Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago Alvarez interview | 22 Nov 2025 | 00:58:12 | |
Santiago Alvarez joins me on episode 147. Santiago is a chromatic player from Buenos Aires, who has dedicated himself to the folk traditions of Argentina, including writing a thesis on the history of the Argentine chromatic harmonica under the guidance of his mentor Franco Luciani. Specialising in tango, he explores the close musical relationship between the chromatic harmonica and the bandoneon. Santiago has recorded with numerous Argentine artists, released his own album in 2019, performs widely across Latin America and Europe, and teaches internationally, including recently at The World Harmonica Championships at Trossingen in 2025. He has also created an online harmonica course for Argentine music. Links: Contact Santiago at: armonicasantiago@gmail.com Santiago’s Argentine Harmonica Course: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BiBYGXPf3/ Santiago's thesis on Argentine chromatic harmonica: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1V_gnxR5abozV8DMCgDchYZvqtzzqxsjf Profile on World Harmonica Festival website: https://worldharmonicafestival.de/artist-profile-santiago-alvarez/ Harmonica FEN festival profile: https://harmonica-fen-festival.com/artist/santiago-alvarez/ Videos: Santiago’s Argentine Harmonica Course teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUSki-oljnI&lc=UgzKGo6ZbqoJ-RmJhKx4AaABAg A portrait of Santiago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTClyulss-0 Tanino Duo: https://www.youtube.com/@taninoduo/videos Celtic Connections with Tanino Duo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuL_-npUniQ Argento Trio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKUTufuT1EE&list=RDeKUTufuT1EE New trio with piano and bass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCjG3mjq-yA&list=RDYCjG3mjq-yA Podcast website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Ryan Hartt interview | 08 Nov 2025 | 00:59:48 | |
Ryan Hartt joins me on episode 146. Ryan is a harmonica player, vocalist and songwriter from New England. After completing musical studies, he headed to Los Angeles in the late 1990s to immerse himself in the blues scene, learning from West Coast swing heavyweights, including sitting in with Rod Piazza. He returned to the East Coast in 2000 to form his long-running band Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts, releasing three albums along the way. Ryan has now put out his first solo record, Be About It!, showcasing plenty of expressive harmonica along with his songwriting and vocals. Links: Ryan’s website: https://www.ryanhartt.com/ Bandcamp: https://ryanhartt.bandcamp.com/ Videos: https://www.ryanhartt.com/video/ Podcast website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Fabrizio Poggi interview | 21 Jun 2025 | 00:59:50 | |
Fabrizio Poggi joins me on episode 137. Fabrizio plays blues, folk and spiritual music. Hailing from near Milan, he took some time to find his way with the harmonica but since then he has performed at Carnegie Hall and been nominated for a Grammy. His first band was Chicken Mambo who played New Orleans music on their early album releases. Fabrizio traveled around the US where he made lots of friends and great strides with his musical development. This culminated with the making of an album in 2013 where the Blind Boys of Alabama and Charlie Musselwhite make an appearance. Fabrizio then teamed-up with Guy Davis where their second album together, Sonny & Brownie’s Last Train, was nominated for a Grammy in 2018. Links: Website: https://www.chickenmambo.com/eng/ Biography: https://www.chickenmambo.com/eng/biography/ Discography: https://www.chickenmambo.com/eng/discography/ Juba Dance album with Guy Davis: https://guydavis.bandcamp.com/album/juba-dance Videos: Italian Folk Band: Fabrizio Poggi e Turututela Miniera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnhwOfCjrpU Harpway 61 album song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx-Reyl3ZuI Playing live at Carnegie Hall with Guy Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joe1mRWMLwc TV appearance with Guy Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzlcccMDPFM Fabrizio live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkqHNcATQ3A Podcast website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Jason Rosenblatt interview | 28 Sep 2021 | 00:59:50 | |
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.
