode 98.
In this episode we talk about the iconic Green Bullet microphone, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024.
Michael is the Director of Corporate History at Shure microphones , and he tells us about the early design of the mic, what it was used for and about how it took years before Shure became aware that it was such an important mic for harmonica players.
James runs SimpleMics.com, where he rebuilds vintage harmonica microphones, including for some illustrious customers. James provides a harmonica-centric perspective on the Green Bullet and some detail on what is under the hood of the mic.
Both Michael and James help debunk some of the myths about the Green Bullet, as well as sharing their deep knowledge of its element, shell and other inner workings of this most legendary of harmonica microphones.
Links
Green Bullet mics website:
https://greenbulletmics.net/
James’ Simple Mics website:
https://www.simplemics.com/
Versions of the Green Bullet:
https://service.shure.com/s/article/what-are-the-different-versions-of-the-green-bullet?language=en_US
https://service.shure.com/s/article/history-of-the-model-520-green-bullet?language=en_US
Convert Green Bullet to use with XLR cable (low impedance):
https://service.shure.com/s/article/putting-an-xlr-on-the-green-bullet?language=en_US
Add a volume control and on/off switch:
https://service.shure.com/s/article/adding-a-volume-control-to-a-520d-green-bullet?language=en_US
Shure 520DX model:
https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products/microphones/520dx?variant=520DX
Videos:
Shure video on how the Green Bullet became the sound of blues harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlLniCG0lCw
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram
Vitor Lopes joins me on episode 97.
He is a Brazilian chromatic player who specialises in Choro music.
Vitor tells us about the history of the harmonica in Brazil, starting out when Hohner opened a factory there in 1923, which later became the Hering factory. The availability of harmonicas in Brazil made the instrument very popular and spawned some tremendous players.
In 2008 Vitor was awarded the APCA prize for the best Brazilian musician of the year. He has recorded several Choro albums with his bands, has toured in Europe several times and appears on numerous albums with other musicians.
If you want to learn some Choro, Vitor has an online course available so you can play some of this wonderful music on the chromatic harmonica.
Links:
Chorando as Pitangas band website:
https://chorandoaspitangas.com
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vitor-lopes-harm/tracks
Vitor’s Choro harmonica course:
https://hotmart.com/en/marketplace/products/choro-harmonica-with-vitor-lopes/U51984467A?sck=HOTMART_SITE
Videos:
History of harmonica in Brazil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIF4-7Em_aw
Edu da Gaita playing Paganini’s Moto Perpetuo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w8j_gfIEiU
Vitor’s series of videos on Brazilian Choro music on harmonica:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb7Pnj0vhWE3TcArNwNkjO4P9IQVCAbxA&si=Ai7wIhxP7LTXzrV-
Concert with Chorando as Pitangas:
https://youtu.be/Wbe2Dr0oi9s?si=IyiLCCHoiwHevJ2f
With Ana Fridman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxUvAEIPCM
Duo with Pablo Fagundes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s87mSjNEGJ8
Vitor playing diatonic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-RtOdozKdw
Suzuki condenser mic overview from Joe Powers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQKs3yFRInc
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram
Paddy Wells joins me on episode 96.
Paddy is based in the north of England, where he started out as a singer playing a little harp before hearing amplified harmonica, which really turned him on to the instrument.
Paddy is also a freelance music journalist, having written regular articles for several music magazines in the UK, including Blues in Britain. He also wrote an article, Blowin’ Off The Dust, for the SPAH magazine.
Paddy has also spent some time travelling the US, including sitting in with Jason Ricci, and writing two magazine articles on him.
Paddy has played in various bands in the north of England, appearing at festivals and supporting some notable names. His current band is called Dust Radio.
Links:
Paddy’s website:
https://www.paddywells.com/
Dust Radio music:
https://dustradio1.bandcamp.com/music
Music:
https://www.paddywells.com/music
Paddy’s article: Blowing Off the Dust: Modern Masters of the Blues Harp:
https://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/modern-blues-harp-masters.html
Videos:
Lyndon Anderson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26yIoZVYuVA
Interview with Paddy on the Tim Green Blues show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yTEBIuKJGk
I’d Rather Go Blind with Poorboy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNH0Qs8GEeM
Problem and The Remedy video:
https://dustradio1.bandcamp.com/track/problem-remedy-2
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram
Michael Rubin joins me on episode 95.
Michael moved to Austin as a young man, initially as a blues player. He found that by diversifying the genres he played on harmonica he became much more in demand in the vibrant music scene in Austin. He added to t his versatility by playing different types of harmonica, including plenty of chromatic in addition to the diatonic being his main axe. Michael has also recorded on bass harmonica and the harmonetta.
Michael has gigged and recorded with numerous outfits, with styles ranging from blues to pop, African music, reggae and old time country gospel. Michael released his first solo album in 2022, I’ll Worry If I Wanna. On here he demonstrates his full range of harmonica mastery, including a solo playing in all twelve positions.
Links:
Michael’s website:
https://michaelrubinharmonica.com/
I’ll Worry If I Wanna album:
https://michaelrubin.hearnow.com/
SPAH tribute to Bob Herndon (great Harmonetta player):
https://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=62
Mike Caldwell:
https://www.countrythangdaily.com/mike-caldwell-unleashed/
Album with Christopher Cody Meacham:
https://christophercodymeacham.bandcamp.com/album/ol-time-waddies-blues-2019-lp
Videos:
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@michaelrubinharmonic
List of YouTube harmonica lessons:
https://michaelrubinharmonica.com/pageVideoArchive.html
Peg O My Heart on Harmonetta:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfqJNhLoTA
Sophisticated Lady on DM48:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaSKBZqijnU
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram
The interview with Jason Ricci continues on episode 94, part 2.
Jason shares how he has matured into his music, including on his 2021 album, City Country City, playing jazz, funk and blues with New Orleans musician Joe Krown.
Jason goes on to share what he considers to be his best work on harmonica, and the elements that make up a great performance.
He’s recorded two albums with JJ Appleton, and Bad Kind is Jason’s current band, having released two albums so far, and a new album coming out with Bad Kind at the end of the month: Behind The Veil.
Jason has a big social media presence, with Patreon the place to go for his teaching material, with over 600 harmonica related videos available.
And Jason has just released a signature harmonica in partnership with Blue Moon harmonicas.
Links:
Jason’s social media links::
https://mooncat.org/
https://www.instagram.com/jasonricci93/
https://twitter.com/jasonricci93
Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/jasonricci
Tip Jason:
PayPal.me/jasonricci
Bandcamp:
https://jasonricci.bandcamp.com/
Harp Gear amplification:
http://harpgear.com/
Videos:
Paul Butterfield induction into the rock ’n roll Hall of Fame:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zix79vpAjG0
2023 SPAH concert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKPuDDJz66M
Pedal Board (2019):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8CeSabvTy0
Hip-Hug Her with Bad Kind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMlB_rL8REU
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Ins
Jason Ricci joins me on episode 93 (and on episode 94)
In part one: Jason tells us how he started out in a punk band, with his bandmates suggesting he take up the harmonica. Of course, he took to it quickly, to become quite possibly the leading diatonic harmonica player of his generation.
After initially developing his blues playing via the classic players, Jason moved to Memphis and developed his signature fast licks under the guidance of Pat Ramsey. Then, after getting into jazz and a brief flirtation with the saxophone, he started playing overblows, inspired by Howard Levy and the more blues based approach of Adam Gussow.
Jason moved from Memphis for stints in various places, including Florida and jail, before settling in Nashville where he really made his presence known with his band Jason Ricci and New Blood.
To be continued...
Links:
Jason’s social media links::
https://mooncat.org/
https://www.instagram.com/jasonricci93/
https://twitter.com/jasonricci93
Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/jasonricci
Tip Jason:
PayPal.me/jasonricci
Bandcamp:
https://jasonricci.bandcamp.com/
Videos:
Jason's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/jasonricci
Baby Scratch My Back with the Nick Moss band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSGrzkcdiM0
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Erland Westerstrom joins me on episode 92.
Erland is from Sweden, where he studied Swedish folk music on the harmonica at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, with Filip Jers as one of his teachers there.
Erland released a solo harmonica album in 2020, Andas! (Swedish for breathe), where he makes use of drones, polyphonic rhythms, tongue spilts and other techniques to create self-accompaniment to the melodies of the traditional tunes he plays.
Erland’s latest band is with the trio Västanvinden. This sees the harmonica combining with great effect with the clarinet and cittern, with the harmonica used as much for chordal accompaniment as for melody.
A big part of Erland’s music is playing for dancers, who are part of the show in Sweden.
Erland also does some harmonica maintenance work as well as teaching in Stockholm and online. He is touring with the Västanvinden trio in Europe later in 2023.
Links:
Erland's website:
http://www.folkmunspel.se/english
Contact:
erland.westerstrom@icloud.com
Blog:
http://www.folkmunspel.se/blogg
Custom harmonicas for sale:
http://www.folkmunspel.se/till-salu
Great resource for traditional Swedish tunes:
folkwiki.se
Audio-Technica ATM350 mic:
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/atm350
Videos:
From Andas! Album:
https://youtu.be/6E3jK0Hj71I
With Bjorn Gardner:
https://youtu.be/6E3jK0Hj71I
With Vastanvinden trio:
https://youtu.be/eNDmadf1k0M
Tremolo playing:
https://youtu.be/7CXqJ4-v1wU
Graduation concert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKKNMHmeR6o
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Tom Halchak joins me on episode 91.
Tom tells us how he grew his successful company, Blue Moon Harmonicas, started in 2009.
Tom started out selling custom combs, and then covers in different materials and colours. Tom went on to develop his customisation skills to offer fully fledged custom harmonicas using his Blue Moon product lines.
Tom also started offering pre-war Marine Band harmonicas for sale. These hand-crafted harps have stood the test of time and with some improvements by Tom, provide a playing experience which conjures the spirit of the players of the past.
As a result of his pre-war harmonicas trading, Tom now acts on behalf of the estate of Sonny Terry, offering Sonny’s actual harmonicas for sale, complete with the DNA of the great man himself, as well as a range of other memorabilia, such as concert posters and contracts.
Tom also prides himself in providing great service.
Links:
Blue Moon harmonicas:
https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/
Blue Moon Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/BlueMoonHarmonicas
Sonny Terry harmonica collection:
https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/collections/sonny-terry-estate-llc
Videos:
Blue Moon instrumental by Whitt Smith:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NGES1uduek
Range of harps available at Blue Moon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXlrOo9qQKE
CNC Milling GM wood comb:
https://youtu.be/lhVFoRTDMjs
Jason Ricci video on Blue Moon products he uses:
https://youtu.be/PWrKgdGnhZE
Jason Ricci playing ‘Feel Good Funk’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSAvtxrTbcc
Custom combs for Big River:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcgQktZ8gDs
Adam Gussow appraisal of 150 of Sonny Terry’s harmonicas:
https://youtu.be/EDT4Xt70Omg
Sonny Terry tribute concert at SPAH 2016:
https://youtu.be/7ycKmefNKfg
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Tom Ellis joins me (again) on episode 90.
This is part two of the Paul Butterfield retrospective where Tom takes us even deeper into Paul’s career and talks us through more of his incredible output.
About how Butter, while paying his due respect to the greats before him, took the blues in a new direction, with his experimentation and innovation.
Butter’s music and bands evolved as he developed, with the best musicians joining him to provide a bedrock to some of the greatest harmonica ever recorded.
Tom Ellis puts forward a compelling case for Paul Butterfield as the most influential harmonica player ever, with his cultural and societal impact overshadowing even the classic players of the 1950s.
Paul Butterfield retrospective, part 1:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/paul-butterfield-retrospective-with-tom-ellis/
Was Butter a u-blocker?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-73mhQn4Pkc
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Mike Stevens joins me on episode 89.
Mike is a Canadian who made his name playing Bluegrass harmonica, performing with some of the biggest names in Bluegrass and playing at The Grand Old Opry over 300 times. Mike toured with Bluegrass legends, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, and recently played two songs on harmonica at Jesse’s funeral. Mike won the Canadian Bluegrass artist of the year for five consecutive years, and released a Bluegrass book with Hal Leonard.
But Bluegrass isn’t his only genre, also playing Americana, Blues, solo looping, soundscapes and even ballet and West African music.
Mike also tells us about synesthesia, a condition which means he sees music in colours and shapes, and how this has impacted his music.
On top of all this, Mike has been a leading figure in bringing music to indigenous communities in Canada, distributing some fifty thousands harmonicas to young people.
Links:
Mike’s website:
www.mikestevensmusic.com
Artscan Circle:
www.artscancircle.ca
A Walk In My Dream documentary:
https://mikestevensmusic.com/walk-in-my-dream
Videos:
Playing at the Grand Old Opry with Jim & Jesse:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YIpFQccOUo
Playing at Jesse McReynold’s funeral:
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NzgyMTYwMjI1ODU0MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Playing with Matt Andersen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6iCgQoaViM
TED talk on Artscan Circle: bringing music to indigenous communities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-4uQoNq4M4
Blue Sky music festival presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7s-x9tMn6Q
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Jim Hughes joins me (again) on episode 88.
Jim is a chromatic player who was last interviewed on the podcast in October 2020, back on episode 26. He is now at the grand age of 93 years young, and he shares the wisdom he has developed over many years of playing the chromatic harmonica.
Jim has has become blind since the last interview and after being a life long sight reader has now had to learn how to play by ear. He shares how he has adapted to these new challenges and is finding new joy in playing the harmonica.
Recently Jim has unearthed some recordings he made among the thousands he recorded with the BBC, and he talks us through some of the pieces and the approaches he took on the harmonica, and his life as a session musician with the BBC.
Links:
Previous interview with Jim:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/jim-hughes-interview/
Serenade Radio:
https://www.serenade-radio.com/
The Archivist harmonica website, from Roger Trobridge:
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/
NHL concert 1985: (or 1983)
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/jim-hughes-1983/
Videos:
Adam Glasser in conversation with Jim Hughes, from 2022:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU59OUY-PjE&t=464s
Carol Axford playing at NHL concert 2004:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC5t-t8L4F4
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Paul Harrington joins me on episode 87.
Paul has a long and illustrious recording career, having had great success on the vibrant session scene in Dallas where he recorded on many commercials. He also played on the hit song Timber by rapper Pit Bull, possibly the most listened to song with harmonica in the last decade, with over one billion streams on Spotify.
Paul met and performed with many great musicians on the Dallas music scene, becoming the go to harmonica player for famed record producer Phil York, appearing on the NBC Special with comedian Steve Martin, as well as sharing the stage with John Denver and Dolly Parton.
Paul released an album in his own name, the Harmonica Soul Serenade, with the song Mercy Mercy Mercy picked out for special praise on Adam Gussow’s YouTube channel.
Links:
Paul Harrington: Seydel endorser:
https://www.seydel1847.de/paulharrington
Videos:
Timber hit song:
https://youtu.be/hHUbLv4ThOo
Texas Blues Runners, Downtown from Sweet Mama album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8OPJyd_HRU
Adam Gussow reviews Paul’s Mercy Mercy Mercy song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvSSG3eyhDc
News story by Paul’s nephew on his involvement with Timber song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_EXYVhNYrY
Norton Buffalo switching between four harmonicas on ‘Runaway’:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPzcZNgVfpA
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Marcos Coll joins me on episode 86.
