Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

Clint Hoover joins me on episode 109. Clint is originally from Minneapolis and has spent a life immersed in music and the harmonica. He’s reached great heights on both the chromatic and the diatonic. Early on he also studied guitar and saxophone and attended a jazz course in New York City where he also took chromatic lessons from Robert Bonfiglio. His eclectic mix of interests has led him to recording albums in genres from pre-war blues to modern jazz, to rock, pop and World Music. His first recorded album was with a mainstream band called The Fontanas back in 1989, with the album release being delayed for thirty four years, coming out in 2023. In-between he’s released jazz albums, jug band music, rock and more, really showcasing his extraordinary talents on both the diatonic and chromatic harmonicas. Links: Website: https://clinthoover.com/ Clint article: ‘My Harmonica Journey’: https://clinthoover.com/a-harmonica-journey/ Richard Hunter interview with Clint: https://www.hunterharp.com/hoover1/ The Fontanas album: https://blackberrywayrecords.com/album/2566074/the-fontanas Videos: Clint’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7io6uwgGzsOBpanupYdBg Les Thompson performing live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlLGjO8MzpU Get Up Off That Jazzophone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23VJPJeakJI Sister Sadie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQG1sHJedgY 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 -------------------------------- The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'. Email Jonathan at: sales@theharmonicacompany.com -------------------------------- Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com Support the Show. 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 AND The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'. Email Jonathan at: sales@theharmonicacompany.com Support the Show.

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. Links: Yotam's website: https://www.yotambo.com/ Videos: Yotam Ben-Or Quartet live at Festival da Jazz St. Moritz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GI9HM6NqCY Satla song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv6zOhUKa6o MiLiM song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tGBXF0nHw4 Live at Carnegie Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wmKRaXdW9A Live in Switzerland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GI9HM6NqCY Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS AND The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'. Email Jonathan at: sales@theharmonicacompany.com Support the Show.

Eddie Martin joins me on episode 106. Eddie has been described as the ambassador of British Blues, having released seventeen albums over his near fifty year career, with many of the songs self-penned by Eddie. He started out as a one-man band, but also performs as part of his own bands too. In either format Eddie makes extensive use of rack harmonica, and is one of the leading players of using a rack, while also playing some hand-held harmonica as well. Eddie gives us some great tips on playing on the rack. Eddie also had a two year spell in the US where he regularly played on Beale St, Memphis and Clarksdale, Mississippi, as well as time playing in Italy. And he regularly teaches at workshops in the UK and Europe. Links: Eddie’s website: http://eddiemartin.com Big Red Radio: https://soundcloud.com/eddie-martin/sets/eddie-martins-big-red-radio Harmonica Master’s Workshop: https://www.harmonica-masters.de/en/workshops-2024/master-workshops-diatonic/eddie-martin.html EuroBlues week: https://www.euroblues.co.uk/blues-week-2024/ Son of Dave interview: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/son-of-dave-interview/ Videos: One Man Band video from Thirst album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK6Qr9nSugw&t=18s Birdcage Sessions video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU87CViwfJA Harpin’ By The Sea 2024: Breakeven Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S83O-scnX_I Harpin’ By The Sea 2024: Early In The Morning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fuwgMcaJ4Q NHL festival 2006: Queen of Spades: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW-Y9JplJ4w Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS AND The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'. Email Jonathan at: sales@theharmonicacompany.com Support the Show.

Paul Barry joins me again on episode 105, for another look at the life and career of the great William Clarke. Paul has now released his biography: Blowin’ Like Hell: The William Clarke Story, writing it from insights he gained from Bill’s wife Jeanette, and Bill's children, and the musicians who played with him, as well as many others. Bill dedicated his life from the age of sixteen to become the bluesman he dreamed he could be, and he worked extremely hard at it. He honed his craft from woodshedding at home, attending the blues clubs of LA, becoming the protege of George Smith, and pushing himself hard to create his unique voice both vocally and especially on the diatonic and chromatic harmonica. All this despite his personal demons, to become one of the leading players of his generation. Links: Paul’s website: https://www.paulbarryblues.com/ Where to buy the biography: https://www.paulbarryblues.com/william-clarke.html Blues Blast magazine review of the William Clarke book: https://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/issue-18-7-february-15-2024/?fbclid=IwAR3lctX2K7JrotYoAczEp_JE_rIktqg6QejnVrSMR52OYIvKiEM-GeyJS9Q William Clarke Remembered Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/171827912850208/ The first William Clarke retrospective with Paul: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/william-clarke-retrospective-with-paul-barry/ Videos: Bill playing Lollipop Mama at the San Fran Blues Festival in 1991: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrXrsmUWAGM Interview with Bill, and concert footage from Byron Bay festival in Australia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfgWsyKvC3o Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS AND The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'. Email Jonathan at: sales@theharmonicacompany.com Support the Show.