Shtreiml band: Jerusalem Harmonica Festival: Joe Spiers custom harmonicas:
Grand Theft Stutinki - Shtreiml CD Launch: Harmonica Jazz - Paper Moon: Teaching: using overblows in blues context: Teaching: Salt Creek: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Greg Heumann interview | 18 Sep 2021 | 00:59:59 | |
Greg Heumann joins me on episode 46. All About microphones guide: Videos: Workshop video of creating wooden mic and metal grille: Nic Clarke playing wood mic: Mark Hummel playing the RackIt with Bulletini: Harpin’ By The Sea festival 2021: PT Gazell interview as part of Seydel Overtones: Email: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Tony Eyers interview | 01 Sep 2021 | 01:00:00 | |
Tony Eyers joins me on episode 45. Spanish version: Harmonica Tunes website: Recorder teaching site: Major Cross Harp Tuning: Taiwan tour in 2010: Tony Eyers trio formation story:
Tony Eyers Trio - Jerusalem Ridge: Tremolo playing: Tony Eyers Trio with button accordions: Tony’s Fifties Busking trio: Tony explains Major Cross tuning: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Adam 'Tidy' Burney interview | 14 Aug 2021 | 00:59:38 | |
Adam Burney joins me on episode 44. Links: Brothers of Mothershovel: Umcha, Umcha album review by Richard Taylor: http://www.harpsurgery.com/umcha-umcha-brothers-of-mothershovel/ Videos: Make The Tea/On The Run Again from latest album: Return of Jerome: Wolfie Witcher documentary: PCP - Let The Fun Begin: Keith Turner and Southern Sound rehearsal: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| David Naiditch interview | 24 Jul 2021 | 00:59:46 | |
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 honed his craft live, and you might catch him jamming along at a festival in the US sometime soon.
Steve Kaufman’s Bluegrass workout: Videos: David's YouTube Channel: David demos blues in 12 keys on chromatic: Jimmy Riddle playing chromatic on US TV show ‘Hee Haw’: Jackie Naiditch YouTube channel for house jams: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Hermine Deurloo interview | 03 Jul 2021 | 00:59:08 | |
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.
Ambleside festival: Saed Haddad harmonica composition, performed by Hermine: Bernie Bray SPAH award winners: Blows Me Away Productions harmonica equipment:
Sausage advert on Netherlands TV: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Phil Wiggins interview | 17 Jun 2021 | 00:59:59 | |
Phil Wiggins joins me on episode 41. 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. Washington DC blues scene book: Music & conversation with Joe Filisko and Eric Norden: Videos: With Ben Hunter: Chesapeake Sheiks: Struttin’ With Some Barbeque Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Bob Corritore interview | 04 Jun 2021 | 00:59:59 | |
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’.
KJZZ Radio Show playlists and link to listen to show: Blues Newsletter Archive: Billy Boy Arnold book: The Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold Videos: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Mat Walklate interview | 22 May 2021 | 00:59:58 | |
Mat Walklate joins me on episode 39.
BandCamp: Soundcloud: Traditional harmonica album: Mat's Music Guru courses: Irish Ceilidh Band:
With Tom Attah: With Alex Haynes: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Will Galison interview | 08 May 2021 | 00:59:39 | |
Will Galison joins me on episode 38. Takin It Back With Barack: Odysseus Fantasy: Beethoven Spring Sonata: Will's Soundcloud: Hal Leonard Jazz Standards tutorial: Hal Leonard Pop Songs tutorial:
Odyssey: Beethoven Spring Sonata: Toots Thielemans playing Undecided: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Sonny Boy Williamson II retrospective with Giles Robson and Jim Basnight | 07 Jun 2025 | 01:37:58 | |
