Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

Tom Ball, Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth and Michael ‘Mudcat’ Ward join me on episode 139 for a retrospective on Walter Horton. Walter was likely born on April 6th, 1918, in Horn Lake, Mississippi.He probably made his first recordings in 1939 with Little Buddy Doyle but it wasn’t until the early 1950s that he started recording regularly. After making some early cuts under the name Mumbles, he made numerous recordings as a sideman in the 1950s, including the blues harmonica classics Easy and Walking By Myself. Walter enjoyed a resurgence on the back of the blues boom in the 1960s, touring the US and Europe and playing with various bands including the Willie Dixon Allstars, Fleetwood Mac and Johnny Winter.In the 1970s he made some more albums under his own name, including with the Johnny Nicholas band, and also appeared on the Grammy winning Muddy Waters album, I’m Ready.Big Walter played up until his death on December 8th, 1981, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame the following year. And without doubt left his legacy as one of the greatest blues harmonica players of all time.Links:Discography by Stefan Wirz: https://www.wirz.de/music/horton.htmInformation on Big Walter: https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/horton-walterBob Corritore photo gallery: https://bobcorritore.com/photos/big-walter-horton-photos/Videos:Hard Hearted Woman, States Records: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89P8ZMfTHfkSolo recording from Germany: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6RkAlhX7fgWalter ‘appearing’ in The Blues Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUUyFrHERpUWalter Horton discusses using his hands in Ronnie Earl’s apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX0Eu5LqexcPlaying That Aint It & Down Yonder with Ronnie Earl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FghNW94YUaM&t=90sPodcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show

Richard Sleigh joins me on episode 138. Richard is from Pennsylvania and is a renowned harmonica customiser, player and teacher. He tells how his great uncle Bill inspired him to pick up the harp, before discovering Irish music during his travels in Europe. We hear about his first album Steppin’ Out, his recording with Dennis Gruenling, and his love for the Clifftop Appalachian festival.Richard also shares the story behind his involvement with the MB30 harmonica and his customisation collaboration with Joe Filisko. Plus, we talk rack harmonica, teaching, and how he’s been “hot rodding” harmonicas for over 30 years.Links:Richard’s website: https://hotrodharmonicas.com/Hot Rod Your Harmonicas - The Movie: https://hotrodharmonicas.myshopify.com/products/hot-rod-your-harmonica-videosRichard’s Ultimate Foundation Harmonica Course: https://www.ultimateharmonica.com/p/the-ultimate-beginner-harmonica-courseOther harmonica customiser interviews: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/categories/harmonica-customiser/Videos:Paddy Fahey’s Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lkMs4utYpECousin Sally Brown: https://youtu.be/5VaYV1CGwo4Cuttin’ Out with Dennis Gruenling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYm8_EGaUqUHelp Me played on a rack tuition video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-U4PRMY18YBlues Harp Bugle tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbQMrNByJR4Podcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport 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-danceVideos:Italian Folk Band: Fabrizio Poggi e Turututela Miniera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnhwOfCjrpUHarpway 61 album song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx-Reyl3ZuIPlaying live at Carnegie Hall with Guy Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joe1mRWMLwcTV appearance with Guy Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzlcccMDPFMFabrizio live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkqHNcATQ3APodcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show

Giles Robson and Jim Basnight join me on episode 136 for a retrospective on Alex ‘Rice’ Miller (aka Sonny Boy Williamson II). Information on Sonny Boy’s early life is sketchy. Sonny Boy was likely born in 1912 and had a hard upbringing working on a plantation before becoming a travelling musician. Arriving in Helena, Arkansas, he found fame performing on the King Biscuit Time radio show before making his first recordings with Trumpet Records at age 38 in 1951. Sonny Boy made his classic cuts for Checker Records (a subsidiary of Chess) in 1955. He then toured Europe in 1963/64, becoming a celebratory in England and having a huge impact on the British Blues Boom.Returning to Helena, where he died in 1965, Sonny boy is one of the true giants not only of the harmonica but also the blues, with his charismatic vocals, songwriting and enigmatic charm.Links:Giles Robson: https://gilesrobson.comJim Basnight: https://www.jimbasnightmusic.com/Extract from Bill Donohue biography: https://www.furious.com/perfect/sonnyboy.htmlChris Strachwitz remembers Sonny Boy: https://arhoolie.org/chris-strachwitz-remembers-sonny-boy-williamson/Bob Corritore photo gallery of Sonny Boy: https://bobcorritore.com/photos/sonny-boy-williamson-ii/Sonny Boy discography: https://sonnyboywilliamson2.blogspot.com/2013/08/sonny-boy-williamsons-chronological.htmlMacie J Blues blogspot on Sonny Boy: https://sonnyboywilliamson-maciejblues.blogspot.com/Videos:Possibly the late Chris Strachwitz recordings of Sonny Boy: ‘Last Sessions’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLco7ZmxqUs&t=10sConcert from the Jazz House, Wiesbaden, Germany, November, 1963: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGGR5l4zOzw&t=1s‘Solo Harp’ album, from German photographer Stefanie Wiesand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6RkAlhX7fgRobbie Robertson recalls meeting Sonny Boy shortly before he died: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90-O6c20PLkThe grave of Sonny Boy, with comments from Giles Robson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-XQwpBTGRIBye Bye Bird in Europe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZArN9y5qZcPodcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show