Mike Turk joins me on episode 104. Mike is a Boston-based player who started out playing blues harmonica, inspired by the great Paul Butterfield, before becoming interested in playing jazz on the chromatic. He recorded some session work in New York and recorded through the 1970s with various artists, with many of those tracks available on anthology albums Mike has put out. He released his first solo album, Harmonica Salad, in 1991. Mike went on to record several more albums, with a letter from Toots Thielemans included in the liner notes for Turk’s Works. He also toured Europe and recorded some albums with the Italian band he was working with while in Europe. Links: Mike’s website: https://www.tinsandwichmusic.com/ Toots Thielmans testimonial on Mike’s website: https://www.tinsandwichmusic.com/?page_id=265 Polyphonia harmonica: https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1306456 Great interview with Mike: https://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/harmonica-virtuoso-mike-turk-talks-about-jazz-blues-lowel-fulsom Videos: Don Brooks session recordings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDGSb5NxtJY&list=PLGbKWi5veb_nwSHBWYjEgDPtHfYbFFufY&index=4 Honeydripper film opening credits: https://youtu.be/BO5eP6XsF9M Douglas Tate playing at the NHL Festival in 1988 (not on a Renaissance): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th1PbXWfoY8 Mike trio gig from March 2022: https://www.facebook.com/themadmonkfish/videos/1593252841059782 Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS AND The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'. Email Jonathan at: sales@theharmonicacompany.com Support the Show.

Konstantin Reinfeld joins me on episode 103. Konstantin is a German who comes from the overblow school of harmonica, studying music at a conservatory and taking lessons from Howard Levy as part of his early development. He released a jazz album at age 18, with two more albums to follow before releasing a classical album played on the diatonic harmonica, for which he won a German Grammy award for classical music. On top of this Konstantin is a music producer, including producing his own recordings bringing the harmonica into a contemporary pop setting. He has a very active online presence and hosts harmonica interviews for the Hohner Live X series of YouTube videos. Links: Konstantin’s website: https://www.konstantinreinfeld.com Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/konstantinreinfeld Compositions for harmonica and piano: https://www.doerken-stiftung.de/foerderung/kompositionen-fuer-mundharmonika-als-gratisdownload/downloads-kompositionen-fuer-mundharmonika-und-klavier Videos: YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KonstantinReinfeld Body Heat with Benjamin Nuss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KEJzFcZgqg&list=TLGGMrKWZLRF3CoyMjAxMjAyNA&t=2s Cinema Paradiso - Love Theme: https://youtu.be/ULj-GjL4nFA?si=D6G11zXwOCd32kvv Interview on Hohner channel with the 14 year old Konstantin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIPCFRTIJDU Hohner Live X interview with Howard Levy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_DDBgcEViw Country Harmonica Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glvupq6gpf8 Don Toliver harmonica cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2BVsMa5QiM Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS AND The Harmonica Company. Use promo code: 'happyhour7'. Email Jonathan at: sales@theharmonicacompany.com Support the Show.

Christian Marsh joins me on episode 102. Christian is an Australian who plays both the diatonic and chromatic harmonica. Starting out playing diatonic, Christian drew inspiration from players such as Norton Buffalo and Charlie McCoy, absorbing as much harmonica as he could lay his hands on . He picked the chromatic up a few years later after hearing Toots Thielemans play, and even went on to maintain Larry Adler’s harmonicas while he was touring Australia. Christian is a mainstay on the Australian music scene, having 60 album credits sessions to his name, as well as a number of albums with Dr Goodvibe, and several under his own name, with a new release coming out in January 2024. Christian has also performed a concerto written for harmonica, as well as performing at the Sydney Opera House. Links: Christian Marsh website: https://christianmarsh.com.au/ Recording credits: https://christianmarsh.com.au/credits/ Online tracks: https://www.reverbnation.com/christianmarsh/song/27991199-sven-libaeks-harmonica-concerto Videos: Nun In The Back Seat, with Dr Goodvibe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cov-WjwvCp4&t=200s Roxanne, live with Dr Goodvibe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh136n8OQHY Live with Paul Robert Burton trio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBMiFbRZYSk Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram Support the Show.