Giles Robson and Jim Basnight join me on episode 136 for a retrospective on Alex ‘Rice’ Miller (aka Sonny Boy Williamson II). Information on Sonny Boy’s early life is sketchy. Sonny Boy was likely born in 1912 and had a hard upbringing working on a plantation before becoming a travelling musician. Arriving in Helena, Arkansas, he found fame performing on the King Biscuit Time radio show before making his first recordings with Trumpet Records at age 38 in 1951. Sonny Boy made his classic cuts for Checker Records (a subsidiary of Chess) in 1955. He then toured Europe in 1963/64, becoming a celebratory in England and having a huge impact on the British Blues Boom. Returning to Helena, where he died in 1965, Sonny boy is one of the true giants not only of the harmonica but also the blues, with his charismatic vocals, songwriting and enigmatic charm. Links: Giles Robson: https://gilesrobson.com Jim Basnight: https://www.jimbasnightmusic.com/ Extract from Bill Donohue biography: https://www.furious.com/perfect/sonnyboy.html Chris Strachwitz remembers Sonny Boy: https://arhoolie.org/chris-strachwitz-remembers-sonny-boy-williamson/ Bob Corritore photo gallery of Sonny Boy: https://bobcorritore.com/photos/sonny-boy-williamson-ii/ Sonny Boy discography: https://sonnyboywilliamson2.blogspot.com/2013/08/sonny-boy-williamsons-chronological.html Macie J Blues blogspot on Sonny Boy: https://sonnyboywilliamson-maciejblues.blogspot.com/ Videos: Possibly the late Chris Strachwitz recordings of Sonny Boy: ‘Last Sessions’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLco7ZmxqUs&t=10s Concert from the Jazz House, Wiesbaden, Germany, November, 1963: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGGR5l4zOzw&t=1s ‘Solo Harp’ album, from German photographer Stefanie Wiesand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6RkAlhX7fg Robbie Robertson recalls meeting Sonny Boy shortly before he died: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90-O6c20PLk The grave of Sonny Boy, with comments from Giles Robson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-XQwpBTGRI Bye Bye Bird in Europe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZArN9y5qZc Podcast website: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Rick Epping interview | 24 Apr 2021 | 00:59:59 | |
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. Article on reed longevity: Pat Missin page on the XB40: Easy third tuning: Iron Lung: Willie Clancy Summer School: HarmonicaUK Virtual Chromatic Weekend: One man show for Irish Cultural Centre: YouTube workshop on harmonica maintenance: Another harmonica maintenance workshop: Session that Brian McDonagh, Philip Duffy and I held every Tuesday for 15 years: NHL Concert: Buckets Of Rain: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Mark Hummel interview | 13 Apr 2021 | 01:00:00 | |
Mark Hummel joins me on episode 36.
Mark runs his own podcast:
YouTube Channel: Harpin’ By The Sea workshop: Ricky Cool videos on adapting saxophone solos or riffs for harmonica: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Robert Bonfiglio interview | 27 Mar 2021 | 00:59:54 | |
Robert Bonfiglio shares with us the world of the concert chromatic harmonica player. Cham-Ber Huang: http://www.chamberhuang.com/ Videos: NHL October Virtual Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiUpPyYnh_A Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Steve Baker interview | 14 Mar 2021 | 01:00:00 | |
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. Tutorials videos: The Baker Family Live in Lockdown: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Son of Dave interview | 20 Feb 2021 | 00:59:59 | |
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. Crash Test Dummies: The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Filip Jers interview | 07 Feb 2021 | 00:59:44 | |
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. Filip's Facebook page: Filip's Instagram page:
Workshop: How to structure practise: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Errol Linton interview | 23 Jan 2021 | 00:59:30 | |
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.
Paul Jones BBC Blues Radio show: Busking on London Underground: Errol's YouTube Channel:
Chad Jackson remix of Rain In Your Life:
Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Fata Morgana interview | 19 Dec 2020 | 00:59:58 | |
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. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Greg Zlap interview | 04 Dec 2020 | 00:58:54 | |
Greg Zlap hails from Poland, where he played along with black market blues records on his one harmonica.
YouTube: Solo piece with Johnny Hallyday: Klingande: Ready For Love song: Le Blues du Penitencier song: Free Soul song: NHL Festival 2013: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Donald Black interview | 22 Nov 2020 | 00:59:59 | |
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.