Marcos is a Spaniard who has been living in Berlin for the last twenty years. Marcos rose to fame at a young age on the Spanish blues scene playing with the Tonky Blues Band before forming the the Los Reyes del KO band, touring the world and sharing the stage with many famous names.
Moving to Berlin in 2004, Marcos became a regular on the vibrant blues scene in Germany and recorded with many great artists.
In addition to playing blues, Marcos likes to mix modern beats such as hip hop into the blues, as well as playing traditional Spanish and Latin music, including cutting a Latin song with Charlie Musselwhite.
Marcos has an online tuition site called Harp and Soul, has been a judge at the Trossingen World Harmonica Championship and is a regular at Seoul, and other harmonica festivals.
Links:
Marcos’s website:
https://marcoscoll.com/
Online tuition website:
http://harpandsoul.info/en
Videos:
With Los Mighty Calacas at World Harmonica Festival 2013:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLcLlgcJHLU
Latin workshop at Hohner masters 2022:
https://youtu.be/9Qi0nxFsJbg
Chan Chan song, playing chord harp (and others) also effect part way thru
https://youtu.be/_sBZj8CoB6Q
Marcos rapping on basketball anthem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yHcGFfXVTg
Harp and Soul tuition introduction:
https://youtu.be/ErHO7pI64HE
Seoul festival, playing with Antonio Serrano:
https://youtu.be/ks88GMCDj_s
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Ed Hopwood joins me on episode 85.
Ed is from the UK where he started out playing drums and he shares some tips on how to bring some rhythm into our harmonica playing.
Ed loves early styles of harmonica and performs a range genres, including jug band, early blues, cajun, bluegrass and old-timey music. Ed has a one man band show where he plays harmonica, guitar, sings and a whole host of percussion instruments. He’s brought many of these skills to his main band, The Rigmarollers, a trio who play a mixture of barrelhouse blues, ragtime, jazz, swing, gospel and infectious zydeco grooves.
As well as performing, Ed runs his harmonica tuition school, the Harmonica Barge, from the canal barge on which he lives in London.
Links:
Ed’s website:
https://www.edhopwood.com/
The Rigmarollers band:
https://www.therigmarollers.com/
Teaching website:
https://www.theharmonicabarge.com/
Solo recordings on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/ed-hopwood-1
Mark Harrison albums:
https://www.markharrisonrootsmusic.com/music.php
Seth Shumate, old-time harmonica player:
https://oldtime-central.com/seth-shumate-oldtime-harmonica/
Videos:
One man band act:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RShyJrXbkFU
Rory McLeod, Love Like A Rock:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4gFDlm4oe0
Solo gig at The Green Note:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7fmgikSS_A
Ed solo: Born In The Wrong Time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5gsMKfEpMs
Peter Madcat Ruth playing Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1UyPh3Z3LI
Harmonica Barge YouTube site:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheHarmonicaBarge
Cajun music interview with Ed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8H8GEc2x0I
Country Blues lesson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdfucNQwEBM
Cindy, Old-time tune:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDfX9m830co
I Shall Not Be Moved, Gospel song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=053CKZu-WOI
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at
Hendrik Meurkens joins me on episode 84.
Hendrik is a German chromatic player who has been living in New York since the early 1990s.
Toots Thielemans was Hendrik’s inspiration to take up the chromatic and he performed a live radio show in Germany with Toots.
Hendrik is also a vibraphone player, which he studied at the Berklee College of Music. Shortly after this he spent a year in Brazil to immerse himself in the music there. This helped him form his brand of Brazilian music, Samba Jazz.
Hendrik has a large album catalogue, including six albums with the prestigious jazz label Concord, and has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in Brazilian and jazz music.
Links:
Hendrik's website:
https://hendrikmeurkens.com/
Bandcamp site:
https://hendrikmeurkens.bandcamp.com/
Hendrik’s album catalogue:
https://hendrikmeurkens.com/portfolio/
Tutorial site:
https://www.mymusicmasterclass.com/artist/artists/hendrik-meurkens/
Videos:
Hendrick playing vibes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbIMf3iMNkQ
Tribute To Toots concert in Uruguay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jcUG7RTNWQ
Playing with WDR Big Band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzyE4Yv2xlo
Playing at the Blue Note in New York:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuIAVFDAmqA
Sambatropolis with WDR Big Band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_G2RuvtyMI
Dolores Claiborne movie clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSMimK5uUik
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Annie Raines joins me on episode 83.
Annie is an early pioneer as a female blues harmonica player. Hailing from the Boston area of the US, she drew on the rich source of harmonica inspiration from nearby Cambridge, regularly attending a jam there in her youth, and meeting many great players and joining the Cambridge Harmonica Orchestra.
Annie then teamed-up with her long time musical partner, Paul Rishell, after also meeting him around the Boston area. They have now been performing and recording together for over 30 years, releasing seven albums, and winning a WC Handy award for one of them. Annie has also guested on albums with several other artists, including Pinetop Perkins.
Annie teaches harmonica and has released an instructional video, and gives workshops at various harmonica gatherings.
Links:
Annie and Paul's website:
https://www.paulandannie.com/
John Gindick’s website:
https://gindick.com/harmonica/
Cambridge Harmonica Orchestra:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ReDMrEdmbA
George Mayweather: What I'd Say:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wp-pAk4epI
Blues Harmonica Blueprint instruction:
https://truefire.com/techniques-guitar-lessons/blues-harmonica-blueprint/blues-harmonica-blueprint-introduction/v5544
Tomlin Harmonica School:
https://www.tomlinharmonicaschool.com/
Videos:
Annie singing You’ve Been A Good Old Wagon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKgydSYSC7k
Charles Leighton playing In A Sentimental Mood:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsPhW6UXE00
Canned Heat Blues: from Live In Woodstock DVD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux-lQaoZewk
Harmonica UK Virtual Festival 2020:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD4PzISV2FQ
Augusta Blues / Swing week 2013:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTXpwCMrs5c
Duet with John Sebastien:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmPOnRUDZAE
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Steve Guyger joins me on episode 82.
Steve is from the Philadelphia area of the US and he absorbed the blues harmonica players when he first got into playing, with John Lee Williamson a big early inspiration. Steve was also great friends with the late Paul Oscher, making three albums with him. Steve also teamed up with the legendary Jimmy Rogers, over the course of fourteen years.
Steve has released five albums under his own name, with a great mix of diatonic and chromatic blues.
Steve’s long-standing band is the Excellos, who are still performing more than forty years after their formation, and Steve is due to play in a Jimmy Rogers tribute in Switzerland with Dennis Gruenling and Nick Moss sometime soon.
Links:
https://severnrecords.com/artist/steve-guyger/
Blues Harmonica DVD on Hal Leonard:
https://www.halleonard.com/product/821042/blues-harmonica
Dennis Gruenling website:
https://badassharmonica.com/
Videos:
Steve's YouTube Music channel:
https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCkeHm0xNz2csT5fc4zP-84A
Paul Oscher playing bass harmonica on The Things I Used To Do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIPIrMNiR3M
Live concert with Excellos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50DvEI8VUlQ&t=3576s
I Can See By Your Eyes song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgJ9lFhEa00
Rock This House (live at Austrian Blues festival):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THqRX2PYBdQ
Sammy Lewis playing in 5th position:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyKLRO2x6uE
Snake Oil live performance (outro song):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IrQkiHJVdc
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Ben Bouman joins me on episode 81.
Ben is a Dutch blues player who always strives for originality in his playing, partly inspired by his admiration for the playing of Paul deLay. Ben’s current band is The Marble Tones, who took their name from the amplifier company, with Ben helping develop their range of harmonica amps.
Ben also helped Seydel prototype their steel reeds before they released them some fifteen years ago, and he tells us all about polishing and profiling steel reeds, his own business selling customised Seydel harmonicas, and how he helped persuade Seydel in moving over to Compromised Just Tuning.
The Harpgame Is On! is the name of Ben’s self-produced album and he regularly posts YouTube videos, including his recent tuition videos on different harmonica themes.
Links:
Ben’s website:
https://www.benboumanharmonicas.nl
Webshop to buy Ben Bouman custom harmonicas:
https://www.benboumanharmonicas.nl/rapidcartpro/index.php?catalog/all/-/date/1
Marble amplifiers:
https://www.marble-amps.com/
Viola Barends:
https://www.violaharmonica.com/
Seydel festival and harmonica competition:
https://mundharmonika-live.de
https://www.seydel1847.de/seydelopen-registration
Hohner CBH chromatic:
https://chromhistory.blog/2019/05/22/cbh-2012-2016/
Videos:
Paul deLay Harmonica Party:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWepAFBqsN4
Marble Tones band videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@BluesMoose/search?query=marbletones
Ben's Tone in a cup:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063463839653
Viola Barends harmonica orchestra:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ7sNeZUAAI
Ben playing Watermelon Man:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnEbikuq7sI
Ben playing blues chromatic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNSa7VdKFXw
Ben gear demo recording, including Pignose amp:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWFrUNKpMx8
The Monkey Speaks His Mind with The Marble Tones:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d4HbjTn4EI
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at
Todd Parrot joins me on episode 80.
Todd is a gospel harmonica player who was inspired to play harmonica after first hearing it in church. He went on to join the church band and has gone on to develop a heavenly tone on the instrument. Todd listened to a lot of country harmonica and was influenced from several players from that genre, including Terry McMillan.
Todd released a self-produced solo album, Songs From The Harp, where he learned to play several instruments to accompany his harmonica playing, as well as using other musicians. He is also a sought after session musician, appearing on albums from numerous recording artists.
Todd has run the Carolina HarpFest harmonica camp and is a regular at the annual SPAH event. He makes use of alternative tunings, makes his own combs and is an overblow player.
Links:
Todd’s website:
http://www.toddparrott.com/
Carolina Harp Fest:
http://www.toddparrott.com/carolina-harp-fest.html
Joe Spiers Custom harmonicas:
https://spiersharmonicas.com/
Hohner Golden Melody live launch stream (23/02/23):
https://www.hohner.de/en/community/news/news-details/product-launch-event-livestream
Videos:
Playing with Buddy Green at SPAH:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvN9XsOEdWA
Playing Amazing Grace at SPAH:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ2kom7jv6g
Todd reviews Joe Spiers custom harps:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzrEg97RzLI
Todd playing a Golden Melody:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZj5hCsx8vo
Reviewing Brendan Power’s Slip Slider harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7vZCgf8Zc4
Demonstrates harmonica with 7 draw tuned down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hUCd03PDAM
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
Rocky Lok joins me on episode 79.
Rocky lives in Hong Kong, where there is a vibrant harmonica scene. Harmonica is taught in many schools there, which is how Rocky got started playing himself almost 50 years ago. He went on to become part of the King's Harmonica Quintet which has played many prestigious concerts, including in front of an audience of twenty thousand, as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch procession and winning the group competition at the World Harmonica Championship in Trossingen.
Rocky is a former president of the Hong Kong Harmonica Association where he was involved in setting-up the Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival and is regular judge in the competitions. He also helped organise the current Guinness world record of the most harmonicas playing together, officially 6131 people in Hong Kong.
Links:
King’s Harmonica Quintet:
www.KHQ.HK
Hong Kong Harmonica Association:
www.hkharmonica.org
The first Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition, 2022:
www.ICHC.hkharmonica.org
The first Hong Kong International Composition Competition for Chromatic Harmonica 2021:
https://iccch.hkharmonica.org/
Details on the different chromatics Rocky plays:
https://www.myharmonicastudio.com/rocky-lok-incredible-harmonica-collection/
The 13th Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival 2022:
http://hxharmonica.com/en/index.asp
Upcoming King’s Harmonica Quintet show:
https://www.hk.artsfestival.org/en/programme/kings_harmonica_quintet
Videos:
King's Harmonica Quintet playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1NSxVDARfeZu9bfK9iviZlnBZGCMU2nM
Rocky playing solo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEiWkVf_Fbs&list=PL1NSxVDARfeYAmUSmjwMlGpCVpdgW_ZxG
Rocky interview with Hohner from 2012:
https://www.hohner.de/en/rocky-lok
The 13th Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival 2022 concert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wJyOhzjBa0&list=PL1NSxVDARfealNufMH0jw_sum_cYRbM2q
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions:
Marko Jovanovic joins me on episode 78.
Marko is a German player with Serbian roots, from where he developed an interest in playing Balkan music on the harmonica, returning to the region to team up with several acts to release some great music in that genre. He’s also an expert blues player, has played chamber music, Arabic music and much more on both diatonic and chromatic harmonicas.
Marko also runs the successful Berlin Harmonica School, where as well as one-to-one group classes he has some great online video tutorials from players around the world. Offering lessons in a range of different styles, including Irish, Argentinian, and soon to come: more chromatic, flamenco and advanced diatonic harmonica. And he also runs the FEN harmonica festival now too.
Links:
Marko’s website:
https://mjharmonica.com/
Berlin Harmonica School:
https://harmonica-school-berlin.com/
FEN Festival:
https://harmonica-fen-festival.com/
Videos:
Marko’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@mjharmonica/featured
Marko playing On The Road Again with Bluesrudy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ooqHFbmK9k
Playing with Lars Vegas & The Love Gloves:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvksaOsXgkY
Playing with George Sareski:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9lVZN76fjo
Playing at Harmonica Masters 2015 Trossingen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtbW9HHAxbU
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Rob Paparozzi joins me on episode 77.
Rob is based around the New York area where he started out playing in blues bands before quickly adding the chromatic to his harp arsenal. He took lessons with Robert Bonfiglio and then had Toots Thielemans giving him tips over the telephone. The versatility afforded to Rob by playing both diatonic and chromatic allowed him to enjoy a tremendous career on the session scene in New York, playing with many famous names including Dolly Parton, Randy Newman and Whitney Houston. He’s fronted the Original Blues Brothers Band for over twenty years, released a Paul Butterfield tribute album and his own Grammy nominated album.
Links:
Rob’s website:
http://robpaparozzi.com/
Blue Moon Harmonicas:
https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/
Videos:
Rob’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/chromboyx
Tommy Morgan playing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDv0nLlUxDs&list=RDEMkbeA-8Dfp9SMty0FJvHNpA&start_radio=1
Rob performing with Dolly Parton:
https://youtu.be/RILd7USxBMc
Rob performing with Randy Newman:
https://youtu.be/4EmF3Xxlxg8
Electric Butter: Walking By Myself:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdaabsUn-PQ
Rob’s My Music Masterclass videos: https://www.mymusicmasterclass.com/premiumvideos/rob-paparozzi-harmonica-masterclass-videos-1-2-3-bundle/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Will Pound joins me on episode 76.
Will first started playing harmonica age 10 to help with his breathing after he underwent two major heart operations as a child. Since then he has rose to fame on the English folk scene, being nominated for folk musician of the year three times. He now plays harmonica and melodeon, diversifying his musical output to cover many different acoustic genres.
Will has released a number of albums with a range of quality musicians, with his last album spanning the traditional music genres of the European continent.
He has a number one Christmas single and a number one Christmas album on his resume, has played at Buckingham Palace and on an advertisement featuring Robert de Niro.