Tom Ellis interviews Neil Warren on episode 101. Neil started out playing blues harmonica in his hometown of Blackburn (with it’s 4000 holes). He progressed into learning jazz, taking jazz chromatic lessons for several years, and then folk music. Neil currently plays in two bands around his local area, an acoustic act playing blues and folk, and an electric band playing different genres, such as ska and funk and blues, including use of the DM48 midi chromatic. He has won three categories of competitions at the UK National Harmonica League festival and helped organise the Chromatic Weekend festival for them for several years. The discussion then turns to focus on the Happy Hour Harmonica podcast, how it got started, how he sources the people to interview, what the podcast tries to do and some of his own favourite moments from the first 100 episodes. Links: Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/ Contact podcast: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/contact/ Transcription website: https://www.harptranscripts.co.uk/ Harp Keys: showing key of harmonica used on over 1000 songs: https://www.harptranscripts.co.uk/harpkeys.html Rev John and the Revelations: https://revjohnh490546051.wordpress.com/ Greg Mayston band: https://www.folkbluesandamericana.com/ Harmonica UK (was National Harmonica League): https://www.harmonica.uk/ Videos: Roseanne soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSE51IAUZ3M Dark Eyes at UK Chromatic Weekend: https://youtu.be/fh664YnZcFc?si=mowTd5gPtJJdBvNc Blair Athol (Scottish folk song): https://youtu.be/eZ-FT48q05Q Blowing The Family Jewels: https://youtu.be/fnOZrIr7AE4 Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram Support the Show.

Episode 100 is a retrospective on the greatest ever blues harmonica player, Marion Walter Jacobs, aka Little Walter. Little Walter was born in 1930, probably, and started playing harmonica age 8. He was busking on the streets of New Orleans by age 12, spent some time in Helena, before heading north to Chicago to make his indelible mark on blues and the harmonica. Little Walter teamed up with Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers and cut some classic blues recordings before he went out under his own name after he was launched into superstardom with his instrumental Juke, in 1952. He was riding high in the charts and touring for the next few years, including another number one with My Babe, while still also recording with Muddy Waters. The arrival of rhythm and blues started to replace the blues as the popular music of the day, which saw Little Walter start to go down slow, but he still made some great recordings and completed two tours of Europe. He was then taken far too young, at the age of 37, as a result of an injury sustained in a street fight. But he left behind numerous masterpieces in the blues harmonica genre, that have influenced pretty much every player since. Links: The Little Walter Foundation: https://littlewalterfoundation.org/ Billy Boy Arnold interview: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/billy-boy-arnold-interview/ Kim Field website: https://www.kimfield.com/ Bob Corritore Little Walter photo tribute page: https://bobcorritore.com/photos/little-walter-photo-tribute/ Videos: Lonnie Glosson and Wayne Raney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfXb7OEjVzU Ora Nelle Blues, first recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E7z56E0DwI Playing Walter's Jump with Hound Dog Taylor in 1967: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8GWEvIkzGE Trailer of Blue Midnight Little Walter biography: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtZDbiCEfnM She’s 19 Years Old bootleg recording with Sam Lay from 1967: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9-pYoSCcHc Little Walter’s induction into Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyYk_PlnnUo Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram Support the Show.

