Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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:
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

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:
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

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:
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

Jason Rosenblatt joins me on episode 47.

A native of Canada but now resident in Israel, Jason is best known for his band Shtreiml, playing a mixture of Klezmer (Jewish) and Eastern European music with great use of the harmonica. 

His first instrument was piano before he went on to pick up the harmonica after hearing Sonny Terry and Paul Butterfield. He then took advantage of the vibrant Montreal blues scene to witness harmonica live.

After hearing Howard Levy’s seminal ‘New Directions in Harmonica’ tutorial video, Jason knew he also wanted to take his own playing down a new path. He proceeded to take lessons with Howard, helping him to expand his sound using the overblow technique.

In 2015 Jason released his album Wiseman’s Rag, a slightly twisted take on the blues and jazz music that first got him started.

Links:

Jason's website:
https://jasonrosenblatt.com/home

Shtreiml band:
http://www.shtreiml.com/shtreiml.php

Jerusalem Harmonica Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/harmony.culturalcenter/photos/a.259961650825736/2058544157634134/

Joe Spiers custom harmonicas:
https://spiersharmonicas.com

Videos:

Grand Theft Stutinki - Shtreiml CD Launch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG9PUugB-Zs&list=PLyA_Ggl9bnME8h4rLSjdK86aK4CVzWcUp

Harmonica Jazz - Paper Moon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LyUd3gSswU&list=PL0F121BC77E9267C7

Teaching: using overblows in blues context:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsfh4QF7XrY

Teaching: Salt Creek:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQmoDjp32qc


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Greg Heumann joins me on episode 46.
The focus of this episode is all about gear, as I talk to the founder of BlowsMeAway Productions.
Greg has released an album of his own and uses his knowledge of playing harmonica to understand what is needed to make great harmonica products.The first product in this line was the volume control which later on Jason Ricci asked Greg to develop into the actual mic, which led to the Ultimate Series of mics.
He also hand crafts beautiful custom wood microphones and grills which can include your own initials and designs.
On top of this Greg also makes his very own mic element, which is included in his successful smaller diameter ‘Bulletini’ microphone.

Links:

Gregs website:
http://www.blowsmeaway.com

All About microphones guide:
http://blowsmeaway.com/all%20about%20harmonica%20microphones.pdf

Videos:

Workshop video of creating wooden mic and metal grille:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbYGs58nW2g

Nic Clarke playing wood mic:
https://youtu.be/HBflXFYi1kE

Hermine Deurloo playing Ultimate SM58:
https://youtu.be/zBxEWyGrbmA

Mark Hummel playing the RackIt with Bulletini:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBg3D6xZmUQ

Harpin’ By The Sea festival 2021:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysr5Pep81QU

PT Gazell interview as part of Seydel Overtones:
https://youtu.be/2FdkEYT6ggs

Email:
greg@blowsmeaway.com


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Tony Eyers joins me on episode 45.
Tony is an Australian who first picked up the harmonica while studying at Yale in the US. Returning from America he started a successful blues band in Adelaide.
He also plays baroque recorder, and has been part of an ensemble for 25 years, which has helped shape his sound on harmonica.
In the mid-90s he became interested in playing fiddle music and developed the Major Cross tuning for the diatonic, now available through Seydel.
Tony has several successful harmonica teaching websites, including the Harmonica Academy.
And also has his own harmonica trio for which he has released numerous YouTube videos, where he maintains the great tradition of comedy in the harmonica ensemble.


Links:

Teaching website:
https://www.harmonicaacademy.com

Spanish version:
https://armonica.com.es

Harmonica Tunes website:
http://harmonicatunes.com/

Recorder teaching site:
https://learnrecorder.com

Major Cross Harp Tuning:
https://www.seydel1847.de/major-cross

Taiwan tour in 2010:
http://harmonicatunes.com/tony-eyers-taiwan-harmonica-tour/

Tony Eyers trio formation story:
http://harmonicatunes.com/tony-eyers-harmonica-trio/

Videos:
Jim Fitting:
https://youtu.be/sGpBxepQx7Q

Tony Eyers Trio - Jerusalem Ridge:
https://youtu.be/cEWJtrPAtLw

Tremolo playing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWr2qusnfu8

Tony Eyers Trio with button accordions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYhG5FnjRGA

Tony’s Fifties Busking trio:
http://thefifties.com.au/watch/

Tony explains Major Cross tuning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fn6nfMAbuA


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Adam Burney joins me on episode 44. 
Adam is a south London boy, from Croydon. A stint playing with the punk bands of this area has helped shape his sound with an edge of Blues punk, including in his own band, The Brothers of Mothershovel. 
A big fan of pre-war style of harmonica, Adam has incorporated these techniques into a style which fits into a modern band. Characterised by a rhythmic driving sound which is infectiously danceable.
Adam has recorded some notable tv sessions including some harmonica used in the BBC TV Doctor Who series.
Adam’s latest album ‘Tidy’s Blues Sandwich’ is more of a full-on blues album, recorded with some of the great players currently on London blues scene.