Links:
Will’s website:
https://willpound.com/
Bandcamp site:
https://willpound.bandcamp.com/
DPA headset microphones:
https://www.dpamicrophones.com/headset-and-earset-microphones
Jingle Bells:
https://willpound.bandcamp.com/track/jingle-bells
Videos:
Will’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@WillPoundMusic
Will Morris dancing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ_4zkdxQto&list=PLcvB436mCA_iJQRGiZGq66InPQJsCYt3J
Walsh and Pound at NHL concert in 2009:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTlpnYxxBJM
Appearing on BBC Breakfast TV for Folk Award nomination:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9L6L1Hgctg
Playing with Dame Evelyn Glennie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9C44Qq38Vk
He’s Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother - Hillsborough Charity single:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svOX9dy0hyw
Playing at Buckingham Palace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDISPLcpiGY
Facebook video with Jenn Butterworth:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1601228916702386
Warburton’s advert with Robert Niro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANHoobL__NE
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Laurent Maur joins me on episode 75.
Laurent is a jazz chromatic player from France. He first started learning diatonic before moving on to the chromatic to pursue his love of jazz music. He had some lessons with the French classical chromatic player, Claude Garden, helping to advance his technique. Laurent played with a few different bands, touring and recording albums with them before releasing two albums under his own name, and two with the Youpi Quartet. Laurent teamed up with the flute player from this quartet to release his most recent album, of duets with flute.
Laurent makes use of different harmonicas beyond the chromatic and occasional diatonic, playing the recently released Suzuki bass and chord harmonicas as well as being one of the leading exponents of the DM48 midi chromatic harmonica.
Links:
Laurent’s website:
https://www.laurentmaur.com/
JJ Milteau Method for Diatonic and Chromatic Harmonica tuition book:
https://www.melbay.com/Products/20588BCD/method-for-diatonic-and-chromatic-harmonica.aspx
Suzuki SSCH-56: Compact Chord & S-48B (Bass):
http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/products/harmonica/orchestral.html
Children’s show: The true Story of the Tchepperpou
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghtZ7VOmcus
Midi controller foot pedal:
https://www.keithmcmillen.com/products/softstep/
Videos:
La Cambiada with Orlando Pole:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJEKPe64BH8&list=PL027E88A8BFFE8871
Duo with Emilie Calme in Sunside Jazz Club, Paris:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t63za4K1Kw
Tuition video on using the Dorian scale:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A4_M-LNy30
Roland Mobile Cube amp:
https://www.roland.com/au/products/mobile_cube/
Children’s show teaser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghtZ7VOmcus
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Richard Hunter joins me on episode 74.
Richard has immersed himself in harmonica ever since he first picked it up at age 15 and has been pushing the boundaries of the instrument ever since. His first release was a solo acoustic harmonica album, composing most of the songs himself and making extensive use of alternate tunings and counterpoint, followed up by a second album along the same lines.
Richard is a true innovator of using effects with harmonica and has created some great sounds using them on his later two albums, including the use of Digitech multi-effect pedals, for which he has created patch sets that are available to download from his website.
Richard is also the author of one of the first harmonica transcription books: Jazz Harp, that was released in the 1990s, becoming a staple publication on many a harmonica players’ shelves.
Links:
Richard’s website:
https://www.hunterharp.com/
Chris Turner:
https://christurnerharmonica.bandcamp.com/album/chris-turner-harmonicas
The Lucky One posts:
https://www.hunterharp.com/the-lucky-one-is-here-check-out-the-songs/
Solo acoustic harmonica tracks to buy:
https://www.hunterharp.com/all-hunters-downloads-in-one-place/#Sbuy
Tunings used on solo recordings:
https://www.hunterharp.com/harp-keys-and-tunings-for-my-recorded-solo-repertoire/
The Lucky One breakdown of each song:
https://www.hunterharp.com/the-lucky-one-is-here-check-out-the-songs/
DaBell harmonicas:
http://en.dabell.co.kr/home/bbs//board.php?bo_table=product&sca=Harmonica
Videos:
Richard’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/lightninrick
Put The Lever Down, from 1982:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnDPNyimg5o
Recent Electric work:
https://www.hunterharp.com/category/audiovideo/?fbclid=IwAR0bozS97Y4lZwKmGk230CmVEknErhY0rEuvEYQ19mOJOqCRMAi84wi3cVk
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Adam Gussow joins me on episode 73.
Adam is a native New Yorker now living in Mississippi, working as a professor at the university there.
Adam rose to stardom as part of the blues duo Satan and Adam in the late 1980s. They found their audience on the streets of Harlem, where they were briefly filmed and appeared in a U2 documentary and album. Satan & Adam enjoyed great success, playing together for 15 years, releasing three albums before disbanding in 1998, re-forming some years later and releasing another album.
With the passing of Mr Satan, Adam formed his own one-man band, then a duo which has recently added Mr Satan’s nephew: Sir Rod & The Blues Doctors.
Adam was the first person to release blues tuition videos on YouTube and has had over 20 million hits, accompanied by his website Modern Blues Harmonica.
Links:
Adam’s website:
https://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/home.html
Satan & Adam documentary:
http://satanandadamfilm.com/
Pete Farmer kick drums and harmonica holders:
https://www.footdrums.com/
Videos:
U2's Rattle and Hum clip of Satan and Adam:
https://youtu.be/x6M2aWVx0LA
Ronnie Shellist ‘Funky Blues Harmonica’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs_OchfmBc8
Gussow's classic blues harmonica videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfYHJbTZklgZU1bEVLaZyvQ
Modern Blues Harmonica YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/kudzurunner
YouTube video teaching Sunshine of Your Love:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqFnpCcvUvQ
Adam busking solo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-E3qQ59VcQ
Crossroads video:
https://youtu.be/KeMis-B7f58
Sir Rod and the Blues Doctors: What’d I Say:
https://youtu.be/retCfgoCO3M
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Paul Reddick joins me on episode 72.
Paul is a singer, songwriter and harmonica player based in Toronto, Canada. He rose to prominence with his band: Paul Reddick and the Sidemen in the 1990s. Paul describes himself as not a typical blues harmonica player, often using his sparse notes with heavy delay, while also making the use of complex patterns to build interesting rhythms.
Paul developed his songwriting approach using the structure of poetry, and his insightful and thoughtful blues lyrics have earned him the title of the Poet Laureate of the Blues, including winning the Maple Blues Award for songwriter of the year for his album Sugarbird in 2009.
Links:
Paul's website:
https://paulreddick.ca/
Lyrics:
https://paulreddick.ca/lyrics
Styrmon El Capistan delay pedal:
https://www.strymon.net/product/elcapistan/
Videos:
Blue Eventide (Official Music Video):
https://youtu.be/GpYU91lmS2Y
Mourning Dove:
https://youtu.be/eOrFt-aCbXU
Luna Moth and Butterfly:
https://youtu.be/HwrF_cd38aY
Paul Reddick & The Gamblers - One More Day:
https://youtu.be/V1QF8LMeXT4
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Juzzie Smith joins me on episode 71.
Juzzie is an Australian who has a one-man band act with the harmonica pivotal to the sound. He has had over 200 million views of his online videos, starting out when a passer-by recorded him busking at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.
Juzzie started his one-man band after playing as the harp player in a blues band, and then teaching guitar and harmonica. This gave him a great foundation to lay down the rhythms for his self-penned laid-back bluesy folk. He plays up to six instruments at a time, including percussion juggling balls. Juzzie has been a regular at music festivals around the world and has produced his own music and video content in his home in Ocean Shore.
Links:
Juzzie’s website:
https://juzziesmith.com/
Percussion juggling balls;
https://www.chukachuks.com/
Press Play and Blow Away tuition course:
https://juzziesmith.com/store/67-harmonica-lessons-mp3/
Videos:
Grolsch Festival YouTube with 11 million views at time of writing:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=juzzie+smith+harmonica&sp=CAM%253D
Edinburgh Fringe Festival appearance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcrujO7lKsA
Juggling percussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opRp6Em0vXg
Keep Life Simple Beatbox harmonica:
https://youtu.be/nXhS231_iJ4
Jamming video:
https://youtu.be/dmA_zUC8__8
Juzzie’s ‘My Coolest Harmonica Solo’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmOb76IuyRc
Taking Time Out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhiXwAD_Pxc&t=19s
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Ricky Cool joins me on episode 70.
Ricky hails from the Birmingham area of the UK, and drew great inspiration asa teenager from the American folk festivals which brought some harmonica greats to the city. Under his alter ego Ricky Cool, he went on to lead several successful rhythm and blues band, with Jamaican music also brought into the set. He also played harmonica in a band with Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant!
Ricky played harmonica and saxophone in most of these bands and this combination of instruments has led to his recent series of excellent YouTube videos called ‘Mississippi Saxophone’. In these videos he picks out some great horn lines and shows how to play them on harmonica.
Links:
Ricky Cool and the In Crowd:
https://www.rickycoolandtheincrowd.co.uk/
Videos:
Mississippi saxophone YouTube series of tutorial videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-ssuQxsIvn_NJy1A12hVyiq4Xb09ZXPj
Ricky’s YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/rickycool100
Ricky Cool and The Icebergs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX4akPiV0Wo
Playing at NHL festival in 1988:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-Wf6X-erO4
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Herbert Quelle joins me on episode 69.
Herbert is a German who worked as a diplomat for 40 years. This included 10 years as the German Consul in the US, where he met several distinguished harmonica names. With a deep interest in the harmonica, Herbert has researched the instrument to great depth, using this information to litter facts into his two fictional works centred on our beloved instrument. He tells us of the huge export of harmonicas from Germany to the US, and how the early marketing often described harmonicas as toys.
Herbert regularly makes readings from his books, with some in this podcast episode.
Links:
Herbert’s website:
https://www.harpambassador.com
Monika’s Blues book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Monikas-Blues-Harmonica-African-American-Culture/dp/1880788276
Harmonica History article for Harmonica Happenings magazine:
https://jimdo-storage.global.ssl.fastly.net/file/059116cb-8889-486c-adab-ddc013dcf638/Texte%20280122.pdf
Early harmonica recordings by The Archivist (Roger Trobridge), introduced by Joe Filisko:
https://www.mixcloud.com/PodKast/rare-early-harmonica-recordings-by-vocalists-and-instrumentalists-introduced-by-joe-filisko/
Adam Gussow book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mister-Satans-Apprentice-Blues-Memoir/dp/0816667756
Pat Missin’s recordings of Arthur Turelly and Pete Hampton:
https://www.patmissin.com/78rpm/78rpm.html
Herbert playing the German National Anthem:
https://thomasguntherproductions.bandcamp.com/track/german-national-anthem-deutschland-lied
Mundharmonika Live (Seydel harmonica convention):
https://mundharmonika-live.de/
Videos:
Herbert’s YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/herbieqkeys
A German American Love Story (Harmonica exports to the US):
https://youtu.be/pGigFF1Zkn8
Herbert playing I Feel Free:
https://youtu.be/AYnRdgX77gY
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmea
Cheryl Arena joins me on episode 68.
Cheryl is a blues player and singer from the Boston area. She integrated herself into the local music scene there by setting up a jam session near Berklee college, drawing in the great musicians from there. And then set-up another residency with guest musicians joining the house band. Her deep love for the music has taken Cheryl far and wide, and gave her the opportunity to meet and play with some of her harmonica idols, including Junior Wells. This led to her appearing in two blues documentaries: one about Maxwell Street and another about James Cotton.
Cheryl now runs The Harmonica Experience camp twice a year in the home of the blues, Clarkesdale, Mississippi, where she uses her mouth-on (the harmonica) approach.
Links:
Cheryl's website:
https://cherylarena.com/
Gigs:
https://cherylarena.com/gigs/
Harmonica Experience teaching camp:
https://www.theharmonicaexperience.com/
Videos:
Sonny Junior playing with Sugar Ray:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rld1Q4umqp0
With Big Band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7qUXseHLzg&list=PL2B3mUb87_ARcAhCRAUoxKSAy6CEQwI2C&index=19
The ‘Harmonica Experience’ overview, with Charlie Musselwhite:
https://youtu.be/2gBS3welRZY
Blog on ‘The Harmonica Experience’:
https://www.karenpulferfocht.com/blog/2022/8/3/the-harmonica-experience
Greasy Gravy on chromatic:
https://www.facebook.com/david.m.rosen/videos/593960639065696/
Stormy Weather:
https://www.facebook.com/david.m.rosen/videos/790562382263078/
Big Road in duo with Sonny Collie:
https://youtu.be/pbzS5jwjtps
Off The Wall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HJtvRhhbv8&list=PL2B3mUb87_ARcAhCRAUoxKSAy6CEQwI2C&index=5
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Erik Lekholm and Jason Keene join me on episode 67.
Where we talk about the innovative DM48 midi chromatic harmonica, designed by Erik initially as a means to practise silently. He posted his creation on a harmonica forum and it soon gained interest, with people eager to purchase it. So Erik and his father started building and sold the first ones in 2017, with the updated version, the DM48X, coming out in 2022 .
Jason Keene joins me in the second half of the podcast, to provide the perspective of one of the leading players of the DM48, which he describes as a game changer for his music. Jason talks us through the set-up and the limitless possibilities that this midi chromatic harmonica brings.
Links:
DM48 website:
https://www.lekholminstruments.com
Jason Keene website:
http://www.jasonkeeneharmonica.com/
Reviews of the DM48:
https://www.lekholminstruments.com/press.html
DM48 User forum:
https://groups.google.com/g/dm48-digital-chromatic-harmonica
Millioniser 2000:
https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2011/09/23/millioniser-2000-tutorial/
Videos:
Millioniser 2000:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRPI_fD0iKQ
Erik Lekholm demos some of the capabilities of the DM48:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpUpvxRfgXM
Erik Lekholm explaining the DM48 at the NAMM show, 2020:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKHvvudb1S0
Brendan Power compares DM48 to HM12 and gives overview of DM48 features:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCy-0DR6Ikc
HM12 midi harmonica video from Brendan Power:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbD9oRdT3O0
Jason Keene talking about the DM48 being a ‘game changer’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuLcopNVm6Q
Jason Keene demoing using the 8K Controller to combine instruments:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI-GpHTKVCQ&t=3s
Laurent Maur playing the DM48 live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_rt70dZY1I
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway
Joel Andersson joins me on episode 66.
Joel is an Irish harmonica player from Sweden, while also building one of the best reputations in the business for his harmonica customisation skills.
Joel first fell in love with Irish music on the harmonica when he heard Rick Epping’s playing. He spent time in Ireland with Rick, learning both the music and the art of fine tuning harmonicas.
Joel went on to release a solo harmonica album: The Irish Harmonica, where he simulates the sound of a fiddle and accordion through the use of techniques such as vamping, octaves and drones.
Joel goes on to explain the different levels of service he performs on his custom harmonicas, and how he became a Hohner Affiliated customiser.
Links:
Joel’s website:
https://jaharmonicas.com/
Joel’s webshop:
https://jaharmonicas.com/webshop.html
Joel’s Irish Harmonica site:
https://www.irishharmonica.com/
Berlin Harmonica school Irish harmonica course discussed during the episode:
https://harmonica-school-berlin.com/product/irish-harmonica-complete-course/
Mikael Backman website:
http://harpatwork.com/
Sam Hinton:
http://www.samhinton.org/harmonica/
Joel's upcoming workshops and gigs:
https://www.irishharmonica.com/dates
Videos:
Hohner artist profile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VVTq1fQwKY
Hohner Masters Workshop 2019:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBOqpP-yNiM
Doyle & Andersson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uptGmJNrns
‘Harmonica Hang’ with Jason Ricci at Harmonica Masters workshop 2022:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcb1TFcmrx8
Playing with Brendan Power:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCfHr709c8M
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Joe Powers joins me on episode 65.
