Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

Mat Walklate joins me on episode 39. Mat is based in Manchester and has worked as a professional musician throughout his life, playing mainly blues and traditional music using a variety of harmonicas. He started out with a love for Sonny Boy Williamson II, and was soon touring Europe in a blues band. His interest in traditional music came from learning the tin whistle, and he also picked up other instruments for this genre, including the flute and pipes.Mat supplements his playing income through teaching, with one-on-one, group and online teaching. Devoted to laying down some tracks, he has plenty of albums and online material available, including various efforts at recording songs with a multitude of harmonicas to accompany his deep vocals. Something that he’s really developed over the last year during lockdown.Links:Mat's website: http://matwalklate.co.ukFor lessons, contact Mat here: http://www.matwalklate.co.uk/contact.htmlBandCamp: https://matwalklate.bandcamp.com/Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=mat%20walklateTraditional harmonica album:https://matwalklate.bandcamp.com/album/traditional-harmonicaMat's Music Guru courses:https://www.musicgurus.com/gurus/matwalklate/?fbclid=IwAR3ThLVldrYuz69xKXc6DlczKi1A3PjKwL7sRUZmphzj5wZF9OydxVH4NQkIrish Ceilidh Band:https://www.lastminutemusicians.com/members/mat-walklates-irish-ceili-band.htmlVideos:With Tom Attah:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F81W3uV82IAWith Alex Haynes:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6VfOWdSOE0With Paolo Fuschi:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxwNXn7FZgkPromo video for Seydel Lightning harmonica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxgbnojKAQsPodcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Will Galison joins me on episode 38. Will first picked up the chromatic harmonica when studying guitar at the Berklee College of Music.  He quickly realised he had an affinity with the instrument, and after spending a day with Toots Thielemans he knew the chromatic instrument was what he wanted to do. Will went on to record numerous albums under his own name, including a successful collaboration with Madeleine Peyroux. He has been an in-demand session player for numerous years, with credits performing with the likes of Barbara Streisand, Carly Simon, Donald Fagen and many others. On top of all this he has recorded a version of the Sesame Street theme tune used on the TV show. With interests ranging from jazz, to pop and classical, as well as playing some mean diatonic, Will really delivers a pocketful of soul.Links:Will's website: https://www.willgalison.net/Takin It Back With Barack:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJW67YfLWgsOdysseus Fantasy:https://www.willgalison.net/odysseus-concertoBeethoven Spring Sonata:https://www.willgalison.net/beethoven-spring-sonataWill's Soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/will-galison/Hal Leonard Jazz Standards tutorial:https://www.halleonard.com/product/1335/jazz-standardsHal Leonard Pop Songs tutorial:https://www.halleonard.com/product/1090/pop-classicsHarmonicaUK Virtual Chromatic Weekend: http://harmonica.uk/HUKBlog/chromatic-weekend/Videos:Odyssey:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPC-fh3jyswBeethoven Spring Sonata:https://www.willgalison.net/beethoven-spring-sonataToots Thielemans playing Undecided:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMTmKwosSi8Pocketful of Soul:https://www.willgalison.net/pocket-full-of-soulSkylark with Sean Harness:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KylY3vQv8Y4&t=105sPodcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Rick Epping joins me on episode 37. Rick worked for Hohner USA for 18 years and played a pivotal role in improving the quality of their harmonicas back to their former glory. While at Hohner, he also developed the XB40, the all-bending harmonica. Rick is also an expert customiser of harmonicas and can be credited with the creation of embossing reeds to improve playability.Rick has a real passion for playing Irish music, to such an extent that he even moved to Ireland so he could immerse himself in the music. He has released several albums with notable Irish groups for us to enjoy his traditional music playing.Rick is also adept at playing harmonica on a rack, perhaps with the less orthodox instruments of the concertina and the banjo.Links:Article by Rick on harmonica types used in Irish Music:https://www.celticguitarmusic.com/irishharm.htmArticle on reed longevity:https://www.bluesharmonica.com/rick_eppings_paper_reed_longevity_revisitedPat Missin page on the XB40:https://www.patmissin.com/reviews/xb40.htmlEasy third tuning:https://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/5490922.htmIron Lung:https://www.brendan-power.com/IronLung.phpWillie Clancy Summer School:https://www.scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy.com/HarmonicaUK Virtual Chromatic