Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Support the show

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

Support the show

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

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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/

Support the show