Album reviews: Tony Eyers site on Tremolo harmonica: Winslow Yerxa's, author of 'Harmonica For Dummies':
NHL Bristol in 2007: Harmonica UK Lockdown session from 2020: Donald Black Band in Klingenthal in 2018: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| John Sebastian interview | 24 May 2025 | 00:58:30 | |
John Sebastian joins me on episode 135. John had considerable chart success in the 1960s as part of the folk rock band, The Lovin' Spoonful, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the year 2000. John was also inducted into the songwriters Hall Of Fame. Probably better known as a singer songwriter and guitar player, harmonica was John’s first instrument, inspired by his father, also called John Sebastian, who was a renowned classical harmonica player. And we discuss some of his father’s music and how this inspired his son to take up the harmonica. John started out playing harmonica in a jug band before his success with The Lovin' Spoonful, before he then enjoyed a solo career and some notable recording sessions, not least as the harmonica player on The Doors song, Roadhouse Blues. Links: John's website: https://www.johnbsebastian.com/ John’s children’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jbs-Harmonica-John-Sebastian/dp/0152400915 Review of Jug Band DVD by Todd Kwait: Chasin' Gus' Ghost: https://driftwoodmagazine.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/dvd-review-chasin’-gus’-ghost/ Videos: John Sebastian senior live performance of Villas Lobos Harmonica Concerto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2EO0SUraGQ Playing ‘Thedy’ on chromatic with the New Rhythm Blues Quartet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f9IGhcGiQQ Harmonica duet with Annie Raines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmPOnRUDZAE John’s Homespun Blues Harmonica course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIVWaVSOoLE John’s appearance at Woodstock in 1969: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBXL7FaPod4 Liam Ward interview with John and a lesson from Liam on how to play Roadhouse Blues: https://www.learntheharmonica.com/post/roadhouse-blues-harmonica-john-sebastian Podcast website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Charlie Musselwhite interview | 11 Nov 2020 | 00:59:43 | |
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! Discography: Charlie's store: Seydel tunings:
Website video page:
Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Jim Hughes interview | 26 Oct 2020 | 00:59:58 | |
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). Franz Chmel Ricky Cool: YouTube: Ronald Chesney Flight Of the Bumble Bee Jersey World Harmonica Festival 1987 Philip Achille - The Story So Far, including a duet with Jim (4 mins in): Jim playing at the NHL event Birmingham 1988: Harmonica Group Jim ran: Hotcha Trio: Fata Morgana: My Funny Valentine, at Jim’s 90th birthday party: Franz Chmel YouTube Channel: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Sugar Blue interview | 18 Oct 2020 | 00:57:05 | |
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.
Pontiac from Crossroads album: From Paris to Chicago album: With Louisiana Red: Willie Dixon Hidden Charms album: Blues You Can’t Lose Sugar Blue Unplugged: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Grant Dermody interview | 13 Oct 2020 | 00:59:52 | |
Grant Dermody first picked up the harp in Alaska, where he emulated the greats before developing his own acoustic sound playing American roots music.
Teaching:
EuroBlues Week Harmonica Tutor intro: Jerry Devillier playing Cajun Harmonica: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Antonio Serrano interview | 26 Sep 2020 | 00:59:40 | |
Chromatic player, Antonio Serrano, is the current SPAH harmonica player of the year. And with good reason. Performing with Toots Thielemans: Playing with Paco de Lucia: (Flamenco) Antonio playing Send In The Clowns from his first album: SPAH seminar: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Mark Feltham interview | 13 Sep 2020 | 00:59:58 | |
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). YouTube: Dennis Greaves duo trailer: Rory Gallagher: Masterplan with Oasis: Playing on the Young Ones TV show: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Mickey Raphael interview | 02 Sep 2020 | 00:57:55 | |
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. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Jerry Portnoy interview | 22 Aug 2020 | 00:59:42 | |
Jerry Portnoy joins me on episode 20 of the podcast. Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only). Teaching: YouTube: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| John Cook interview | 11 Aug 2020 | 00:59:56 | |
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. Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only). Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Mick Kinsella interview | 01 Aug 2020 | 00:59:56 | |
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. Irish Traditional Music Archive: Michael McInerney teaching website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| The Harmonicaster interview with Ronnie Schreiber | 10 May 2025 | 00:57:20 | |
Ronnie Schreiber joins me on episode 134. Ronnie runs The Electric Harmonica Company, producing the Harmonicaster, which is an alternative to the traditional harmonica microphone, using guitar style pick-ups to create “the first practical true electric harmonica”. Ronnie first came up with the concept some thirty years ago and has been developing it in earnest over the last ten years. Ronnie tells us the story of how he developed the idea, from the need to use steel reeds, the custom harps needed and the availability of pick-ups to use with the harmonica, and some of the harmonica players who have supported him through his journey. We discuss the advantages of using a pick-up with the harmonica, such as having a different sound to the traditional harmonica microphone, and the feedback resistance it brings, as well as some of the challenges of using the Harmonicaster. Links: Harmonicaster website: https://rokemneedlearts.com/harmonicaster/wp/ The Frank Harmonica mic developed by Ronnie: https://rokemneedlearts.com/frankmic/ Harp-l post introducing the Harmonicaster: https://groups.google.com/g/harp-l/c/_ETwuJvbRRA Brendan Power playing some Irish music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rx8kVBjAL4 The Turbo Harp: https://turboharp.com/ Dyna-mic: https://www.dyna-mic.com/ Videos: Harmonicaster YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonicaster8106 Ronnie overview of the Harmonicaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzbYxwKLPR4 Jonah Fox YouTube review of the Harmonicaster: https://rokemneedlearts.com/harmonicaster/wp/ Podcast website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Gregoire Maret interview | 22 Jul 2020 | 00:59:52 | |
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! Gregoire's website:
Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Rachelle Plas interview | 11 Jul 2020 | 00:58:21 | |
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 boutique store, where songs and teaching material can be purchased:
SBW I’ve Got To Go: Orange Blossom Special: Mellow Down Easy:
Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Michael D'Eath interview | 28 Jun 2020 | 00:59:38 | |
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.
Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Howard Levy interview | 19 Jun 2020 | 00:59:48 | |
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). Keys of harps on some albums shown here: Discography: Trio Globo website: New Directions for Harmonica: ArtistWorks: Out of the Box DVD: Effect pedals: Lonesome Pine Special with Bella Fleck and the Flecktones: Amazing Grace: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Lee Oskar interview | 11 Jun 2020 | 00:59:21 | |
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 harmonicas: Dreams We Share record label: Teaching: With Steve Lockwood: YouTube: Lee Oskar Harmonicas 25th Year Anniversary Tour: Lee Oskar Harmonicas YouTube Channel: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Peter Madcat Ruth interview | 04 Jun 2020 | 00:59:46 | |
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. Take Five: Harmonica & percussion: Sonny Terry Meets Jimmy Hendrix: Madcat & Kane: Rollin & Tumblin’ Pandemic Blues: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Brendan Power interview | 27 May 2020 | 00:59:32 | |
Brendan Power is my guest today. YouTube clip of playing on Jools Holland show: Some of the recordings in the episode can be heard here: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Carlos del Junco interview | 20 May 2020 | 01:01:46 | |
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).
Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| PT Gazell interview | 16 May 2020 | 01:00:42 | |
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.
Some of the equipment PT uses: Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Charlie McCoy interview | 11 May 2020 | 00:59:57 | |
Charlie McCoy is the leading figure in Country harmonica playing, where he joined the Nashville scene in 1961. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Kim Field interview | 26 Apr 2025 | 01:00:36 | |
Kim Field joins me on episode 133. Kim’s 1994 book ‘Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers: The History of the People’s Instrument’ was the first book released on the history of the harmonica. And Kim has recently written the book: The Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold, telling the story of Billy Boy in his own words. Ever on the lookout to meet and learn from the great players, Kim shares the time he spent with Deford Bailey and also when he played on stage with Walter Horton. Kim has been in several blues bands, and a country band, and has just released a new album with his latest band, The Perfect Gentleman, featuring Kim’s harmonica, vocals and songwriting talents. Links: Kim’s website: https://www.kimfield.com/ Harmonica Northwest weekend, Oct 23-26, 2025: https://menucha.org/programs/harmonica-northwest Kim’s life in music: https://www.kimfield.com/my-life-in-music Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers: The History of the People’s Instrument book: https://www.kimfield.com/harmonicas-harps-and-heavy-breathers PT Gazell review of Don’t Need But One album: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernBluesHarmonica/permalink/10162253953062225/ The Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold book: https://www.kimfield.com/the-blues-dream-of-billy-boy-arnold Videos: James Cotton playing Blues In My Sleep live in 1967: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgS6FG2rtas David Waldman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD8EArw7peM The Slamhound Hunters band - Lawnmower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjr6YLKKmqY Podcast website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Rod Piazza interview | 01 May 2020 | 00:58:57 | |
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! Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Kim Wilson interview | 25 Apr 2020 | 00:59:57 | |
Kim Wilson is without doubt one of the great harmonica players around today. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Joe Filisko interview | 22 Apr 2020 | 01:00:43 | |
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. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||