Joe started out playing diatonic harmonica along with blues records as a teenager, before deciding to study music composition at college, taking up the chromatic there.
Joe’s passion for dancing led him to Argentina and tango music, where he has become the current leading exponent on harmonica. He believes the chromatic harmonica is the perfect instrument for tango music, and talks us through how to play this captivating genre.
Although known as the ‘tango harmonica guy’, Joe also loves to play many other styles of music on the harmonica, as demonstrated across his albums and live performances, including classical pieces with full orchestras. And other the pandemic Joe has put together his very own teaching platform.
Links:
Joe’s website:
https://www.joepowers.com
Email Joe at:
joe@joepowers.com
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Joepowersmusic/
Buy Joe’s music here:
https://www.joepowers.com/music
Harmonica Path teaching:
https://www.joepowers.com/the-harmonica-path
Suzuki Bass Chromatic:
https://suzukimusic-global.com/products_single.php?parent_cate_cd=1&products_cate_cd=3&products_cd=119
Sennheiser Wireless system:
https://en-uk.sennheiser.com/wireless-microphone-system-voice-vocal-instrument-presentation
TC Helicon Mic Mechanic 2 pedal:
https://www.tc-helicon.com/product.html?modelCode=P0DDW
Videos:
Joe’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/joepowersmusic/videos
Takes a dance while playing with the orchestra:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RZg5oACUiE
Threnody from Gordon Jacob harmonica Suite, performed in Japan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBf31rvIKGs
With Jamie Cullum in Tokyo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJL3ewLnpaI
Playing diatonic overblows with Japense guitarist Yosuke Onuma:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PJjqDA9gL4
Quarantine session with Mexican violinist Arianda Lozano:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cE1hRRXhQQ
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.
Paul Barry joins me on episode 64. Paul is our resident expert on William Clarke, and is currently writing a biography about him.
Bill (as he was known to his friends) was born in a suburb of Los Angeles, and starting going to the blues clubs in the south of the city, age 17. Bill met his great inspiration, George ‘Harmonica’ Smith, in 1977, with George showing Bill how to play that big old chromatic harmonica .
Bill released his first album in 1978, with other albums following where he always featured original material. He then signed for Alligator records in 1990, releasing his superb album: Blowin’ Like Hell. The four albums he released with Alligator gave Bill the chance to fully shape the sound he had been developing, influenced by jazz players and including a horn section.
Sadly Bill passed away at age 45, but he has still left us with an essential body of work for both diatonic and chromatic blues harmonica.
Links:
Paul Barry’s band website:
https://www.paulbarryblues.com/
LA newspaper interview with Bill 1991:
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-05-16-vl-2586-story.html
Tom Ellis: William Clarke Memorial article in Blues Access magazine:
http://www.bluesaccess.com/No_28/Clarke.html
Bob Corritore: William Clarke Remembered photo gallery:
https://bobcorritore.com/photos/william-clarke-remembered/
Interview with his wife: Jeanette Clarke-Lodovici
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/william-clarke-now-that-you-are-gone-william-clarke-by-david-king
HarpTranscripts: for transcription of Blowin' The Family Jewels: (under 'G harmonica')
http://www.harptranscripts.co.uk/diatonic.html
Videos:
Hitting Heavy album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsgucIjixtI
William Clarke playing Lollipop Mama:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrXrsmUWAGM
William Clarke playing Pawnshop Bound:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8IJBQ5u1Zs
William Clarke playing on Bro Matt’s Bluez Shift:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YIv2Bb9f6o
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Jens Bunge joins me on episode 63.
Jens is a German chromatic player who started out playing the tremolo, before discovering Stevie Wonder. He then found Toots Thielemans and he started teaching himself jazz by ear and joined the local big band. He released his first album in 1991 with members of this band, and has since released a number of other albums of mostly original material, as well as guesting on albums by other artists.
Jens has travelled extensively, particular in Asia, where he has tapped into the burgeoning chromatic harmonic scene there, and has been invited to play at numerous concerts and the Asian harmonica festivals. Jens is also appearing at the HarmonicaUK Chromatic Weekend June 18/19, 2022.
Links:
Website:
http://www.jensbunge.com
Discography:
https://jazzpages.de/bunge/discography-jens-bunge/
Soundcloud for more of Jens’ recordings:
https://soundcloud.com/jens-bunge
Hohner ‘Masters of the Harmonica’:
https://www.hohner.de/en/jens-bunge
HarmonicaUK Chromatic Weekend:
https://www.harmonica.uk/events/chromatic-weekend-2022
Videos:
The Getaway soundtrack: end credits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjydZbfUKXc
That Misty Red Beast played by Jens:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvcBQRwJW1Y
Silent Dreams:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgacRD1bZxs
Tribute to Toots & Bill with Andreas Hertel trio:
https://youtu.be/I5U1rN_lBDY
2016 HarmonicaUK festival with Chris Collis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuGufOFu_vc
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Tom Ellis joins me on episode 62 for something a little bit different as we do a retrospective of the legendary Paul Butterfield, with Tom our resident expert.
Born in 1942 in Chicago, Butterfield frequented many of the South Side blues clubs located there and even had the audacity to hire Howling Wolf’s rhythm section before going on to record his seminal album ‘The Paul Butterfield Blues Band’. His high energy form of blues launched him on the scene and he quickly followed this with the genre busting East West album, with the band evolving further in the following albums by incorporating horns.
Butter moved to Woodstock and formed Better Days. He also appeared in some notable sideman roles, including The Last Waltz concert with The Band.
Butterfield has left us a tremendous body of work. He helped bring blues to the mainstream and created his own sound on harmonica that is as influential as any of the classic harmonica players.
Links:
Tom’s Blues Access magazine articles on Butterfield:
http://www.bluesaccess.com/No_25/butter.html
http://www.bluesaccess.com/No_27/butter.html
http://www.bluesaccess.com/No_29/butter.html
http://www.bluesaccess.com/No_31/butter.html
East West Live album review:
https://www.bluespower.com/447rev.htm
Horn From The Heart documentary:
https://www.hornfromtheheart.com/
Homespun instructional material:
https://www.homespun.com/instructors/paul-butterfield/
Videos:
Album with John Mayall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR040iW52_c
Performing at Woodstock in 1969:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h62W2ARtwU8
Mystery Train with The Band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-fmqOU8_Uo
Playing with Muddy Waters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Sj5tpn-no
Performing with BB King, Eric Clapton, Steve Ray Vaughan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-i-tIXxtlY
2015 Hall of Fame Induction, with Jason Ricci:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMxFvBVTWmM
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.co
Will Wilde joins me on episode 61.
A sixteen year old Will stole his first harmonica while at a party and proceeded to put the rock into the instrument. He first started performing with his sister, Dani, as the harmonica player in her band. But Will has always had ideas of his own and soon formed his own band, with elements of rock and a heavy, driving blues style.
Will has a very active YouTube channel, with lots of tuition videos and great performances, such as playing the Free Bird guitar solo on harmonica, as well as collaborations with other harmonica players.
Will has come up with his own Wilde tuned harmonicas, placing the second position root notes in the top two octaves as draw notes, which really opens up the top end. Seydel manufacture these harmonicas.
Watch out for Will’s new album, with a new band, coming out later this year, which will see Will move move towards the genre of rock.
(select the Chapter Markers to select different sections of the podcast)
Links:
Will's website:
https://www.willharmonicawilde.com
Wilde Tuned harmonica:
https://www.wildetuning.com
https://www.seydel1847.de/rockharmonica
EuroBlues week:
https://www.euroblues.co.uk/blues-week-2020/
Will’s online store:
https://www.willharmonicawilde.com/store
Videos:
Performing in a duo with sister Dani:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykL8FXME9sA
Lynyrd Skynryd’s Free Bird solo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtXP2-5IC2E
YouTube tuition videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmVJfqqiy8uDgmhZT0oI7zbBP6Hua_pDi
Parisienne Walkways video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPPGv5hBE0Y
YouTube collaboration with Erin Oberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dl4E1aqmgs
Pet Got The Blues Advert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPzEWd079Lo&t=30s
Wilde Tuning Introductory lessons for standard and minor tuned:
https://www.wildetuning.com/lessons
Progressive Metal - Phrygian Dominant scale:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tAH3p8IjRs
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows
Wade Schuman joins me on episode 60.
Wade is the singer / songwriter and leader, and of course harmonica player, of the New York based 8-piece band, Hazmat Modine, with the harmonica playing a pivotal role in the sound of such a big band. In fact, there is often a second harmonica player in the band.
Wade absorbed many musical genres from a young age, which helped shape the eclectic styles of music played by Hazmat Modine, from African, Asian, Klezmer, Caribbean, all with an American roots core. The band has released five albums, with another in the pipeline.
Wade started out learning pre-war harmonica, an approach he has integrated so well into the big band line-up. And he was a central part of the New York harmonica scene in the early 1990s, mixing with many of players who have gone on to establish themselves as the leading players in the harmonica community of today.
Links:
http://www.hazmatmodine.com/
Yazoo album of 1920s & 30s harmonica:
https://www.downhomemusic.com/product/harmonica-blues-great-harmonica-performances-of-the-1920s-and-30s/
Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers book by Kim Field:
https://www.kimfield.com/new-page-2
Pat. Missin website:
https://www.patmissin.com
Hog2 Octave pedal:
https://www.ehx.com/products/hog2/
European tour 2022:
http://www.hazmatmodine.com/tour-summer22.html
Videos:
Wade playing with Hog 2 octave pedal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjEgH7YAmEw
Live at the BBC:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeiWUMpVdpQ
Outdoor concert filmed for the Nobel Laureate Committee:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llL5v5PL9dA
Solo piece at Stockholm Jazz festival:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwgN8IgLNI4&t=13s
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Gerhard Mueller joins me on episode 59.
Gerhard is the Product Manager for Hohner harmonicas, a role he has held for 28 years. His father worked as a gardener at the Hohner factory in Trossingen, and as well as getting his son harmonica lessons, he even had a hand in helping Gerhard land his dream job at Hohner.
Gerhard talks us through the fascinating history of Hohner and how it was established as the leading harmonica brand in the world having sold over 1 billion harmonicas since the company began. Gerhard tells us all about Hohner’s harmonica offerings as well as some of the accessories offered and the yearly events hosted in Trossingen.
Gerhard is also a fine chromatic player himself, having been part of the Hohnerklang Orchestra in Trossingen for over 25 years, he also regularly performs in his harmonica quartet Harmonicamento.
Links:
Hohner website:
https://www.hohner.de
Trossingen harmonica museum:
https://www.hohner.de/en/community/harmonica-museum
Marine Band 125 in 2021:
https://www.hohner.de/#youtube-1
Harmonicamento quartet:
http://www.harmonicamento.de/
Toots Thielemans 100th birthday concert:
https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/toots-thielemans-100th-anniversary-official-concert
Other Toots 100th birthday celebrations in Brussels:
https://www.thebulletin.be/toots-100-brussels-launches-centenary-celebration-jazz-giants-birth
Hohner endorsees:
https://www.hohner.de/en/community/artists
CShop for parts:
http://www.hohner-cshop.de/en/home/
Harmonica Masters Workshop, happening in June 2022:
https://www.harmonica-masters.de/en/
Videos:
Sheng harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWt4mf3whxw
Harpin’ By The Sea Hohner presentation (including Trossingen Factory Tour):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuRqqT_eSIM
Harmonicamento at SPAH in 2011:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fmxly46ewM
Steve Baker discussing the HB52 microphone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a9V8Grhmr4
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away
Bertram Becher joins me on episode 58.
Bertram is the Product Manager at Seydel harmonicas. He first landed this dream job when he made a name for himself by creating a software tutorial called The Interactive Blues Harp Workshop.
Bertram tells us about the history of Seydel and how their use of stainless steel reeds led to the creation of the ‘new’ Seydel around 2007. As Product Manager for harmonicas he has a very varied role, including creating web pages, selecting pitches for tunings and helping customers directly with their harmonica needs. And being the harp player in the Boogielicious band, Bertram understands the needs of the gigging harmonica player.
Bertram then talks us through the range of harmonicas offered by Seydel, including the diatonic, chromatics and tremolos, as well as other offerings from the oldest harmonica manufacturer around today.
Links:
Seydel website:
https://www.seydel1847.de
Bertram’s band:
http://www.boogielicious.de
Seydel Artists Page:
https://www.seydel1847.de/Artists/en
Mundharmonica Live festival:
https://mundharmonika-live.de
Seydel Open:
https://www.seydel1847.de/Artists/en/SEYDEL-open
Little W effects pedal:
https://www.pedaltree.de/shop/pedals/little-w.-harmonica-boost/
Videos:
Doug Tate playing at NHL 2003: (I think on an original Renaissance harmonica)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmH8ZKozwlc
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Mathias Heise joins me on episode 57.
Mathias is a chromatic player from Copenhagen in Denmark. He started out playing diatonic, aged eight, before moving across to the chromatic, with which he was the first player to attend the Music Conservatory in Copenhagen.
Mathias won the World Harmonica Championship in Trossingen at the age of 20 with his own composition, Sudden Ascent. The album containing this track won Mathias the composers competition ‘New Jazz Star of the Year’ in Denmark in 2015. In his band, the Mathias Heise Quadrillion, Mathias is leading the way as a chromatic player in a jazz fusion band.
His most recent album, The Beast, is recorded with the Danish Radio Big Band, with all the arrangements written by Mathias.
He has also appeared on numerous recordings as a sideman and more recently in a duo with a guitarist. Mathias has two new jazz albums coming out later in 2022.
Links:
https://www.mathiasheise.dk/
https://www.mathiasheiseq.com/
Suzuki chromatic bass harmonica:
http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/products/harmonica/orchestral.html
Clockwork delay pedal:
https://rockettpedals.com/product/clockwork-echo/
Hall of Fame reverb pedal:
https://www.tcelectronic.com/product.html?modelCode=P0CYY
Videos:
Isn’t She Lovely:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmd4mKAUDxQ
Spain with Phillip Achille:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gu1kaek-Dk
ShuffleFunk with effects pedal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZKDZolEBVM
Playing in a duo with guitarist Pelle von Bulow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMCOZTgYPzY
HUK 2017: Killer Joe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqFVhUCcS98
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
RJ Mischo joins me on episode 56.
RJ hails from the twin cities of Minneapolis-St Paul, where he developed his craft with a little help from local player Slim Lynwood. He then teamed up with Mojo Buford to perform around the cities, including recording an album with Mojo.
With numerous albums out under his own name, RJ has also made a career out of performing gigs with ‘pick-up’ bands when he goes on tour, giving his live shows the freshness and spontaneity that he likes to bring out.
One thing that really stands out is the plentiful fine harmonica instrumentals across his album releases.
RJ is back to work so look out for one his gigs and be sure to check out this great player.
Website:
http://rjblues.com/
Videos:
Song from Mojo Buford Harpslinger album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKjF_gMSQSs
Song from Blues Deluxe album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTJCosoKm3g
Song from I Hope You’re Satisfied album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YASa-rg3Bdg
Playing harmonica on a rack using RackIt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYK1KPydSDc
RJ teaching at Harmonica Collective:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee-e3WfqEoM
Playing with Junior Watson in 2021:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-v7y-_NK-M
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Jim Conway joins me on episode 55.