Links:
Tidy's Blues Sandwich album:
https://tidysbluessandwich.bandcamp.com/releases

The Brothers of Mothershovel Bandcamp page:
https://thebrothersofmothershovel.bandcamp.com

Brothers of Mothershovel: Umcha, Umcha album review by Richard Taylor: http://www.harpsurgery.com/umcha-umcha-brothers-of-mothershovel/

Videos:

Hovel Bop video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2AhvIwtrH0

Make The Tea/On The Run Again from latest album:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LCYqy7LxQWI&feature=share

Harpin' By The Sea workshop on Noah Lewis:
https://youtu.be/pbV21VF-yOw

Return of Jerome:
https://youtu.be/zxhgT9P9wjo

Wolfie Witcher documentary:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=135_abFUQfk&feature=share

PCP - Let The Fun Begin:
https://youtu.be/xD3lZpDTAqs

Keith Turner and Southern Sound rehearsal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDADnebDAO0


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

David Naiditch joins me on episode 43. 

After starting out as a diatonic player, including having lessons with a touring Sonny Terry, David developed himself into possibly the sole exponent of playing Bluegrass music on the chromatic harmonica, and has recorded various albums with some of the stellar names from the Bluegrass world. 

David likes the clean, consistent tone that the chromatic brings.
He also plays Gypsy Jazz, a genre which he sees as having some similarities with Bluegrass. 
During the pandemic David recorded an album entirely remotely from the other musicians, and his delight with the results show the increasing potential of this, although it’s always nice to play along with others. 

David honed his craft live, and you might catch him jamming along at a festival in the US sometime soon. 

Links:
Website:
http://www.davidnaiditch.com/DavidNaiditch/Welcome.html

Steve Kaufman’s Bluegrass workout:
https://www.homespun.com/shop/product/steve-kaufmans-four-hour-bluegrass-workout-volume-one/

Videos:

David's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/DNaiditch

David demos blues in 12 keys on chromatic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njLjIlYM02o

Jimmy Riddle playing chromatic on US TV show ‘Hee Haw’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO1xQ-TAF6k

Jackie Naiditch YouTube channel for house jams:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvo2hgdJVyz8o-CQgopjTA


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Hermine Deurloo joins me on episode 42. 

Hermine is a Dutch female chromatic harmonica player who grew up to the sound of master jazz player Toots Thielemans. After studying saxophone at the Amsterdam Conservatory, she picked up the chromatic and transitioned over to the harmonica being her instrument of choice. 

Her first album was of Brazilian music, and she has gone on to record several jazz albums in her own name. Her more recent album, Riverbeast, delves into 70s funk. She has appeared as a guest artist on numerous albums and is famous in her native Netherlands for playing the advertisement music for sausages!

Hermine won the SPAH harmonica player of the year award in 2018 and hopes she can inspire other females to pick up the harmonica.

Links:
Website:
https://www.herminedeurloo.com/

Strangely In Love film music: The Stalker
https://soundcloud.com/awintory/dostoevsky-in-love-the-stalker?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fawintory%252Fdostoevsky-in-love-the-stalker

Ambleside festival:
https://www.amblesidedays.co.uk/

Saed Haddad harmonica composition, performed by Hermine:
https://soundcloud.com/dr-saed-haddad/melancholie-for-chromatic-harmonica-orch-extract-1-2017-18

Bernie Bray SPAH award winners:
https://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=61

Blows Me Away Productions harmonica equipment:
http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Videos:
Studio work videos:
https://www.herminedeurloo.com/studio-work/

Sausage advert on Netherlands TV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghXe6Y75RGs


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Phil Wiggins joins me on episode 41.

Phil  was one half of one of the best known blues duos around, Cephas and Wiggins, playing with John Cephas for over thirty years. They progressed from their early recordings in Germany to go on to tour the world, and even played at the White House to the Clintons. They played in the Piedmont blues style, Phil being one of its rare masters on harmonica, picked up from the guitar players who developed this approach.

A native of Washington D.C., Phil wrote a book about the blues scene in the city, and went on to use his music to steer some of the troubled youth of the city onto a better path.

Since John Cephas passed in 2009, Phil has continued his musical career by playing with various artists. Always sticking to his philosophy to play music for people to dance to.

Links:
Website: https://www.philwiggins.com/ 

Washington DC blues scene book:
https://sweetbitterblues.com/

Music & conversation with Joe Filisko and Eric Norden:
https://34lounge.com/

Videos:
National Folk Festival 2020:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POEo8vxU2e8

With Ben Hunter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4f-9OMLmOA

Chesapeake Sheiks: Struttin’ With Some Barbeque
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjqIVZoCQ2g


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show