Weekend:http://harmonica.uk/HUKBlog/chromatic-weekend/Videos:One man show for Irish Cultural Centre:https://irishculturalcentre.co.uk/2020/04/28/music-rick-epping/YouTube workshop on harmonica maintenance:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yKDUhAgmRgAnother harmonica maintenance workshop:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIsHOn-65uY&t=1608sSession that Brian McDonagh, Philip Duffy and I held every Tuesday for 15 years:https://youtu.be/Lt-BUD37SwANHL Concert: Buckets Of Rain:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRvTwBYng4APodcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Mark Hummel joins me on episode 36.Mark is a West Coast blues harp player who has put out some great harmonica songs in his catalogue of over 30 albums. A real connoisseur of the Blues, he has drawn inspiration from a wide range of the classic players.  Mark felt a particular affinity with Little Walter early on, and received a Grammy nomination for his 2013 album, Remembering Little Walter. This was part of the harmonica blow out series, where he has put together numerous tours featuring some of the best harp players around.Mark has been a hard touring bluesman for over forty years, and has written a book about life on the road. He’s currently working up a solo show as he prepares to get back out to playing live gigs once again.Links:Website: https://markhummel.com/homeMark runs his own podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mark-hummels-harmonica-party/id1570061845On YouTube:https://youtu.be/n4ZDGZjLDwYhttps://youtube.com/channel/UCWn89o4gUADSxuZbcH8XWJwVideos:YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJHnGpgUkKWdPHfd1hHoYAHarpin’ By The Sea workshop:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGbxkW2lkVgRicky Cool videos on adapting saxophone solos or riffs for harmonica:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk87rhp596QPodcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Robert Bonfiglio shares with us the world of the concert chromatic harmonica player. After studying composition in New York, he spent five years under the tutelage of Chinese classical player, Cham Ber Huang, and another 12 years studying with the first flute player of the New York ballet. Robert has been playing classical harmonica concertos since 1986, and has played in some of the great venues around the world. He has performed all the major pieces composed for the harmonica, as well as releasing some more popular recordings, which saw him spend 8 weeks on the Billboard charts in the US.Robert reveals some of the daily practise methods he has followed to attain the high level of technical expertise that has seen him flourish in the elite world of classical music.Select the Chapter Markers tab above to jump to different sections of the podcast.Links:Robert's website: http://www.robertbonfiglio.com/Cham-Ber Huang: http://www.chamberhuang.com/Videos:Thais Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgJy9uwxhmEGerswin Medley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAWiRQ39PUQSPAH appearance 2013: https://youtu.be/HRp3x7t2EIcNHL October Virtual Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiUpPyYnh_AJohn Sebastien Senior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eiV_XZUa1gRoger Trobridge Harmonica Archivist site: http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Steve Baker moved from his native London in his early 20s to become part of the vibrant music scene in Hamburg. His brand of punk folk won him recognition and he was soon a regular on the German session circuit, as well as collaborations in various bands and duos, with his best work coming working alongside Chris Jones. Steve has long been a consultant to Hohner, and was instrumental in the development of the modern incarnations of the Marine Band: the Deluxe and the Crossover, as well as other Hohner innovations. He has released a body of instructional material and helped set-up the Trossingen festival and the Harmonica Masters Workshop, which runs in the same town three out of every four years.Select the Chapter Markers tab above to jump to different sections of the podcast.Links:Steve's websitehttp://www.stevebaker.de/news_en_6.htmlVideos:YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqsgaR1LVVqVT7u_Ud5jpEQTutorials videos:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5dC3pKSfIt4vSp9RT75I_KHaULc45e7uThe Baker Family Live in Lockdown:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5dC3pKSfIt6AFZyMJtYBF55-e2aH9SkXPodcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Son of Dave is originally from Winnipeg, Canada, where he enjoyed pop chart success for ten years with folk-rock band Crash Test Dummies. He then moved to London and pursued a solo career. After two albums he decided to quite literally go it alone and become the all singing, all dancing solo performer that is the Son of Dave act. While doing so he quite possibly invented a brand new genre of harmonica, incorporating beat-boxing and loop pedals to compliment his strong rhythmic harmonica style of playing. His catalogue of albums are littered with songs he has composed by dreaming up melodies on the harmonica. Son of Dave has thrilled audiences around the world with his cartoony Bluesman persona, dragging his suitcase fulls of tricks behind him. His one-man show has got to be seen to be believed.Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).Links:Son of Dave's website: https://sonofdave.bandcamp.com/Videos:Son of Dave's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu5UgKvTbjsw2VfDfTQXSfQBlack Betty:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlDH8zDLHxwCrash Test Dummies: The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinheadhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLt60MUv7AUPodcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Filip can be described as the complete harmonica player, being adept on the diatonic, chromatic and bass harmonicas, as well as being able to play numerous other instruments. He started out on diatonic, with a love of the blues before submerging himself into the overblow style of play pioneered by Howard Levy. Filip is the first harmonica player in the 300 year history of Sweden’s Royal Academy of Music to be accepted to study there. It is here he explored the range of possibilities of the chromatic harmonica as a jazz instrument. Still only 34 years old, Filip already has a great catalogue of albums to his name, with releases focused on jazz, Swedish folk, blues and pop, and fusions between them made to great effect.He loves to teach the harmonica and has just launched a new online resource to share his deep knowledge of both diatonic and chromatic.  Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).Links:Filip's website: http://www.filipjers.com/Filip's new teaching site: http://www.patreon.com/filipjersharmonicaFilip's Facebook page: http://facebook.com/filipjersmusicFilip's Instagram page: http://instagram.com/filipjersharmonicaVideos:Filip's YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/filipjersmusic Duet with self on Someday My Prince Will Come: https://youtu.be/23pQMP7UNLUWorkshop: How to structure practise:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8loZS9fvl4Podcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Errol Linton is a south London boy, with roots in Jamaica. His brand of ‘Brixton Blues’ music merges his Caribbean heritage with his love for the blues to create a distinctive reggae-infused form of blues.Starting out busking on the streets of London, Errol was noticed by BBC Producer John Walters, who made a documentary about him. This led on to some airplay on BBC Radio. Errol built on this early success and has released a number of albums since the early 1990s. His two most recent albums have been released to critical acclaim, with the latest one, No Entry, recorded with a live feel.  Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).Links:Errol's website:http://errollinton.com/Videos:Documentary on Errol by BBC: https://youtu.be/xQCaLPw0efoHowlin’ For My Darlin’ https://youtu.be/B9OYyvqUIN8Paul Jones BBC Blues Radio show: https://youtu.be/fnYzCvAILbMBusking on London Underground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG91oY8ogH0Errol's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSp8y2HN77CmkYXZZI0V_9QMusic:Listen to Errol’s “Live In London” album here: https://www.brassdogrecords.com/live-in-london-aChad Jackson remix of Rain In Your Life: https://www.brassdogrecords.com/chad-jackson-remixHarmonica in Jamaican music:http://jamminjasounds.blogspot.com/2007/05/harmonica-in-jamaican-music.htmlPodcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show

Fata Morgana are a Dutch harmonica quartet, who first formed in 1980 after meeting at the Eindhoven Harmonica Club. Two of the original members survive from that time, with the current line-up existing since 2001. The group have played at many festivals around the world, including in Asia where harmonica groups are still very popular. They have released six albums, with their latest one in 2017 including four guest harmonica players from across Europe. They share how they put together their own arrangements, how they get their sound and what life is like on the road for a touring harmonica group.  Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).Links:Website:http://fatamorganamusic.nl/?lang=en History: http://fatamorganamusic.nl/geschiedenis/?lang=enVideos:Website video page: http://fatamorganamusic.nl/videos/?lang=en Tom Jones medley at NHL Festival:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3XMePuGhZ8Happy birthday to Roger Trobridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN103hCsKJoAl Smith playing with Harmonica Express:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73m7H5UtzMYMy Little Angel with Matyas Pribojzski:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFwNkLaqyYIPodcast 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 HARMONICASand Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/Support the show