Explore every episode of the podcast Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Barrett interview | 24 Aug 2024 | 00:59:59 | |
David Barrett joins me on episode 118. Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Yvonnick Prene interview | 10 Aug 2024 | 00:59:23 | |
Yvonnick Prene joins me on episode 117. Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Roly Platt interview | 19 Apr 2024 | 00:59:59 | |
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. Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| 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: | |||
| 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: | |||
| Yotam Ben-Or interview | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:59:12 | |
Yotam Ben-Or joins me on episode 107. Yotam is a chromatic player who attended the Tel-Aviv Music Conservatory, making a name for himself on the Israeli music scene before winning a scholarship to study at The New School for Jazz in New York, age 21. Although predominately a jazz player, Yotam is keen to emphasise the diverse range of genres this encapsulates, including world music and South American influences on his music. Yotam has previously released two albums under his own name, with a third coming out in 2025. Many of the songs on these albums are composed by Yotam as he helps to push the chromatic in new and exciting directions.
Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| 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: | |||
| 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: | |||
| Billy Branch interview | 17 Apr 2020 | 00:59:47 | |
Billy Branch is a Chicago blues harp player who grew up learning directly from some of the classic generation of Chicago players, such as Carey Bell, James Cotton and Junior Wells. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Giles Robson interview | 13 Apr 2020 | 00:59:46 | |
Today I talk to Giles Robson, who released two highly successful albums in 2019. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Steve 'West' Weston interview | 11 Apr 2020 | 00:59:50 | |
Steve West Weston is the man in the hot seat in episode two. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Paul Lamb interview | 09 Apr 2020 | 01:02:43 | |
First up in the podcast I'm delighted to welcome a certain Mr Paul Lamb. Donations: Spotify Playlist: Podcast sponsors: | |||
| Eddie Martin interview | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:59:12 | |
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.
Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| William Clarke retrospective, part 2, with Paul Barry | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:59:59 | |
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. Where to buy the biography: Blues Blast magazine review of the William Clarke book: Videos: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Mike Turk interview | 14 Feb 2024 | 00:59:26 | |
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.
Polyphonia harmonica: Great interview with Mike: Videos: Honeydripper film opening credits: Douglas Tate playing at the NHL Festival in 1988 (not on a Renaissance): Mike trio gig from March 2022:
Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Konstantin Reinfeld interview | 31 Jan 2024 | 01:00:00 | |
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. Cinema Paradiso - Love Theme: Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Christian Marsh interview | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:59:44 | |
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.
Live with Paul Robert Burton trio:
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Neil Warren interview | 05 Jan 2024 | 00:59:59 | |
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. Blair Athol (Scottish folk song): Podcast website: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Little Walter retrospective | 20 Dec 2023 | 01:59:12 | |
Episode 100 is a retrospective on the greatest ever blues harmonica player, Marion Walter Jacobs, aka Little Walter. Billy Boy Arnold interview: Kim Field website: Bob Corritore Little Walter photo tribute page: Videos: Ora Nelle Blues, first recording: Playing Walter's Jump with Hound Dog Taylor in 1967: Trailer of Blue Midnight Little Walter biography: She’s 19 Years Old bootleg recording with Sam Lay from 1967: Little Walter’s induction into Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame:
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Dennis Gruenling interview | 29 Nov 2023 | 01:00:00 | |
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: Nick Moss band: Webinars / Membership: Gear used by Dennis: Bands In Town page: Tip Dennis: Videos: Playing Rocker with the Nick Moss band:
or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Isabella Krapf interview | 27 Jul 2024 | 00:59:58 | |
Isabella Krapf joins me on episode 116. Videos: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| The Green Bullet interview | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
Michael Pettersen And James Waldron join me on episode 98. 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: James’ Simple Mics website: Versions of the Green Bullet: Add a volume control and on/off switch: Videos: Podcast website: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Vitor Lopes interview | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
Vitor Lopes joins me on episode 97. 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. Soundcloud:
History of harmonica in Brazil:
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| Paddy Wells interview | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
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.
Dust Radio music: Music: Paddy’s article: Blowing Off the Dust: Modern Masters of the Blues Harp: Videos: Lyndon Anderson: Interview with Paddy on the Tim Green Blues show: I’d Rather Go Blind with Poorboy: Problem and The Remedy video: Podcast website: Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Michael Rubin interview | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:59:53 | |
Michael Rubin joins me on episode 95.