Jim is an Australian harmonica player who rose to fame at the age of 19 in the jug band: The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, with the first two albums from the band receiving gold record status. Jim also played kazoo with Captain Matchbox to great effect. The band evolved into the Conway Brothers act, before Jim decided he couldn’t continue after being diagnosed with MS.
But it wasn’t long before he felt the music calling him again and he joined The Backsliders, a blues band which he was a member of for seventeen years. He then went on to form a band under his own name, Jim Conway’s Big Wheel.
As well as some notable recordings as a session musician, including some film work, Jim also enjoyed the the great honour of touring Australia with Brownie McGhee in the late 1980s.
Links:
https://www.thecountryblues.com/artist-reviews/jim-conway/
Videos:
The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band:
Mobile Line: https://youtu.be/eJ2wBc2tXXs
Your Feet’s Too Big: https://youtu.be/7uWT3aQZjDA
I Can’t Dance (I’ve Got Ants In My Pants):
https://youtu.be/Zy4jV6B08M0
Playing chromatic with Captain Matchbox:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk7c_mqAQEY
Conway Brothers Hiccups Orchestra - Dinosaur Songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgnOIKclEvw
Playing I Wish You Would with The Backsliders:
https://youtu.be/TRZ_nNn7i14
Sydney Paralympics Opening Ceremony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LRPn-pJkas
Documentary film on Jim:
https://youtu.be/wiq_fQ0XU-E
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Tom Ball joins me on episode 54.
From Los Angeles, but long time resident of Santa Barbara, he started playing guitar in the popular local folk scene before Sonny Terry turned him on to the sound of acoustic harmonica.
He then met Kenny Sultan, to form possibly the longest surviving acoustic blues duo. They have now been performing together for over 42 years and have recorded eight albums together. As well as session work for commercials, television and film, and toured the world together.
On top of this Tom has over 300 album credits as a sideman with other artists, has written three harmonica instruction books, a guitar instruction book, two fictional books and released some solo guitar albums.
Links:
http://tomballkennysultan.com
http://www.tomball.us
Discography:
http://www.tomball.us/discography.html
Sonny Terry licks book:
https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=178&searchcategory=0&refer=search&type=product&keywords=sonny+terry+licks
Little Walter / Big Walter licks:
https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=276&searchcategory=8&refer=new
Music Library sampler clips:
http://tomballkennysultan.com/gallery.html
Videos:
Filthy Rich with Kenny Sultan:
https://youtu.be/jH18jbva4c4
David Barrett interview: demo of wah and growl
https://youtu.be/IH_fzzS9mwI
Nagasaki Sails From Uranus:
https://youtu.be/4Hw4Utb5ZvQ
NHL festival 2003:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zBgQ7jTLi8
Spah 2012, playing Don’t Get Around Much Anymore:
https://youtu.be/YkgPNAZQ6Bs
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Billy Boy Arnold joins me on episode 53.
Today we have a little part of blues harmonica history, as Billy lived through the heyday of the blues in Chicago and was a peer of the many great players at the time, being born just five years after Little Walter himself. He took a couple of lessons with John Lee Williamson, aka SBWI, at just 12 years of age.
Billy released his first record at the age of 17 and then went on to release two songs with Bo Diddley, including coming up with possibly the most well known harmonica riff ever on I’m A Man. Shortly afterwards Billy went on to record his harmonica classic, I Wish You Would.
Billy took some time off from touring for a few years before he came back strong with two albums released through Alligator records in the 1990s. He has continued to record and release great albums until recently, and his passion for the harmonica is as infectious as ever after over 70 years of playing.
Links:
Discography:
https://www.wirz.de/music/arnoldbb.htm
More Blues On The South Side album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML3xmmjhItU
The Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold book (by Kim Field):
https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/B/bo119945396.html
Kim Field website:
https://www.kimfield.com
Videos:
Tom Jones playing I Wish You Would live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CgmJgQzcrI
American Blues Legends Tour 1975:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvUa_56XysM
Studio recording of song from SBWI album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmqHIjTenHw
John Peel session with BBC from 1977:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAL-0nwbzZ8
Three Harp Boogie song with James Cotton and Paul Butterfield:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHchw-sHzk
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Rick Estrin joins me on episode 52.
Rick grew up in San Francisco and starting sitting in with bands in the city. He was friends with Jerry Portnoy, who persuaded him to spend some time in Chicago. Here he met many of the harmonica greats, and missed the golden opportunity for the harmonica chair in the Muddy Waters band.
It turned out this wasn’t a bad thing though, as Rick forged his own path with Little Charlie & The Nightcats (later Rick Estrin & The Nightcats). A band in which he has played harmonica, sung and wrote most of the lyrics for well over 40 years.
And with great success as the band has won many Blues Music Awards, including for Rick’s harmonica playing and songwriting prowess.
Links:
Rick's Website:
http://www.rickestrin.com
Instructional DVD is listed at the bottom of this page:
https://rickestrin.com/music
EP Booster pedal:
https://xotic.us/effects/ep-booster/
Videos:
Rick singing with Little Charlie & The Nightcats in 1981:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyEYO1Pkosg
‘Contemporary’ album video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY1tkJRrx9Q&t=9s
I Met Her On The Blues Cruise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqS_nL2jvHE&t=55s
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats at World Harmonica Festival, 2013:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sccRtO1mJfw&t=6s
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Richard Gjems joins me on episode 51.
Richard hails from Norway, with its many blues clubs demonstrating how popular the music is there.
Richard is a real student of the blues, and the place of the harmonica within it, and he is involved in archiving music at the National Library in Norway.
Richard has incorporated pre-war styles into his contemporary approach to playing the harmonica, where he covers multiple genres, including Nordic folk music.
A big exponent of different tunings, Richard likes to pick the tuning that works best for a particular recording.
He has released three acoustic albums with a pianist, two electric blues albums and will soon be releasing some of his ‘field recordings’ from his extensive YouTube channel.
Links:
Richard's website: http://richardgjems.wix.com/richardgjems
Videos:
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/RichardGjems
You Don’t Have To Go (rack playing):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyO4qobTuy8
Strange Love (vocals):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUZd3D2ExEs
Harmonica Didgeridoo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq6lbRX4lLM
Natural Minor Blues:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEFhWI_lfMM
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Magic Dick joins me on episode 50.
Magic Dick created one of the all time classic harmonica instrumentals in Whammer Jammer. But his long career has produced so many more highlights than just that.
He started playing trumpet at age 9, and this instrument along with his love of jazz and rock and roll shaped his approach on harmonica.
He was a founder member of the J Geils Band, who had great commercial success for over 15 years. Magic Dick was an integral part of their sound with his harmonica work central to their output of Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Pop and Soul.
After the J Geils band split in 1985 he took a break from playing before coming back with some session playing and then forming the band Bluestime with J Geils. More recently he has performed in an acoustic duo with Shun Ng.
Links:
Magic Dick's website:
https://www.magicdick.com/
Email Magic Dick for lessons:
magicdick@magicdick.com
Line 6 HX Stomp pedal:
https://uk.line6.com/hx-stomp/
Videos:
Southern Crossing with band Full Circle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEayO6DUn74
Whammer Jammer with Shun Ng:
https://youtu.be/QRygCpiW7mY
So What on Chromatic with Shun Ng:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtM9UGfwLm0
Papa's Got A Brand New Bag with Shun Ng:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxAZ3YyjtPg
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Rory Mcleod joins me on episode 49.
Rory is a modern day wandering minstrel . A multi-instrumentalist ‘folk singing’ troubadour, Rory has travelled far and wide, his trusty harmonica (plus an assortment of other instruments) has been with him every step of the way, including working as a musical clown in Mexico.
His first band was ‘Have Mercy’, formed jamming in the markets of London alongside Steve Baker and another harmonica player. Rory has jammed and gone onto collaborate with a wide range of different performers around the world, including Michelle Shocked from the US and Australian Aboriginal Kev Carmody. From his travels he has picked up tunes which have armed his harmonica repertoire with complex rhythms and unique angles.
Rory won the Edinburgh Festival Street Busker of the Year and was the Texas Harmonica Champion of 1981.
Links:
Rory's website:
http://www.rorymcleod.com/
Bandcamp page:
https://rorymcleod.bandcamp.com/music
Buy a Sheng Chinese Harmonica:
https://harmonicas-direct.com/product/sheng/
Road Diaries:
http://www.rorymcleod.com/diaries/list.htm
Videos:
Have Mercy ‘Boodlam’ album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOkOZUD9GNg
NHL Festival 2011 with glass and telephone call:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqDqHkA-e2w
Loves Like A Rock:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4gFDlm4oe0
Short interview on YouTube: Bluesman don’t really sing about their Grandmas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XPXxQDukBg
Some of the harmonica songs on Rory's albums (including the ones played in the podcast):
Album: Angry Love
Farewell welfare
Album: Kicking the sawdust
Baksheesh
Harmonicas dream
Album: Footsteps and Heartbeats
Love like a Rock
Moments shared
Take me home
Album: Travelling Home
India matea
Black Brown and White
Album: Lullabies for big babies
Come with me when I go
Long lost friend
Album: Mouth to mouth
Miners Picket dance
Sandpaper blues
One track mind (with have mercy)
Album: Brave Faces
Klezmer tune: The Disciple of the Rabbi from Trisk.
Cut in Pay
Emperor’s new clothes
Album: Swings and Roundabouts
Lassoing the bees
Album: Songs for big little people
Train
Deep breath waltz
Winds March (played on Sheng Zheng)
Balloon dance
Direction song
Feather race
Album: Gusto
Disturbing The comfortable
Galloway girl
Wrong side of the wall
Single:
Didn’t he ramble
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows
Cy Leo joins me on episode 48.
Leo is from Hong Kong, where he started learning to play classical chromatic harmonica from age 6, under the direction of his father, who is an accomplished player himself, having won the ensemble category at the 1997 World Harmonica Championship with his quintet, helping to raise interest in the harmonica throughout Asia.
Leo quickly gained recognition in his own right, winning the World Championship youth category at age 15 before taking the adult crown at age 19.
Still only 27, Leo has built on his early success with some notable studio sessions and two albums under his own name. Leo also spent a few years on cruise ships which helped him hone his stagecraft.
Currently living in New York, Leo is studying Jazz Performance at NYU. And watch out on your TV screens for Leo as he is about to audition for America’s Got Talent!
Links:
Leo's website:
https://www.cyleomusic.com/
Kings Harmonica Quintet:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpKi1oSXOlTpHkyWSRzlFsQ
Ginger Muse record label:
https://www.gingermuse.com/
Love of Chromatic Harmonica book:
http://mastersofharmonica.com/slide/love-chromatic-harmonica-5/
Cremona chromatic:
http://www.workshop-cremona.com/service.html
Pollestad chromatic:
http://www.polle.no/munnspi3.html
Microphone:
https://www.lewitt-audio.com/microphones/mtp-live/mtp-740-cm
Videos:
World Championship entry 2013:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq3PuVLxZTM
Playing Flight of the Bumble Bee on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRmk1ZPSjXc
Performing at Chinese New Year celebrations in London:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipOMGDuRNwE&t=170s
Song with Sandy Lam:
https://youtu.be/IaMI0Zb2kKk
Tuition video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQypPEs4ksc
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Jason Rosenblatt joins me on episode 47.
A native of Canada but now resident in Israel, Jason is best known for his band Shtreiml, playing a mixture of Klezmer (Jewish) and Eastern European music with great use of the harmonica.
His first instrument was piano before he went on to pick up the harmonica after hearing Sonny Terry and Paul Butterfield. He then took advantage of the vibrant Montreal blues scene to witness harmonica live.
After hearing Howard Levy’s seminal ‘New Directions in Harmonica’ tutorial video, Jason knew he also wanted to take his own playing down a new path. He proceeded to take lessons with Howard, helping him to expand his sound using the overblow technique.
In 2015 Jason released his album Wiseman’s Rag, a slightly twisted take on the blues and jazz music that first got him started.
Links:
Jason's website:
https://jasonrosenblatt.com/home
Shtreiml band:
http://www.shtreiml.com/shtreiml.php
Jerusalem Harmonica Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/harmony.culturalcenter/photos/a.259961650825736/2058544157634134/
Joe Spiers custom harmonicas:
https://spiersharmonicas.com
Videos:
Grand Theft Stutinki - Shtreiml CD Launch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG9PUugB-Zs&list=PLyA_Ggl9bnME8h4rLSjdK86aK4CVzWcUp
Harmonica Jazz - Paper Moon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LyUd3gSswU&list=PL0F121BC77E9267C7
Teaching: using overblows in blues context:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsfh4QF7XrY
Teaching: Salt Creek:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQmoDjp32qc
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Greg Heumann joins me on episode 46.
The focus of this episode is all about gear, as I talk to the founder of BlowsMeAway Productions.
Greg has released an album of his own and uses his knowledge of playing harmonica to understand what is needed to make great harmonica products.The first product in this line was the volume control which later on Jason Ricci asked Greg to develop into the actual mic, which led to the Ultimate Series of mics.
He also hand crafts beautiful custom wood microphones and grills which can include your own initials and designs.
On top of this Greg also makes his very own mic element, which is included in his successful smaller diameter ‘Bulletini’ microphone.
Links:
Gregs website:
http://www.blowsmeaway.com
All About microphones guide:
http://blowsmeaway.com/all%20about%20harmonica%20microphones.pdf
Videos:
Workshop video of creating wooden mic and metal grille:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbYGs58nW2g
Nic Clarke playing wood mic:
https://youtu.be/HBflXFYi1kE
Hermine Deurloo playing Ultimate SM58:
https://youtu.be/zBxEWyGrbmA
Mark Hummel playing the RackIt with Bulletini:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBg3D6xZmUQ
Harpin’ By The Sea festival 2021:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysr5Pep81QU
PT Gazell interview as part of Seydel Overtones:
https://youtu.be/2FdkEYT6ggs
Email:
greg@blowsmeaway.com
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Tony Eyers joins me on episode 45.
Tony is an Australian who first picked up the harmonica while studying at Yale in the US. Returning from America he started a successful blues band in Adelaide.
He also plays baroque recorder, and has been part of an ensemble for 25 years, which has helped shape his sound on harmonica.
In the mid-90s he became interested in playing fiddle music and developed the Major Cross tuning for the diatonic, now available through Seydel.
Tony has several successful harmonica teaching websites, including the Harmonica Academy.
And also has his own harmonica trio for which he has released numerous YouTube videos, where he maintains the great tradition of comedy in the harmonica ensemble.
Links:
Teaching website:
https://www.harmonicaacademy.com
Spanish version:
https://armonica.com.es
Harmonica Tunes website:
http://harmonicatunes.com/
Recorder teaching site:
https://learnrecorder.com
Major Cross Harp Tuning:
https://www.seydel1847.de/major-cross
Taiwan tour in 2010:
http://harmonicatunes.com/tony-eyers-taiwan-harmonica-tour/
Tony Eyers trio formation story:
http://harmonicatunes.com/tony-eyers-harmonica-trio/
Videos:
Jim Fitting:
https://youtu.be/sGpBxepQx7Q
Tony Eyers Trio - Jerusalem Ridge:
https://youtu.be/cEWJtrPAtLw
Tremolo playing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWr2qusnfu8
Tony Eyers Trio with button accordions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYhG5FnjRGA
Tony’s Fifties Busking trio:
http://thefifties.com.au/watch/
Tony explains Major Cross tuning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fn6nfMAbuA
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Adam Burney joins me on episode 44.