Dennis Gruenling joins me on episode 99. Dennis is originally from the New York area, where he began his love affair with record collecting, listening to a wide range of music, from country to rhythm and blues and beyond before it all came together when he heard his first harmonica on the great Harp Attack album. Dennis cut his teeth with the support of local harp players before releasing his first album, Jump Time, featuring the jump swing style of his early output. On this, and subsequent albums, Dennis was a trailblazer in making extensive use of amplified low tuned harmonicas. Dennis has gone on to make some great albums across the jump and Chicago blues genres, and currently plays with the Nick Moss band. From an early age Dennis has been renovating vintage microphones, and is now one of the leading providers of vintage mics and amps in the world, via his BadAssHarmonicas website, as well as a huge collection of webinars on all things harmonica. Links: Dennis Gruenling websites: https://badassharmonica.com/ https://www.dennisgruenling.co Nick Moss band: https://badassharmonica.com/pages/nick-moss-band Webinars / Membership: https://badassharmonica.com/collections/memberships Gear used by Dennis: https://www.dennisgruenling.com/gear Bands In Town page: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/14484438-dennis-gruenling-badass-harmonica Tip Dennis: https://badassharmonica.com/collections/tips-thank-you Videos: YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DennisGruenling Playing Rocker with the Nick Moss band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=2EswyXuWwz Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram Support the Show.

Michael Pettersen And James Waldron join me on episode 98. In this episode we talk about the iconic Green Bullet microphone, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. Michael is the Director of Corporate History at Shure microphones , and he tells us about the early design of the mic, what it was used for and about how it took years before Shure became aware that it was such an important mic for harmonica players. James runs SimpleMics.com, where he rebuilds vintage harmonica microphones, including for some illustrious customers. James provides a harmonica-centric perspective on the Green Bullet and some detail on what is under the hood of the mic. Both Michael and James help debunk some of the myths about the Green Bullet, as well as sharing their deep knowledge of its element, shell and other inner workings of this most legendary of harmonica microphones. Links Green Bullet mics website: https://greenbulletmics.net/ James’ Simple Mics website: https://www.simplemics.com/ Versions of the Green Bullet: https://service.shure.com/s/article/what-are-the-different-versions-of-the-green-bullet?language=en_US https://service.shure.com/s/article/history-of-the-model-520-green-bullet?language=en_US Convert Green Bullet to use with XLR cable (low impedance): https://service.shure.com/s/article/putting-an-xlr-on-the-green-bullet?language=en_US Add a volume control and on/off switch: https://service.shure.com/s/article/adding-a-volume-control-to-a-520d-green-bullet?language=en_US Shure 520DX model: https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products/microphones/520dx?variant=520DX Videos: Shure video on how the Green Bullet became the sound of blues harmonica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlLniCG0lCw Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram Support the Show.

Vitor Lopes joins me on episode 97. He is a Brazilian chromatic player who specialises in Choro music. Vitor tells us about the history of the harmonica in Brazil, starting out when Hohner opened a factory there in 1923, which later became the Hering factory. The availability of harmonicas in Brazil made the instrument very popular and spawned some tremendous players. In 2008 Vitor was awarded the APCA prize for the best Brazilian musician of the year. He has recorded several Choro albums with his bands, has toured in Europe several times and appears on numerous albums with other musicians. If you want to learn some Choro, Vitor has an online course available so you can play some of this wonderful music on the chromatic harmonica. Links: Chorando as Pitangas band website: https://chorandoaspitangas.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/vitor-lopes-harm/tracks Vitor’s Choro harmonica course: https://hotmart.com/en/marketplace/products/choro-harmonica-with-vitor-lopes/U51984467A?sck=HOTMART_SITE Videos: History of harmonica in Brazil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIF4-7Em_aw Edu da Gaita playing Paganini’s Moto Perpetuo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w8j_gfIEiU Vitor’s series of videos on Brazilian Choro music on harmonica: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb7Pnj0vhWE3TcArNwNkjO4P9IQVCAbxA&si=Ai7wIhxP7LTXzrV- Concert with Chorando as Pitangas: https://youtu.be/Wbe2Dr0oi9s?si=IyiLCCHoiwHevJ2f With Ana Fridman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxUvAEIPCM Duo with Pablo Fagundes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s87mSjNEGJ8 Vitor playing diatonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-RtOdozKdw Suzuki condenser mic overview from Joe Powers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQKs3yFRInc Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram Support the Show.