John Sebastian joins me on episode 135. John had considerable chart success in the 1960s as part of the folk rock band, The Lovin' Spoonful, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the year 2000. John was also inducted into the songwriters Hall Of Fame. Probably better known as a singer songwriter and guitar player, harmonica was John’s first instrument, inspired by his father, also called John Sebastian, who was a renowned classical harmonica player. And we discuss some of his father’s music and how this inspired his son to take up the harmonica.John started out playing harmonica in a jug band before his success with The Lovin' Spoonful, before he then enjoyed a solo career and some notable recording sessions, not least as the harmonica player on The Doors song, Roadhouse Blues.Links:John's website: https://www.johnbsebastian.com/John’s children’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jbs-Harmonica-John-Sebastian/dp/0152400915Review of Jug Band DVD by Todd Kwait: Chasin' Gus' Ghost: https://driftwoodmagazine.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/dvd-review-chasin’-gus’-ghost/Videos:John Sebastian senior live performance of Villas Lobos Harmonica Concerto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2EO0SUraGQPlaying ‘Thedy’ on chromatic with the New Rhythm Blues Quartet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f9IGhcGiQQHarmonica duet with Annie Raines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmPOnRUDZAEJohn’s Homespun Blues Harmonica course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIVWaVSOoLEJohn’s appearance at Woodstock in 1969: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBXL7FaPod4Liam Ward interview with John and a lesson from Liam on how to play Roadhouse Blues: https://www.learntheharmonica.com/post/roadhouse-blues-harmonica-john-sebastianPodcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show

Ronnie Schreiber joins me on episode 134. Ronnie runs The Electric Harmonica Company, producing the Harmonicaster, which is an alternative to the traditional harmonica microphone, using guitar style pick-ups to create “the first practical true electric harmonica”. Ronnie first came up with the concept some thirty years ago and has been developing it in earnest over the last ten years.Ronnie tells us the story of how he developed the idea, from the need to use steel reeds, the custom harps needed and the availability of pick-ups to use with the harmonica, and some of the harmonica players who have supported him through his journey.We discuss the advantages of using a pick-up with the harmonica, such as having a different sound to the traditional harmonica microphone, and the  feedback resistance it brings, as well as some of the challenges of using the Harmonicaster.Links:Harmonicaster website: https://rokemneedlearts.com/harmonicaster/wp/The Frank Harmonica mic developed by Ronnie: https://rokemneedlearts.com/frankmic/Harp-l post introducing the Harmonicaster: https://groups.google.com/g/harp-l/c/_ETwuJvbRRABrendan Power playing some Irish music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rx8kVBjAL4The Turbo Harp: https://turboharp.com/Dyna-mic: https://www.dyna-mic.com/Videos:Harmonicaster YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonicaster8106Ronnie overview of the Harmonicaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzbYxwKLPR4Jonah Fox YouTube review of the Harmonicaster: https://rokemneedlearts.com/harmonicaster/wp/Podcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show

Kim Field joins me on episode 133. Kim’s 1994 book ‘Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers: The History of the People’s Instrument’ was the first book released on the history of the harmonica. And Kim has recently written the book: The Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold, telling the story of Billy Boy in his own words.Ever on the lookout to meet and learn from the great players, Kim shares the time he spent with Deford Bailey and also when he played on stage with Walter Horton.Kim has been in several blues bands, and a country band, and has just released a new album with his latest band, The Perfect Gentleman, featuring Kim’s harmonica, vocals and songwriting talents.Links:Kim’s website: https://www.kimfield.com/Harmonica Northwest weekend, Oct 23-26, 2025: https://menucha.org/programs/harmonica-northwestKim’s life in music: https://www.kimfield.com/my-life-in-musicHarmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers: The History of the People’s Instrument book: https://www.kimfield.com/harmonicas-harps-and-heavy-breathersPT Gazell review of Don’t Need But One album: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernBluesHarmonica/permalink/10162253953062225/The Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold book: https://www.kimfield.com/the-blues-dream-of-billy-boy-arnoldVideos:James Cotton playing Blues In My Sleep live in 1967: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgS6FG2rtasDavid Waldman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD8EArw7peMThe Slamhound Hunters band - Lawnmower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjr6YLKKmqYPodcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show