Adam is a south London boy, from Croydon. A stint playing with the punk bands of this area has helped shape his sound with an edge of Blues punk, including in his own band, The Brothers of Mothershovel.
A big fan of pre-war style of harmonica, Adam has incorporated these techniques into a style which fits into a modern band. Characterised by a rhythmic driving sound which is infectiously danceable.
Adam has recorded some notable tv sessions including some harmonica used in the BBC TV Doctor Who series.
Adam’s latest album ‘Tidy’s Blues Sandwich’ is more of a full-on blues album, recorded with some of the great players currently on London blues scene.
Links:
Tidy's Blues Sandwich album:
https://tidysbluessandwich.bandcamp.com/releases
The Brothers of Mothershovel Bandcamp page:
https://thebrothersofmothershovel.bandcamp.com
Brothers of Mothershovel: Umcha, Umcha album review by Richard Taylor: http://www.harpsurgery.com/umcha-umcha-brothers-of-mothershovel/
Videos:
Hovel Bop video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2AhvIwtrH0
Make The Tea/On The Run Again from latest album:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LCYqy7LxQWI&feature=share
Harpin' By The Sea workshop on Noah Lewis:
https://youtu.be/pbV21VF-yOw
Return of Jerome:
https://youtu.be/zxhgT9P9wjo
Wolfie Witcher documentary:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=135_abFUQfk&feature=share
PCP - Let The Fun Begin:
https://youtu.be/xD3lZpDTAqs
Keith Turner and Southern Sound rehearsal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDADnebDAO0
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
David Naiditch joins me on episode 43.
After starting out as a diatonic player, including having lessons with a touring Sonny Terry, David developed himself into possibly the sole exponent of playing Bluegrass music on the chromatic harmonica, and has recorded various albums with some of the stellar names from the Bluegrass world.
David likes the clean, consistent tone that the chromatic brings.
He also plays Gypsy Jazz, a genre which he sees as having some similarities with Bluegrass.
During the pandemic David recorded an album entirely remotely from the other musicians, and his delight with the results show the increasing potential of this, although it’s always nice to play along with others.
David honed his craft live, and you might catch him jamming along at a festival in the US sometime soon.
Links:
Website:
http://www.davidnaiditch.com/DavidNaiditch/Welcome.html
Steve Kaufman’s Bluegrass workout:
https://www.homespun.com/shop/product/steve-kaufmans-four-hour-bluegrass-workout-volume-one/
Videos:
David's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/DNaiditch
David demos blues in 12 keys on chromatic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njLjIlYM02o
Jimmy Riddle playing chromatic on US TV show ‘Hee Haw’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO1xQ-TAF6k
Jackie Naiditch YouTube channel for house jams:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvo2hgdJVyz8o-CQgopjTA
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Hermine Deurloo joins me on episode 42.
Hermine is a Dutch female chromatic harmonica player who grew up to the sound of master jazz player Toots Thielemans. After studying saxophone at the Amsterdam Conservatory, she picked up the chromatic and transitioned over to the harmonica being her instrument of choice.
Her first album was of Brazilian music, and she has gone on to record several jazz albums in her own name. Her more recent album, Riverbeast, delves into 70s funk. She has appeared as a guest artist on numerous albums and is famous in her native Netherlands for playing the advertisement music for sausages!
Hermine won the SPAH harmonica player of the year award in 2018 and hopes she can inspire other females to pick up the harmonica.
Links:
Website:
https://www.herminedeurloo.com/
Strangely In Love film music: The Stalker
https://soundcloud.com/awintory/dostoevsky-in-love-the-stalker?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fawintory%252Fdostoevsky-in-love-the-stalker
Ambleside festival:
https://www.amblesidedays.co.uk/
Saed Haddad harmonica composition, performed by Hermine:
https://soundcloud.com/dr-saed-haddad/melancholie-for-chromatic-harmonica-orch-extract-1-2017-18
Bernie Bray SPAH award winners:
https://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=61
Blows Me Away Productions harmonica equipment:
http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Videos:
Studio work videos:
https://www.herminedeurloo.com/studio-work/
Sausage advert on Netherlands TV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghXe6Y75RGs
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Phil Wiggins joins me on episode 41.
Phil was one half of one of the best known blues duos around, Cephas and Wiggins, playing with John Cephas for over thirty years. They progressed from their early recordings in Germany to go on to tour the world, and even played at the White House to the Clintons. They played in the Piedmont blues style, Phil being one of its rare masters on harmonica, picked up from the guitar players who developed this approach.
A native of Washington D.C., Phil wrote a book about the blues scene in the city, and went on to use his music to steer some of the troubled youth of the city onto a better path.
Since John Cephas passed in 2009, Phil has continued his musical career by playing with various artists. Always sticking to his philosophy to play music for people to dance to.
Links:
Website: https://www.philwiggins.com/
Washington DC blues scene book:
https://sweetbitterblues.com/
Music & conversation with Joe Filisko and Eric Norden:
https://34lounge.com/
Videos:
National Folk Festival 2020:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POEo8vxU2e8
With Ben Hunter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4f-9OMLmOA
Chesapeake Sheiks: Struttin’ With Some Barbeque
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjqIVZoCQ2g
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Bob Corritore joins me on episode 40.
Bob grew up around Chicago and absorbed the best blues scene in the world, attending the blues clubs in his youth, seeing his harmonica heroes in action and befriending many of them.
He moved to Phoenix in this 20s and quickly became a record producer. Bob put his Business degree to good use, opening a blues club called The Rhythm Room. He took the unique opportunity to record many of the visiting blues artists, appearing on numerous albums alongside them.
Bob has won numerous awards for his albums, recorded with a host of different names. He has run a blues radio show since 1984, been awarded an honorary award for Keeping The Blues Alive, and the mayor of Phoenix even named September 29th, 2007 ‘Bob Corritore Day’.
Links:
Website: https://bobcorritore.com/
KJZZ Radio Show playlists and link to listen to show:
https://kjzz.org/blues-playlist
Blues Newsletter Archive:
https://bobcorritore.com/news/newsletter-archive/2019-archives/
Billy Boy Arnold book: The Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold
https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/B/bo119945396.html
Videos:
https://bobcorritore.com/music/videos/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Mat Walklate joins me on episode 39.
Mat is based in Manchester and has worked as a professional musician throughout his life, playing mainly blues and traditional music using a variety of harmonicas. He started out with a love for Sonny Boy Williamson II, and was soon touring Europe in a blues band. His interest in traditional music came from learning the tin whistle, and he also picked up other instruments for this genre, including the flute and pipes.
Mat supplements his playing income through teaching, with one-on-one, group and online teaching.
Devoted to laying down some tracks, he has plenty of albums and online material available, including various efforts at recording songs with a multitude of harmonicas to accompany his deep vocals. Something that he’s really developed over the last year during lockdown.
Links:
Mat's website: http://matwalklate.co.uk
For lessons, contact Mat here:
http://www.matwalklate.co.uk/contact.html
BandCamp:
https://matwalklate.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/search?q=mat%20walklate
Traditional harmonica album:
https://matwalklate.bandcamp.com/album/traditional-harmonica
Mat's Music Guru courses:
https://www.musicgurus.com/gurus/matwalklate/?fbclid=IwAR3ThLVldrYuz69xKXc6DlczKi1A3PjKwL7sRUZmphzj5wZF9OydxVH4NQk
Irish Ceilidh Band:
https://www.lastminutemusicians.com/members/mat-walklates-irish-ceili-band.html
Videos:
With Tom Attah:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F81W3uV82IA
With Alex Haynes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6VfOWdSOE0
With Paolo Fuschi:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxwNXn7FZgk
Promo video for Seydel Lightning harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxgbnojKAQs
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Will Galison joins me on episode 38.
Will first picked up the chromatic harmonica when studying guitar at the Berklee College of Music. He quickly realised he had an affinity with the instrument, and after spending a day with Toots Thielemans he knew the chromatic instrument was what he wanted to do.
Will went on to record numerous albums under his own name, including a successful collaboration with Madeleine Peyroux. He has been an in-demand session player for numerous years, with credits performing with the likes of Barbara Streisand, Carly Simon, Donald Fagen and many others. On top of all this he has recorded a version of the Sesame Street theme tune used on the TV show. With interests ranging from jazz, to pop and classical, as well as playing some mean diatonic,
Will really delivers a pocketful of soul.
Links:
Will's website:
https://www.willgalison.net/
Takin It Back With Barack:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJW67YfLWgs
Odysseus Fantasy:
https://www.willgalison.net/odysseus-concerto
Beethoven Spring Sonata:
https://www.willgalison.net/beethoven-spring-sonata
Will's Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/will-galison/
Hal Leonard Jazz Standards tutorial:
https://www.halleonard.com/product/1335/jazz-standards
Hal Leonard Pop Songs tutorial:
https://www.halleonard.com/product/1090/pop-classics
HarmonicaUK Virtual Chromatic Weekend:
http://harmonica.uk/HUKBlog/chromatic-weekend/
Videos:
Odyssey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPC-fh3jysw
Beethoven Spring Sonata:
https://www.willgalison.net/beethoven-spring-sonata
Toots Thielemans playing Undecided:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMTmKwosSi8
Pocketful of Soul:
https://www.willgalison.net/pocket-full-of-soul
Skylark with Sean Harness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KylY3vQv8Y4&t=105s
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Rick Epping joins me on episode 37.
Rick worked for Hohner USA for 18 years and played a pivotal role in improving the quality of their harmonicas back to their former glory. While at Hohner, he also developed the XB40, the all-bending harmonica. Rick is also an expert customiser of harmonicas and can be credited with the creation of embossing reeds to improve playability.
Rick has a real passion for playing Irish music, to such an extent that he even moved to Ireland so he could immerse himself in the music. He has released several albums with notable Irish groups for us to enjoy his traditional music playing.
Rick is also adept at playing harmonica on a rack, perhaps with the less orthodox instruments of the concertina and the banjo.
Links:
Article by Rick on harmonica types used in Irish Music:
https://www.celticguitarmusic.com/irishharm.htm
Article on reed longevity:
https://www.bluesharmonica.com/rick_eppings_paper_reed_longevity_revisited
Pat Missin page on the XB40:
https://www.patmissin.com/reviews/xb40.html
Easy third tuning:
https://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/5490922.htm
Iron Lung:
https://www.brendan-power.com/IronLung.php
Willie Clancy Summer School:
https://www.scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy.com/
HarmonicaUK Virtual Chromatic Weekend:
http://harmonica.uk/HUKBlog/chromatic-weekend/
Videos:
One man show for Irish Cultural Centre:
https://irishculturalcentre.co.uk/2020/04/28/music-rick-epping/
YouTube workshop on harmonica maintenance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yKDUhAgmRg
Another harmonica maintenance workshop:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIsHOn-65uY&t=1608s
Session that Brian McDonagh, Philip Duffy and I held every Tuesday for 15 years:
https://youtu.be/Lt-BUD37SwA
NHL Concert: Buckets Of Rain:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRvTwBYng4A
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Mark Hummel joins me on episode 36.
Mark is a West Coast blues harp player who has put out some great harmonica songs in his catalogue of over 30 albums.
A real connoisseur of the Blues, he has drawn inspiration from a wide range of the classic players. Mark felt a particular affinity with Little Walter early on, and received a Grammy nomination for his 2013 album, Remembering Little Walter. This was part of the harmonica blow out series, where he has put together numerous tours featuring some of the best harp players around.
Mark has been a hard touring bluesman for over forty years, and has written a book about life on the road. He’s currently working up a solo show as he prepares to get back out to playing live gigs once again.
Links:
Website:
https://markhummel.com/home
Mark runs his own podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mark-hummels-harmonica-party/id1570061845
On YouTube:
https://youtu.be/n4ZDGZjLDwY
https://youtube.com/channel/UCWn89o4gUADSxuZbcH8XWJw
Videos:
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJHnGpgUkKWdPHfd1hHoYA
Harpin’ By The Sea workshop:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGbxkW2lkVg
Ricky Cool videos on adapting saxophone solos or riffs for harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk87rhp596Q
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Robert Bonfiglio shares with us the world of the concert chromatic harmonica player.
After studying composition in New York, he spent five years under the tutelage of Chinese classical player, Cham Ber Huang, and another 12 years studying with the first flute player of the New York ballet.
Robert has been playing classical harmonica concertos since 1986, and has played in some of the great venues around the world. He has performed all the major pieces composed for the harmonica, as well as releasing some more popular recordings, which saw him spend 8 weeks on the Billboard charts in the US.
Robert reveals some of the daily practise methods he has followed to attain the high level of technical expertise that has seen him flourish in the elite world of classical music.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to jump to different sections of the podcast.
Links:
Robert's website: http://www.robertbonfiglio.com/
Cham-Ber Huang: http://www.chamberhuang.com/
Videos:
Thais Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgJy9uwxhmE
Gerswin Medley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAWiRQ39PUQ
SPAH appearance 2013: https://youtu.be/HRp3x7t2EIc
NHL October Virtual Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiUpPyYnh_A
John Sebastien Senior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eiV_XZUa1g
Roger Trobridge Harmonica Archivist site: http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Steve Baker moved from his native London in his early 20s to become part of the vibrant music scene in Hamburg. His brand of punk folk won him recognition and he was soon a regular on the German session circuit, as well as collaborations in various bands and duos, with his best work coming working alongside Chris Jones.
Steve has long been a consultant to Hohner, and was instrumental in the development of the modern incarnations of the Marine Band: the Deluxe and the Crossover, as well as other Hohner innovations. He has released a body of instructional material and helped set-up the Trossingen festival and the Harmonica Masters Workshop, which runs in the same town three out of every four years.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to jump to different sections of the podcast.
Links:
Steve's website
http://www.stevebaker.de/news_en_6.html
Videos:
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsgaR1LVVqVT7u_Ud5jpEQ
Tutorials videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5dC3pKSfIt4vSp9RT75I_KHaULc45e7u
The Baker Family Live in Lockdown:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5dC3pKSfIt6AFZyMJtYBF55-e2aH9SkX
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Son of Dave is originally from Winnipeg, Canada, where he enjoyed pop chart success for ten years with folk-rock band Crash Test Dummies. He then moved to London and pursued a solo career.
After two albums he decided to quite literally go it alone and become the all singing, all dancing solo performer that is the Son of Dave act. While doing so he quite possibly invented a brand new genre of harmonica, incorporating beat-boxing and loop pedals to compliment his strong rhythmic harmonica style of playing. His catalogue of albums are littered with songs he has composed by dreaming up melodies on the harmonica.
Son of Dave has thrilled audiences around the world with his cartoony Bluesman persona, dragging his suitcase fulls of tricks behind him. His one-man show has got to be seen to be believed.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Son of Dave's website:
https://sonofdave.bandcamp.com/
Videos:
Son of Dave's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu5UgKvTbjsw2VfDfTQXSfQ
Black Betty:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlDH8zDLHxw
Crash Test Dummies: The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLt60MUv7AU
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Filip can be described as the complete harmonica player, being adept on the diatonic, chromatic and bass harmonicas, as well as being able to play numerous other instruments.