Paddy Wells joins me on episode 96. Paddy is based in the north of England, where he started out as a singer playing a little harp before hearing amplified harmonica, which really turned him on to the instrument. Paddy is also a freelance music journalist, having written regular articles for several music magazines in the UK, including Blues in Britain. He also wrote an article, Blowin’ Off The Dust, for the SPAH magazine. Paddy has also spent some time travelling the US, including sitting in with Jason Ricci, and writing two magazine articles on him. Paddy has played in various bands in the north of England, appearing at festivals and supporting some notable names. His current band is called Dust Radio. Links: Paddy’s website: https://www.paddywells.com/ Dust Radio music: https://dustradio1.bandcamp.com/music Music: https://www.paddywells.com/music Paddy’s article: Blowing Off the Dust: Modern Masters of the Blues Harp: https://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/modern-blues-harp-masters.html Videos: Lyndon Anderson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26yIoZVYuVA Interview with Paddy on the Tim Green Blues show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yTEBIuKJGk I’d Rather Go Blind with Poorboy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNH0Qs8GEeM Problem and The Remedy video: https://dustradio1.bandcamp.com/track/problem-remedy-2 Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram Support the Show.

Michael Rubin joins me on episode 95. Michael moved to Austin as a young man, initially as a blues player. He found that by diversifying the genres he played on harmonica he became much more in demand in the vibrant music scene in Austin. He added to t his versatility by playing different types of harmonica, including plenty of chromatic in addition to the diatonic being his main axe. Michael has also recorded on bass harmonica and the harmonetta. Michael has gigged and recorded with numerous outfits, with styles ranging from blues to pop, African music, reggae and old time country gospel. Michael released his first solo album in 2022, I’ll Worry If I Wanna. On here he demonstrates his full range of harmonica mastery, including a solo playing in all twelve positions. Links: Michael’s website: https://michaelrubinharmonica.com/ I’ll Worry If I Wanna album: https://michaelrubin.hearnow.com/ SPAH tribute to Bob Herndon (great Harmonetta player): https://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=62 Mike Caldwell: https://www.countrythangdaily.com/mike-caldwell-unleashed/ Album with Christopher Cody Meacham: https://christophercodymeacham.bandcamp.com/album/ol-time-waddies-blues-2019-lp Videos: YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelrubinharmonic List of YouTube harmonica lessons: https://michaelrubinharmonica.com/pageVideoArchive.html Peg O My Heart on Harmonetta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfqJNhLoTA Sophisticated Lady on DM48: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaSKBZqijnU Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram Support the Show.

The interview with Jason Ricci continues on episode 94, part 2. Jason shares how he has matured into his music, including on his 2021 album, City Country City, playing jazz, funk and blues with New Orleans musician Joe Krown. Jason goes on to share what he considers to be his best work on harmonica, and the elements that make up a great performance. He’s recorded two albums with JJ Appleton, and Bad Kind is Jason’s current band, having released two albums so far, and a new album coming out with Bad Kind at the end of the month: Behind The Veil. Jason has a big social media presence, with Patreon the place to go for his teaching material, with over 600 harmonica related videos available. And Jason has just released a signature harmonica in partnership with Blue Moon harmonicas. Links: Jason’s social media links:: https://mooncat.org/ https://www.instagram.com/jasonricci93/ https://twitter.com/jasonricci93 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/jasonricci Tip Jason: PayPal.me/jasonricci Bandcamp: https://jasonricci.bandcamp.com/ Harp Gear amplification: http://harpgear.com/ Videos: Paul Butterfield induction into the rock ’n roll Hall of Fame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zix79vpAjG0 2023 SPAH concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKPuDDJz66M Pedal Board (2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8CeSabvTy0 Hip-Hug Her with Bad Kind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMlB_rL8REU Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or In Support the Show.

Jason Ricci joins me on episode 93 (and on episode 94) In part one: Jason tells us how he started out in a punk band, with his bandmates suggesting he take up the harmonica. Of course, he took to it quickly, to become quite possibly the leading diatonic harmonica player of his generation. After initially developing his blues playing via the classic players, Jason moved to Memphis and developed his signature fast licks under the guidance of Pat Ramsey. Then, after getting into jazz and a brief flirtation with the saxophone, he started playing overblows, inspired by Howard Levy and the more blues based approach of Adam Gussow. Jason moved from Memphis for stints in various places, including Florida and jail, before settling in Nashville where he really made his presence known with his band Jason Ricci and New Blood. To be continued... Links: Jason’s social media links:: https://mooncat.org/ https://www.instagram.com/jasonricci93/ https://twitter.com/jasonricci93 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/jasonricci Tip Jason: PayPal.me/jasonricci Bandcamp: https://jasonricci.bandcamp.com/ Videos: Jason's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/jasonricci Baby Scratch My Back with the Nick Moss band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSGrzkcdiM0 Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS Support the Show.