Tom Ellis joins me on episode 132 for another look into the life and career of the legendary Paul Butterfield. Butter gained access to the Chicago blues scene at a young age when his lawyer father carried out pro bono work for some of the musicians there. The black blues musicians took a paternal interest in Paul’s musical development, none more so than Muddy Waters who knew Butter from around the age of sixteen. Butter later returned the favour after having made his own name. He gave something back to Muddy by recording the Fathers and Sons album with him in 1969, followed by a second album with Muddy, The Woodstock album in 1975.Tom then goes on to tell us about how Butter changed his sound during the middle part of his career with the release of the two Better Days albums in 1973, producing possibly the first Americana albums, and seeing Butter having developed into a more nuanced harmonica player.Links:Tom article on Substack platform: https://ellist.substack.com/p/down-by-the-riverArticle on the Super Cosmic Joy-Scout Jamboree concert (Father and Sons): https://bobsblog73.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/super-cosmic-joy-scout-jamboree-april-1969/Fathers and Sons album blog by David Hawkins: https://paulbutterfield.blogspot.com/2014/03/37-fathers-and-sons.htmlButter on the Woodstock album blog by David Hawkins: https://paulbutterfield.blogspot.com/2016/10/61-muddy-waters-woodstock-album.htmlVideos:Mannish Boy in Last Waltz concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGG-oBrmzbQButter on Midnight Special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZhfIOuiPe4Bonnie Raitt live with Butter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZOdeROUz2UPlaying Why Are People Like That on David Letterman show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDvdTabtRN0Podcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show

Rick Estrin and Nathan James join me on episode 131 for a retrospective on James Harman.James ‘Icepick’ Harman was born in Anniston, Alabama in 1946. After moving between various locations, including Florida, New York, New Orleans and Chicago, he settled down in Southern California in the early 1970s where he established himself in the vibrant blues scene there.Harman was a formidable song writer and had his own unique view on life which he delivered through his powerful singing voice. His harmonica playing was highly accomplished but he didn’t get too bogged down in the technicalities of the instrument, just playing it to great effect.Harman released numerous albums under his own name from the 1970s to 2019, and also recorded with other artists, including three albums with ZZ Top.Links:Nathan James website: https://www.nathandjames.com/James Harman appreciation: https://bluesjunctionproductions.com/an_appreciation_of_james_harmanPlaying with ZZ Top: https://billygibbons.com/2016/10/james-harman-mystery-man-zz-top-band/Videos:James Harman Tribute Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf-z0fByTsMJames Harman interview from 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkbDA4jpB_cGrit Soup with Rick Estrin and Nathan James:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7x1BajhVfcAlbums on YouTube:Thank You Baby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_xc_lneR8cExtra Napkins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVwrq57PM-QStrictly Live in ’85: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR1OEhF6Hr0&list=PLSzXohOP-AmcgBdbKmj-DNYiP6CfPTGUYBlack and White: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_0qUrM_XBwLiquor Parking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL9y1bydpCIDidn’t We Have Some Fun Sometime album intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1WhxC8Q1roPodcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show

Mikael Backman joins me on episode 130.Mikael is from Sweden where he started playing blues harmonica, recording six albums with the band Ramblin’ Minds. He then joined the band John Henry. Initially a bluegrass band, they went on to play country, honky tonk and western swing. Mikael is truly a doctor of the harmonica, having conducted various academic studies with the harmonica at center stage, as part of his work at the Piteå School of Music. One of these resulted in a music thesis on how practicing the chromatic and diatonic harmonicas can improve the playing of both. Mikael has also recently completed a PhD where he wrote a doctoral thesis on country harmonica, which included an article and recording session with the legendary Charlie McCoy.Links:Website: https://harpatwork.com/John Henry band: www.johnhenry.nuMike Caldwell playing Roly Poly: https://soundcloud.com/mike-caldwell-2/roly-polyMikael’s recordings on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/07qOtgwTkCHlzYgx6P8Goh?si=d7e648990fd9420bOne Lick - Two Harps: chromatic / diatonic: https://tinyurl.com/yfnh9fcvPhD thesis My Bag of Licks: https://tinyurl.com/mybagoflicksArticle on Charlie McCoy: https://www.internationalcountrymusic.org/_files/ugd/83ada7_e189b0dca9ad431dbc743cea3ffd5a88.pdfCharlie McCoy Transcriptions link: https://www.researchcatalogue.net/profile/show-exposition?exposition=1510243Neil’s harmonica transcriptions: https://www.harptranscripts.co.uk/Videos:Same lick on chromatic and diatonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIcnyGTtv6AMikael talks through what he plays on Oklahoma song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJeskt_Vo1UAmazing Grace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h04Q9k6eEokPodcast website:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.comDonations: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_GBSpotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQPodcast 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.comSupport the show