I’ll Worry If I Wanna album: SPAH tribute to Bob Herndon (great Harmonetta player): Mike Caldwell: Album with Christopher Cody Meacham: Videos: YouTube channel: List of YouTube harmonica lessons: Peg O My Heart on Harmonetta: Sophisticated Lady on DM48: Podcast website: Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Jason Ricci interview: part 2 | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
The interview with Jason Ricci continues on episode 94, part 2. Videos: Paul Butterfield induction into the rock ’n roll Hall of Fame: 2023 SPAH concert: Pedal Board (2019): Hip-Hug Her with Bad Kind: Podcast website: Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Jason Ricci interview: part 1 | 15 Sep 2023 | 00:59:51 | |
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.
Patreon page: Tip Jason: Bandcamp: Videos: Jason's YouTube channel: Baby Scratch My Back with the Nick Moss band: Podcast website: Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Erland Westerstrom interview | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
Erland Westerstrom joins me on episode 92.
Contact: Blog: Custom harmonicas for sale: Great resource for traditional Swedish tunes: Audio-Technica ATM350 mic: Videos: From Andas! Album: With Bjorn Gardner: With Vastanvinden trio: Tremolo playing: Graduation concert: Podcast website: Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Tom Halchak (Blue Moon Harmonicas) interview | 04 Aug 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
Tom Halchak joins me on episode 91.
Blue Moon Facebook page: Sonny Terry harmonica collection: Videos: Blue Moon instrumental by Whitt Smith: Range of harps available at Blue Moon: CNC Milling GM wood comb: Jason Ricci video on Blue Moon products he uses: Jason Ricci playing ‘Feel Good Funk’: Custom combs for Big River: Adam Gussow appraisal of 150 of Sonny Terry’s harmonicas: Sonny Terry tribute concert at SPAH 2016:
Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Paul Butterfield retrospective, part 2, with Tom Ellis | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
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.
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| Mike Stevens interview | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
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.
Artscan Circle: A Walk In My Dream documentary:
Playing at the Grand Old Opry with Jim & Jesse: Playing at Jesse McReynold’s funeral: Playing with Matt Andersen: TED talk on Artscan Circle: bringing music to indigenous communities: Blue Sky music festival presentation: Donations: or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: | |||
| Pat Missin interview | 13 Jul 2024 | 00:59:59 | |
Pat Missin joins me on episode 115. Pat’s knowledge about the harmonica is unsurpassed, with his website at patmissin.com, a definitive source of information for over twenty years. He gives us an insight into some of this knowledge, starting with how free reed instruments were the predecessor of the harmonica and the questionable history of who actually invented the harmonica as we know it today. We also discuss various harmonica recording firsts, such as the first blues harmonica song recorded, the first second and third position and chromatic recording. Pat was also one of the earlier leading exponents on exploring harmonica tuning schemes and has released some song books for harmonica as well as some on other free reed instruments. Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Jim Hughes interview 2 | 23 Jun 2023 | 00:59:58 | |
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. Serenade Radio: The Archivist harmonica website, from Roger Trobridge: NHL concert 1985: (or 1983)
Adam Glasser in conversation with Jim Hughes, from 2022: Carol Axford playing at NHL concert 2004: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Paul Harrington interview | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:56:55 | |
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:
Texas Blues Runners, Downtown from Sweet Mama album: Adam Gussow reviews Paul’s Mercy Mercy Mercy song: News story by Paul’s nephew on his involvement with Timber song: Norton Buffalo switching between four harmonicas on ‘Runaway’:
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| Marcos Coll interview | 18 May 2023 | 00:59:26 | |
Marcos Coll joins me on episode 86. Marcos is a Spaniard who has been living in Berlin for the last twenty years. Marcos rose to fame at a young age on the Spanish blues scene playing with the Tonky Blues Band before forming the the Los Reyes del KO band, touring the world and sharing the stage with many famous names. Moving to Berlin in 2004, Marcos became a regular on the vibrant blues scene in Germany and recorded with many great artists. In addition to playing blues, Marcos likes to mix modern beats such as hip hop into the blues, as well as playing traditional Spanish and Latin music, including cutting a Latin song with Charlie Musselwhite. Marcos has an online tuition site called Harp and Soul, has been a judge at the Trossingen World Harmonica Championship and is a regular at Seoul, and other harmonica festivals.