He started out on diatonic, with a love of the blues before submerging himself into the overblow style of play pioneered by Howard Levy.
Filip is the first harmonica player in the 300 year history of Sweden’s Royal Academy of Music to be accepted to study there. It is here he explored the range of possibilities of the chromatic harmonica as a jazz instrument.
Still only 34 years old, Filip already has a great catalogue of albums to his name, with releases focused on jazz, Swedish folk, blues and pop, and fusions between them made to great effect.
He loves to teach the harmonica and has just launched a new online resource to share his deep knowledge of both diatonic and chromatic.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Filip's website:
http://www.filipjers.com/
Filip's new teaching site:
http://www.patreon.com/filipjersharmonica
Filip's Facebook page:
http://facebook.com/filipjersmusic
Filip's Instagram page:
http://instagram.com/filipjersharmonica
Videos:
Filip's YouTube channel:
http://youtube.com/filipjersmusic
Duet with self on Someday My Prince Will Come:
https://youtu.be/23pQMP7UNLU
Workshop: How to structure practise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8loZS9fvl4
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Errol Linton is a south London boy, with roots in Jamaica. His brand of ‘Brixton Blues’ music merges his Caribbean heritage with his love for the blues to create a distinctive reggae-infused form of blues.
Starting out busking on the streets of London, Errol was noticed by BBC Producer John Walters, who made a documentary about him. This led on to some airplay on BBC Radio. Errol built on this early success and has released a number of albums since the early 1990s.
His two most recent albums have been released to critical acclaim, with the latest one, No Entry, recorded with a live feel.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Errol's website:
http://errollinton.com/
Videos:
Documentary on Errol by BBC:
https://youtu.be/xQCaLPw0efo
Howlin’ For My Darlin’
https://youtu.be/B9OYyvqUIN8
Paul Jones BBC Blues Radio show:
https://youtu.be/fnYzCvAILbM
Busking on London Underground:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG91oY8ogH0
Errol's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSp8y2HN77CmkYXZZI0V_9Q
Music:
Listen to Errol’s “Live In London” album here:
https://www.brassdogrecords.com/live-in-london-a
Chad Jackson remix of Rain In Your Life:
https://www.brassdogrecords.com/chad-jackson-remix
Harmonica in Jamaican music:
http://jamminjasounds.blogspot.com/2007/05/harmonica-in-jamaican-music.html
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Fata Morgana are a Dutch harmonica quartet, who first formed in 1980 after meeting at the Eindhoven Harmonica Club. Two of the original members survive from that time, with the current line-up existing since 2001.
The group have played at many festivals around the world, including in Asia where harmonica groups are still very popular. They have released six albums, with their latest one in 2017 including four guest harmonica players from across Europe.
They share how they put together their own arrangements, how they get their sound and what life is like on the road for a touring harmonica group.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Website:
http://fatamorganamusic.nl/?lang=en
History:
http://fatamorganamusic.nl/geschiedenis/?lang=en
Videos:
Website video page:
http://fatamorganamusic.nl/videos/?lang=en
Tom Jones medley at NHL Festival:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3XMePuGhZ8
Happy birthday to Roger Trobridge:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN103hCsKJo
Al Smith playing with Harmonica Express:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73m7H5UtzMY
My Little Angel with Matyas Pribojzski:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFwNkLaqyYI
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Greg Zlap hails from Poland, where he played along with black market blues records on his one harmonica.
He moved to Paris in his late teens where he discovered the great French harmonica player, JJ Milteau. Greg started up a harmonica school in the city and has released a number of stellar harmonica albums. Always driven to push the harmonica forward, he has added harmonica to genres ranging from jazz, to electro music, to pop, house music and rock, while remaining true to the foundations of the instrument.
He toured with legendary French musician Johnny Halladav for ten years, playing a harmonica solo in front of the Eiffel Tower in front of 1 million people.
Greg plans to start touring again in early 2021 to promote his new album, Rock It.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Greg's website:
http://www.gregzlap.com
Rock It Album:
https://smarturl.it/GregZlap_RockIt
Rock It Tour Dates:
https://bnds.us/uaf0hr
YouTube:
Solo piece with Johnny Hallyday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQiV4Yh6V2o
Klingande: Ready For Love song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b-sOuO-a4U
Le Blues du Penitencier song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6azkHB7uVQ
Free Soul song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLaI19erdis
NHL Festival 2013:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCrXy0Tmmhk
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Donald Black is predominantly a tremolo player, using the instrument to great effect across the range of traditional Scottish music. He learnt many of the tunes he loves from accordion music, emulating the sound on the tremolo harmonica.
Donald’s musical career started quite late in life, and since then he has performed around the world, appearing at the SPAH convention and even in Moscow. With five albums to his name, Donald has also recorded two tracks with the great Charlie McCoy.
His music summons the beautiful scenery of the misty glens of bonny Scotland.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Donald's website:
https://donald-black.com/
Album reviews:
https://donald-black.com/albums-reviews/
Tony Eyers site on Tremolo harmonica:
http://tremoloharmonica.com/
Profile of Donald: http://tremoloharmonica.com/donald-black.shtml
Winslow Yerxa's, author of 'Harmonica For Dummies':
https://winslowyerxa.com/
The Encyclopedia of Harmonica book by Peter Krampert:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Encyclopedia-Harmonica-Peter-Krampert-ebook/dp/B07TW9MRW5
Di Mundharmonica by Cristoph Wagner:
https://www.amazon.de/Die-Mundharmonika-Ein-musikalischer-Globetrotter/dp/3887471105
YouTube:
NHL Bristol in 2007:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7R3vZclR2M
Harmonica UK Lockdown session from 2020:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89fnOFmU9po
Piping Live in 2018:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtXnQpyYcmc
Donald Black Band in Klingenthal in 2018:
https://www.facebook.com/100004723477107/videos/1118269991673773/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Charlie Musselwhite grew up in Memphis, rubbing shoulders with Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Work took him north to Chicago were he discovered the South Side blues scene, where he befriended several legends of the blues harmonica. Sitting in with Muddy Waters got Charlie noticed and he was soon recording his seminal album, Stand Back!
This led him to the West Coast, from where he has recorded over thirty albums, received numerous Grammy nominations, won a Grammy in 2013, been inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame, and appeared in the Blues Brothers 2000 film.
Charlie’s latest album, 100 Years of Blues shows that he still loves the blues just like he did when he first got started.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Charlie's website:
https://www.charliemusselwhite.com/
Discography:
https://www.charliemusselwhite.com/discography/
Charlie's store:
https://stores.portmerch.com/charliemusselwhite/
Seydel tunings:
https://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel1847.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Seydel/Categories/Configurator/Config_Welcome/Configurator_Help
Videos:
Website video page:
https://www.charliemusselwhite.com/video/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
British Chromatic royalty Jim Hughes joins me on episode 26.
Jim has been playing professionally for over 60 years. From his early success in harmonica competitions, he went on to forge a successful career as a session musician, with countless appearances on the BBC, including playing on the hit TV show, Last Of The Summer Wine.
Jim set up quite possibly the biggest harmonica festival of all time, The World Harmonica Championship in Jersey, 1987, as well as involvement in other festivals. He has several albums to his name and is a harmonica teacher who has helped guide some real star pupils to go on to achieve great things.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Roger Trobridge's Archivist site:
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk
Dror Adler Classical Music project info:
http://harmonica.uk/drorcp.htm
Franz Chmel
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/franz-chmel-1944-to-2016-the-archivist/
Ricky Cool:
https://www.rickycoolandtheincrowd.co.uk
YouTube:
Ronald Chesney Flight Of the Bumble Bee
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORYIpDQpDWk
Jersey World Harmonica Festival 1987
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3SaOL0cuXM
Philip Achille - The Story So Far, including a duet with Jim (4 mins in):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSbHkcipr8g
Jim playing at the NHL event Birmingham 1988:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGkzPBqpdJM
Audio recording Jim playing at a NHL concert in 1983:
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/jim-hughes-1983/
Harmonica Group Jim ran:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy4Fh2niOno
Hotcha Trio:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXuGlYa2wkA
Fata Morgana:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3XMePuGhZ8
My Funny Valentine, at Jim’s 90th birthday party:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU_IGmCsFCM
Franz Chmel YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/user/franzchm/videos
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway
Sugar Blue has certainly pushed the boundaries of the harmonica, with his rapid fire licks, lots of high end runs and gorgeous tone. It was perhaps his early jazz influences that shaped his distinctive sound, although there is no doubt that he has paid homage to the harmonica greats, spending time with some of the classic players.
As well as numerous solo albums, Sugar has recorded with many illustrious names, including the Rolling Stones, Willie Dixon and Frank Zappa, to name but a few.
He has two Grammy awards and has recently released his new album, Colors.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Sugar Blue's website:
https://www.sugar-blue.com/
YouTube:
Pontiac from Crossroads album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo_4V2oQkJQ
From Paris to Chicago album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erR3ykdWjUs&list=PLKy7ZszBRofeRhtxfOq9AnNJJE-oEkPzR
With Louisiana Red:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNJvfPF_S1w
Willie Dixon Hidden Charms album: Blues You Can’t Lose
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_PudHiZWnI&list=PLvxWibFr0wiK2EYwsSfV3C2bg_i5GDNvL
Sugar Blue Unplugged:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtNgTBZx2HY
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Grant Dermody first picked up the harp in Alaska, where he emulated the greats before developing his own acoustic sound playing American roots music.
He played as a session man on various albums before releasing the first of his four solo albums to date, which included harmonica duets with Phll Wiggins and Joe Filisko. In-between Grant toured for six years with Eric Bibb, and for his latest album, My Dony, he has returned to his roots with a raucous electrified harmonica sound. Not only a great harmonica player with a strong sense of rhythm, Grant is a vocalist, and has penned the lyrics on many of the songs on his albums. On top of all this, Grant is a passionate teacher of the harmonica.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Grant's website:
https://www.grantdermody.com/
Discography:
https://www.grantdermody.com/discography/
Teaching:
https://www.grantdermody.com/teaching/
YouTube:
Harmonica duet with Joe Filisko:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWZjtbNmyUc&feature=youtu.be
EuroBlues Week Harmonica Tutor intro:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECQRu2kEyok&feature=youtu.be
Jerry Devillier playing Cajun Harmonica:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptNsv7s7or8
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Chromatic player, Antonio Serrano, is the current SPAH harmonica player of the year. And with good reason.
Antonio’s father was a great influence on the fledgling harmonica player. And Antonio met Larry Adler at a young age, and performed with him for the first time, at only 13 years of old. Since that time Antonio has made a big splash on the Spanish music scene, not least when he played with flamenco legend Paco de Lucia. He has recorded with many artists and released some albums under his own name, including a tribute to the legendary Toots Thielemans, who he has also performed with.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
https://kamalaproducciones.com/portfolio_page/antonio-serrano
YouTube:
Performing with Larry Adler at age 13:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAamKnAvnNs&feature=youtu.be
Performing with Toots Thielemans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdoL5SwLqTU&feature=youtu.be
Playing with Paco de Lucia: (Flamenco)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT8-3_fqO4Y&app=desktop
Playing I Feel For You with Chaka Khan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbLY9QdYADw&feature=youtu.be
Antonio playing Rhapsody In Blue:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRulfholtfQ&feature=youtu.be
Antonio playing Send In The Clowns from his first album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM7-xZ4RPkc
SPAH seminar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HOZHIqW5TI&feature=youtu.be&t=14145&fbclid=IwAR0ZdDoToh7yyIqcSQj9oKKATzkuCxfX9Bpusr3mLeMKF311R4FLxUA_OrI
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Mark Feltham grew up with a love of country music and just knew he had to play harp when he heard Stone Fox Chase on the UK music programme, Old Grey Whistle test.
As he entered the London music scene he found he had to adapt his style to create a fusion of melodic and blues playing, which has served him very well throughout his career.
Best known from his work with Punk Blues band, Nine Below Zero, Mark also played with Rory Gallagher for a long spell. Alongside this he has had a great career as a session musician, recording for television adverts, films and playing with such giants as Oasis, The Christians, Talk Talk and Godley and Creme, of 10cc fame.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
https://www.ninebelowzero.com/mark-feltham
YouTube:
Dennis Greaves duo trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZYApDHJZtU&feature=youtu.be
Rory Gallagher:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePJmB4yqV60&feature=youtu.be
Masterplan with Oasis:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZxexZ8v-QI
Playing on the Young Ones TV show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYx9wgK2q20
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Mickey Raphael started out playing on the Dallas folk scene before meeting with Willie Nelson at a jam session. Forty six years later, Mickey has toured the world with Willie.
Alongside that, Mickey has enjoyed great recording success as a session musician, playing with Emmylou Harris, the Highwayman Country Supergroup, U2, Wynton Marsalis, Ringo Starr, and more recently with Chris Stapleton. The list goes on and on.
He played at Ray Charles funeral, and was most likely the inspiration for the Blues Brothers.
Throughout it all Mickey has remained humble about his tremendous career playing the harmonica.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Mickey's website: http://www.mickeyraphael.com/
Discography: https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/mickey_raphael/credits/
YouTube:
Mickey playing with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSOBOJ10JZo
Mickey playing Georgia with Willie Nelson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt8pgr7J6g0
Mickey playing with Chris Stapleton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4nP16bUVL8
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Jerry Portnoy joins me on episode 20 of the podcast.
Jerry grew up with the sounds of Maxwell street in his ears. It took him a few years to pick up the harp, but when he did he enjoyed a tremendous career. Starting out with Johnny Young’s band, he had only been playing for six years before his talents landed him the greatest harmonica chair there ever was, playing with the Muddy Waters Blues Band.
Jerry went on to play in the Legendary Blues Band and then with guitar legend Eric Clapton. He’s played at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Links:
Jerry's website: https://www.jerryportnoy.com
Teaching:
Jerry's Masterclass tutorial: https://www.jerryportnoy.com/lessons.html
Sonic Junction: http://www.sonicjunction.com/jerry-portnoy
YouTube:
Jerry playing with Muddy Waters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu3CbGyKgiA
Jerry playing Misty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb2CZenVvp0
Amps:
http://www.victoriaamp.com/
https://memphisbluesamps.com/mini-amp-docs
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
John is a harmonica repairer and customiser. Following years of experience as a toolmaker John moved into repairing musical instruments, initially for woodwind instruments, before tapping into a rich vein of work repairing harmonicas. As well as many private clients, he now does repair work for the big three manufacturers.
