Avsnitt

  • 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
    AND
    The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'.
    Email Jonathan at: [email protected]

    Support the show
  • 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
    AND
    The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'.
    Email Jonathan at: [email protected]

    Support the show
  • Saknas det avsnitt?

    Klicka här för att uppdatera flödet manuellt.

  • 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
    AND
    The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'.
    Email Jonathan at: [email protected]

    Support the show
  • 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
    AND
    The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'.
    Email Jonathan at: [email protected]

    Support the show
  • 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



    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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 Instagram

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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:
    [email protected]

    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

    Support the show
  • 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



    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show
  • 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

    Support the show