Online tuition website: Videos: With Los Mighty Calacas at World Harmonica Festival 2013: Latin workshop at Hohner masters 2022: Chan Chan song, playing chord harp (and others) also effect part way thru Marcos rapping on basketball anthem: Harp and Soul tuition introduction: Seoul festival, playing with Antonio Serrano: Podcast website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Ed Hopwood interview | 03 May 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
Ed Hopwood joins me on episode 85. Links: The Rigmarollers band: Teaching website: Solo recordings on Soundcloud: Mark Harrison albums: Seth Shumate, old-time harmonica player:
Rory McLeod, Love Like A Rock: Solo gig at The Green Note: Ed solo: Born In The Wrong Time: Peter Madcat Ruth playing Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out: Harmonica Barge YouTube site: Cajun music interview with Ed: Country Blues lesson: Cindy, Old-time tune: I Shall Not Be Moved, Gospel song:
Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Hendrik Meurkens interview | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
Hendrik Meurkens joins me on episode 84. Hendrik's website: Bandcamp site: Hendrik’s album catalogue: Tutorial site:
Hendrick playing vibes: Tribute To Toots concert in Uruguay: Playing with WDR Big Band: Playing at the Blue Note in New York: Sambatropolis with WDR Big Band: Dolores Claiborne movie clip:
Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Annie Raines interview | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
Annie Raines joins me on episode 83. Annie is an early pioneer as a female blues harmonica player. Hailing from the Boston area of the US, she drew on the rich source of harmonica inspiration from nearby Cambridge, regularly attending a jam there in her youth, and meeting many great players and joining the Cambridge Harmonica Orchestra. Annie then teamed-up with her long time musical partner, Paul Rishell, after also meeting him around the Boston area. They have now been performing and recording together for over 30 years, releasing seven albums, and winning a WC Handy award for one of them. Annie has also guested on albums with several other artists, including Pinetop Perkins. Annie teaches harmonica and has released an instructional video, and gives workshops at various harmonica gatherings. John Gindick’s website: Cambridge Harmonica Orchestra: George Mayweather: What I'd Say: Blues Harmonica Blueprint instruction: Tomlin Harmonica School: Videos: Charles Leighton playing In A Sentimental Mood: Canned Heat Blues: from Live In Woodstock DVD: Harmonica UK Virtual Festival 2020: Augusta Blues / Swing week 2013: Duet with John Sebastien:
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| Steve Guyger interview | 24 Mar 2023 | 00:59:48 | |
Steve Guyger joins me on episode 82. Steve is from the Philadelphia area of the US and he absorbed the blues harmonica players when he first got into playing, with John Lee Williamson a big early inspiration. Steve was also great friends with the late Paul Oscher, making three albums with him. Steve also teamed up with the legendary Jimmy Rogers, over the course of fourteen years.
Blues Harmonica DVD on Hal Leonard: Dennis Gruenling website:
Paul Oscher playing bass harmonica on The Things I Used To Do: Live concert with Excellos: I Can See By Your Eyes song: Rock This House (live at Austrian Blues festival): Sammy Lewis playing in 5th position: Snake Oil live performance (outro song): Podcast website: Donations: Spotify Playlist: | |||
| Ben Bouman interview | 09 Mar 2023 | 00:59:54 | |
Ben Bouman joins me on episode 81. Ben is a Dutch blues player who always strives for originality in his playing, partly inspired by his admiration for the playing of Paul deLay. Ben’s current band is The Marble Tones, who took their name from the amplifier company, with Ben helping develop their range of harmonica amps.
Ben’s website: Webshop to buy Ben Bouman custom harmonicas: Marble amplifiers: Viola Barends: Seydel festival and harmonica competition: Hohner CBH chromatic: Videos: Paul deLay Harmonica Party: Marble Tones band videos: Ben's Tone in a cup: Viola Barends harmonica orchestra: Ben playing Watermelon Man: Ben playing blues chromatic: Ben gear demo recording, including Pignose amp: The Monkey Speaks His Mind with The Marble Tones:
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