This has led to John now making quite possibly the only hand-made harmonica in the world today, under the name The Great British Harmonica company.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
John's website:
http://www.johncookharmonicas.com/
Julius Berthold book:
http://www.johncookharmonicas.com/book-julius-berthold
John's saxophone stands:
http://www.saxrax.com
John's engraving website:
https://www.johncookengraving.co.uk/
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdedNWMD0l6o3Y1Nyv1sLw
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Mick Kinsella started out as a drummer before moving across to the harmonica to pursue his love of traditional music. Skilled in the use of both the diatonic and chromatic, Mick played on numerous sessions before releasing his own 2002 album ‘Harmonica’ with an assortment of genres and some tremendous harmonica work. He went out to tour with Rick Epping and Brendan Power under the name Triple Harp Bypass. Mick likes to tinker with his harmonicas, has a tuition book to his name and teaches each year at the William Clancy festival in Ireland.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
YouTube:
Played on Michael Flatleys 'Celtic Tiger' CD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7PD2v3YMo
Talking Harmonica act:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N96S7Q1nh9E
Rick Epping:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YjOrp3RMc
Links:
Triple Harp Bypass album:
https://www.brendan-power.com/IronLung.php
Irish Traditional Music Archive:
https://www.itma.ie/digital-library
Teaching
Blues Harp From Scratch:
https://www.armaosmusic.gr/en/music-books/blues-harp-from-scratch-by-mick-kinsella-book-cd-detail
Michael McInerney teaching website:
https://www.bluethirdmusic.com
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Gregoire Maret is a chromatic player, originally from Switzerland. After studying jazz at the New School in New York, Gregoire went on to play with some of the biggest names in jazz: from Jimmy Scott to Cassandra Wilson, Pat Metheny and Herbie Hancock. Although he can also turn his hand to other genres, such as pop, funk and even opera!
In 2012 Gregoire made the first of the albums under his own name, as well as continuing to be an in-demand sideman.
Renowned bassist, Marcus Miller, said that Gregoire is "carrying the chromatic harmonica into the 21st century with prowess, passion, and creativity."
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Gregoire's website:
https://www.gregoiremaret.com
YouTube videos:
Gregoire's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbwRBejM2dWGlEwCfmUZbWw
Playing with Toots Thielemans:
https://youtu.be/xLB74o-Gu6E
Gear:
Schertler amps:
https://secure.schertler.com/en_IT/shop/amplifiers
Earthworks SR314 microphone:
https://earthworksaudio.com/instrument/
Zoom AX1 multi-effect processor:
https://www.zoom-na.com/products/effects-preamps/acoustic/zoom-a1-four-a1x-four-multi-effects-processors
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Rachelle Plas is a French player who learnt her craft at an early age in group lessons provided by Greg Zlap in Paris. She won various competitions at French music festivals which led on to her touring Europe and beyond with her band. After making a splash at the World Harmonica Festival in Germany, Rachelle became the face of Hohner’s Golden Melody harmonicas. She has gone on to record two albums since, with her fusion of blues, soul, pop, rock & electro bringing her fast flowing harmonica style to a new and younger audience.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Rachelle's website:
https://www.rachelleplas.com
Rachelle's boutique store, where songs and teaching material can be purchased:
https://www.rachelleplas.com/victoryswaymusic-boutique-store
YouTube videos:
Hohner Masters of Harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z_DrIDsQSw
SBW I’ve Got To Go:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd43fxbelFI
Orange Blossom Special:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajrNA6sPoDM
Mellow Down Easy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwXt3Tj377A
French Harmonica Players:
https://www.planetharmonica.com/Ressources/FrenchHarp/FrHarpUK.htm
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Michael D’Eath is the President of the American harmonica organisation SPAH. He tells us what SPAH is all about and the many benefits it brings to its members.
The SPAH convention is one of the biggest events on the harmonica calendar, and this year it will be online. Allowing more international artists to be utilised, and providing the opportunity for people around the world to take part in the convention, which takes place from Aug 12-15 2020.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
SPAH website:
https://www.spah.org
SPAH 2020 online convention:
https://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=138&fbclid=IwAR0AWfRlCCFEoan9lMhJln4bXH2NY7texiH9hgskc0XFX5ekUwfrr1Xlx9Y
SPAH donations page:
https://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=156
SPAH Facebook site:
https://www.facebook.com/SPAH63/
Archive material:
SPAH Archive website:
https://archive.org/details/SPAH-archive
Roger Trobridge's Archivist website: the first 20 years of SPAH:
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/spah-the-first-20-years/
HarmonicaUK (formerly National Harmonica League), Lockdown sessions, including info on Chromatic Weekend: July 25/26 2020:
https://www.harmonicauk.com/lockdown-sessions/
Michael's band, Him & Her:
https://www.himandhertx.com
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Howard Levy is known to be the pioneer of overblows on the diatonic harmonica, but his music shouldn’t be defined merely by the use of this technical tool. Starting out as a piano player, he first started using overblows to enable him to play the music that he wanted to play. And they have allowed Howard to take the instrument to soaring new heights across a diverse range of genres. And make no mistake, he has rhythm, feel, a great bluesy tone when he needs it, and most of all, blistering chops.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Howard's website:
https://www.levyland.com/
Keys of harps on some albums shown here:
http://www.levyland.com/harpshop/
Discography:
https://www.levyland.com/discography/
https://www.levyland.com/discography/complete-discography/
Trio Globo website:
trioglobo.com
Teaching:
New Directions for Harmonica:
https://www.homespun.com/instructors/howard-levy/
ArtistWorks:
https://artistworks.com/harmonica-lessons-howard-levy
Out of the Box DVD:
http://www.levyland.com/product/out-of-the-box-dvd/
Effect pedals:
https://www.lonewolfblues.com/boogieman.html
YouTube:
Lonesome Pine Special with Bella Fleck and the Flecktones:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGJqxXHiXko
Amazing Grace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmL4RM7IA7A
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Lee Oskar left his native Denmark to move to the US at age 18, and was soon enjoying phenomenal success with the rock funk band War, interweaving soulful harmonica lines into the horn section.
Lee also has numerous solo albums, releasing some of the most downright catchy harmonica melodies ever recorded.
On top of all this, he set-up his own harmonica company, leading the way with innovations such as replacement reed plates and different tunings
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Lee Oskar website:
https://leeoskar.com
Lee Oskar harmonicas:
https://leeoskar.com/harmonicas/
Dreams We Share record label:
https://dreamsweshare.com
Teaching:
With Steve Lockwood:
https://www.leeoskarharmonicalessons.com
YouTube:
Lee Oskar Harmonicas 25th Year Anniversary Tour:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOXiJXHkiVA&list=PLJcbSv_zlUdyNXrAwkDwJi4XVhYCvqRrB
Lee Oskar Harmonicas YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/leeoskarharmonicas
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
A grammy award winner, Peter Madcat Ruth has enjoyed a long career, from playing jazz with the Brubecks, to numerous solo projects and playing in various bands and duos and trios. Madcat has loved Sonny Terry from the start and has really mastered the style, and gives some pointers during the podcast.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Madcat's website:
http://www.madcatmusic.net/index.html
Equipment:
Shaker microphones:
https://shakermicrophone.net
Seydel rack:
https://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel1847.sf/en_US/?ViewObjectID=43096716&Currency=EUR
Tuition Videos:
The Ins and Outs of Rhythm Harp:
https://www.homespun.com/shop/product/the-ins-and-outs-of-rhythm-harp/
Crossing the Great Divide video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yzYq4Z1JbA&list=PLIFByKm0UhsSacA6MfePEZji8j_gSiTLU
YouTube videos:
Take Five:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzDS9Mous5o&list=PLIFByKm0UhsRNUvAbrJHd7oOGAEBi0n7Z&index=2
Harmonica & percussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukh3kayiz28
Sonny Terry Meets Jimmy Hendrix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVw51Fk1hvo&list=PLIFByKm0UhsTu1OYkZjEgnwXB8ZG8hho7&index=2
Madcat & Kane: Rollin & Tumblin’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRUd8kY3L70&list=PLIFByKm0UhsRBfF_sswS2WUrtaig9ehsk
Pandemic Blues:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qonON7jl4vc&list=PLIFByKm0UhsTu1OYkZjEgnwXB8ZG8hho7
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Brendan Power is my guest today.
A true visionary of harmonica design, Brendan takes us under the hood of the instrument he has revolutionised with his alternative tunings and new designs, all helping him make some great harmonica music across a range of different genres.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Brendan's website:
https://brendan-power.com/home.php
Info on Brendan's tunings:
https://www.brendan-power.com/harpgeeks.php
Brendan's instruction videos:
https://brendan-power.com/vimeo.php
Seydel link to Powernder tuning:
https://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel1847.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Seydel/Products/10301Power/SubProducts/10301PBA
YouTube clip of playing on Jools Holland show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB6GROiWWL8
Some of the recordings in the episode can be heard here:
https://brendan-power.com/tuneaday.php
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Always looking to push himself in new directions, Carlos has released an eclectic mixture of genres across the range of his albums. But each song is underpinned with his great sounding fusion of blues / jazz harmonica, with a great tone.
Carlos is also known for his overblowing technique, and he shares how to use this to compliment his sound.
Carlos is also a passionate teacher of the harmonica, and is running some Webinars on how to transcribe music to aid learning.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
https://www.carlosdeljunco.com
Carlos has a teaching website:
https://www.harmonicapractice.com
Carlos has a Webinar coming up on 30/05/20 on using Transcribe! software:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kak3vC5rGI&list=PLnapgL3AuXGqePHifjO-E8YGdDWFjftSb
Some of the equipment Carlos uses:
Echosystem delay pedal by Empress Effects: https://empresseffects.com/products/echosystem
Lone Wolf effects pedals: https://www.lonewolfblues.com
Marble amps:
https://www.marble-amps.com/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
PT Gazell developed his melodic style of harmonica through playing a range of genres, from Bluegrass, to Pop, Country and Jazz.
After his iconic first album, Pace Yourself, he became a session musician and toured with Country bands before taking a prolonged break from playing due to his frustrations at the limitations of the diatonic harmonica.
This led him to develop his Gazell Method half-valved diatonic, in partnership with the German manufacturer Seydel.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
http://www.ptgazell.com
If you're interested in purchasing a Gazell Method diatonic:
from within the US: http://www.ptgazell.com/gazell-method-harmonicas-1.html
outside the US: https://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel1847.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Seydel/Categories/Products/Specialities/PT-Halbventiliert
PT offers teaching either through the online course at Music Gurus:
http://www.ptgazell.com/online-instruction.html
Or you can email PT if you're interested in one-to-one tuition: info@ptgazell.com
Some of the equipment PT uses:
Audix Fireball V5 mic: https://audixusa.com/docs_12/units/FireBall_V.shtml
Bulletini mic: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/bulletini.html
Lone Wolf effects pedals: https://www.lonewolfblues.com
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Charlie McCoy is the leading figure in Country harmonica playing, where he joined the Nashville scene in 1961.
With over 13000 sessions to his name, Charlie is probably the most recorded harmonica artist of all time.
Although best known as a country harmonica player, along with his 40 solo albums, Charlie has played with some of the truly legendary names in popular music, from Roy Orbison, to Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Paul Simon.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
https://www.charliemccoy.com/
YouTube:
Hee Haw TV show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtlWa7zsCTU
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Rod Piazza developed his exciting brand of West coast jump harmonica in Southern California, where he formed his own band before joining forces with George Harmonica Smith, to form Bacon Fat. Two harps, what a sound!
Rod has an extensive discography, both as a solo artist, and also with his long term band, the Mighty Flyers, alongside his wife Honey.
Rod talks us through his evergreen career and how he has burned it up on stage for so many years.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
https://www.themightyflyers.com/
Harp King amplifiers and Kinder Anti-feedback pedal:
http://www.kinder-instruments.com/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Kim Wilson is without doubt one of the great harmonica players around today.
He grew up within the vibrant music scene in California, learning his chops on the bandstand, which he hasn't got off since, touring extensively all his life.
Kim's long term band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, has brought him commercial success, and he has also maintained his own dedicated blues band for many years.
He leads from the front, and absolutely knows what it takes to deliver the blues to an audience.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
http://fabulousthunderbirds.com/
Some of the YouTube clips mentioned:
Tuff Enough video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcXT1clXc04
Solo piece:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLgiQNpeblY
Nine Below Zero:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85WhJxUpt_g
Chromatic player Mike Turk's website:
http://www.tinsandwichmusic.com/
Dennis Gruenling microphones:
https://badassharmonica.com/
Clinch FX Burnish Boost pedal:
https://www.clinchfx.com/clinchfx-burnish-boost/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Joe Filisko has made the study of the harmonica his lifelong passion. His detailed knowledge of early recordings has helped him become the pre-eminent pre-war harmonica player of our time.
He built his knowledge of the harmonica from the inside out, producing revered custom harmonicas still used by some of the big names in harmonica today.
Joe has been playing in his duo with Eric Noden since 2003, and is also a renowned harmonica tutor, both online and in workshops around the world.
Joe displays his diverse harmonica skills on his latest album, 'Destination Unknown'.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Joe's website:
http://www.filiskostore.com/
Some of the YouTube clips mentioned:
Joe at the NHL Festival in 2006:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw95vo82y9o
Joe's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9mW8r1VlyUTTTeNiZVeJsQ
When The Saints tutorials on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuqFWAdNrbM
My harmonica transcription site:
http://www.harptranscripts.co.uk/
Dave Barrett's tuition site:
https://bluesharmonica.com/home
Richard Sleigh's harmonica customisation site:
https://hotrodharmonicas.com/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Billy Branch is a Chicago blues harp player who grew up learning directly from some of the classic generation of Chicago players, such as Carey Bell, James Cotton and Junior Wells.
And he played in Willie Dixons band for 6 years.
Billy has been nominated for three Grammy awards.
He has become a real ambassador of the blues and takes great pride in maintaining that legacy with his long term band, the Sons of the Blues.
A great technical exponent of the harmonica, with great soul, Billy released his latest album Roots and Branches in 2019.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Some of the YouTube clips mentioned:
Turkish politicians:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8z8zxRESLU
'I am the Blues' concert with Willie Dixon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwL_wohIEMw
Mellow Down Easy video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajrB-sC_MsI
If you would like an online lesson with Billy, you can contact him here:
billybranchmusic@gmail.com
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Today I talk to Giles Robson, who released two highly successful albums in 2019.
Giles started out with a more blues rock fusion approach before returning to a more traditional blues style, but with a modern twist,
which has won over audiences across Europe and America.
He has done this with a real dedication to the art and a keen sense of how the music industry works.
This led to Giles winning an award for best acoustic blues album in Memphis in 2019.
Giles tells us of all the ingredients that have made him a great blues artist, performer and showman.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Check out Giles' website:
http://www.gilesrobson.com/
Giles is available for online lessons:
Giles.Robson@gmail.com
Giles' small amp of choice:
https://www.honeyboyamps.com/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
Steve West Weston is the man in the hot seat in episode two.
Steve grew up among the vibrant music scene in Essex, listening to Dr Feelgood among others.
He started out playing in various bands on keyboard before finding his harmonica mojo as the front man in West Weston and the Bluesonics, and he hasn't looked back since.
He has become the harmonica player of choice for Mud Morganfield when he's touring Europe, as well as playing with Trickbag in Scandinavia, and then playing on the number 1 album with Wilko Johnson and Roger Daltrey, no less.
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Steve's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.w.weston.3
Marble amps:
https://www.marble-amps.com/
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
First up in the podcast I'm delighted to welcome a certain Mr Paul Lamb.
Paul is a living legend of blues harmonica.
He's been performing for over 45 years now, would you believe. He has a multitude of great albums to his name, and is inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame.
Paul tells us how it all unfolded, meeting greats such as Junior Wells and his harmonica hero Sonny Terry along the way.
With some tips on how aspiring harmonica players can try to emulate his tremendous success.
The secret is all in "playing what you feel, and feeling what you play".
Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).
Check out Paul's website for his tour schedule, to buy some of his great albums, and more:
http://www.paullamb.com/
Link to 'Harmonica Man', the chart hit from the 1990s:
https://bravado1.bandcamp.com/releases
Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com
Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB
Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ
Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/
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