Erland Westerstrom joins me on episode 92. Erland is from Sweden, where he studied Swedish folk music on the harmonica at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, with Filip Jers as one of his teachers there. Erland released a solo harmonica album in 2020, Andas! (Swedish for breathe), where he makes use of drones, polyphonic rhythms, tongue spilts and other techniques to create self-accompaniment to the melodies of the traditional tunes he plays. Erland’s latest band is with the trio Västanvinden. This sees the harmonica combining with great effect with the clarinet and cittern, with the harmonica used as much for chordal accompaniment as for melody. A big part of Erland’s music is playing for dancers, who are part of the show in Sweden. Erland also does some harmonica maintenance work as well as teaching in Stockholm and online. He is touring with the Västanvinden trio in Europe later in 2023. Links: Erland's website: http://www.folkmunspel.se/english Contact: erland.westerstrom@icloud.com Blog: http://www.folkmunspel.se/blogg Custom harmonicas for sale: http://www.folkmunspel.se/till-salu Great resource for traditional Swedish tunes: folkwiki.se Audio-Technica ATM350 mic: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/atm350 Videos: From Andas! Album: https://youtu.be/6E3jK0Hj71I With Bjorn Gardner: https://youtu.be/6E3jK0Hj71I With Vastanvinden trio: https://youtu.be/eNDmadf1k0M Tremolo playing: https://youtu.be/7CXqJ4-v1wU Graduation concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKKNMHmeR6o Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS Support the Show.

Tom Halchak joins me on episode 91. Tom tells us how he grew his successful company, Blue Moon Harmonicas, started in 2009. Tom started out selling custom combs, and then covers in different materials and colours. Tom went on to develop his customisation skills to offer fully fledged custom harmonicas using his Blue Moon product lines. Tom also started offering pre-war Marine Band harmonicas for sale. These hand-crafted harps have stood the test of time and with some improvements by Tom, provide a playing experience which conjures the spirit of the players of the past. As a result of his pre-war harmonicas trading, Tom now acts on behalf of the estate of Sonny Terry, offering Sonny’s actual harmonicas for sale, complete with the DNA of the great man himself, as well as a range of other memorabilia, such as concert posters and contracts. Tom also prides himself in providing great service. Links: Blue Moon harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/ Blue Moon Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BlueMoonHarmonicas Sonny Terry harmonica collection: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/collections/sonny-terry-estate-llc Videos: Blue Moon instrumental by Whitt Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NGES1uduek Range of harps available at Blue Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXlrOo9qQKE CNC Milling GM wood comb: https://youtu.be/lhVFoRTDMjs Jason Ricci video on Blue Moon products he uses: https://youtu.be/PWrKgdGnhZE Jason Ricci playing ‘Feel Good Funk’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSAvtxrTbcc Custom combs for Big River: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcgQktZ8gDs Adam Gussow appraisal of 150 of Sonny Terry’s harmonicas: https://youtu.be/EDT4Xt70Omg Sonny Terry tribute concert at SPAH 2016: https://youtu.be/7ycKmefNKfg Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS Support the Show.

Tom Ellis joins me (again) on episode 90. This is part two of the Paul Butterfield retrospective where Tom takes us even deeper into Paul’s career and talks us through more of his incredible output. About how Butter, while paying his due respect to the greats before him, took the blues in a new direction, with his experimentation and innovation. Butter’s music and bands evolved as he developed, with the best musicians joining him to provide a bedrock to some of the greatest harmonica ever recorded. Tom Ellis puts forward a compelling case for Paul Butterfield as the most influential harmonica player ever, with his cultural and societal impact overshadowing even the classic players of the 1950s. Paul Butterfield retrospective, part 1: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/paul-butterfield-retrospective-with-tom-ellis/ Was Butter a u-blocker? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-73mhQn4Pkc Podcast website: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com Donations: If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above): https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB Spotify Playlist: Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ Podcast sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS Support the Show.