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.comSoundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/vitor-lopes-harm/tracksVitor’s Choro harmonica course:https://hotmart.com/en/marketplace/products/choro-harmonica-with-vitor-lopes/U51984467A?sck=HOTMART_SITEVideos:History of harmonica in Brazil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIF4-7Em_awEdu da Gaita playing Paganini’s Moto Perpetuo:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w8j_gfIEiUVitor’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=GuxUvAEIPCMDuo with Pablo Fagundes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s87mSjNEGJ8Vitor playing diatonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-RtOdozKdwSuzuki condenser mic  overview from Joe Powers:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQKs3yFRIncPodcast 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_GBor sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/supportSpotify 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 Support the show

Paddy Wells, a harmonica player from the north of England, talks about his journey with the instrument, his experience as a freelance music journalist, and his collaborations with various musicians. He discusses his early fascination with the harmonica, his current band This Radio, his practice routine, and the importance of recording oneself while playing. He also shares his preferences for harmonicas and microphones, and mentions his future plans of recording a new album.

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=62Mike Caldwell:https://www.countrythangdaily.com/mike-caldwell-unleashed/Album with Christopher Cody Meacham:https://christophercodymeacham.bandcamp.com/album/ol-time-waddies-blues-2019-lpVideos:YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@michaelrubinharmonicList of YouTube harmonica lessons:https://michaelrubinharmonica.com/pageVideoArchive.htmlPeg O My Heart on Harmonetta:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfqJNhLoTASophisticated Lady on DM48:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaSKBZqijnUPodcast 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_GBor sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/supportSpotify 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 Support the show

Jason Ricci, a musician and harmonica player, discusses his collaborations and his matured approach to music. He shares his best work on harmonica, talks about his current band and upcoming album, and highlights his teaching material on Patreon. They also touch on the development of a signature harmonica with Blue Moon Harmonicas and explore microphone choices, amp preferences, and effects pedals.

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/jasonricci93Patreon page:https://www.patreon.com/jasonricciTip Jason:PayPal.me/jasonricciBandcamp:https://jasonricci.bandcamp.com/Videos:Jason's YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/jasonricciBaby Scratch My Back with the Nick Moss band:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSGrzkcdiM0Podcast 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_GBor sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/supportSpotify 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 HARMONICASSupport 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/englishContact:erland.westerstrom@icloud.comBlog:http://www.folkmunspel.se/bloggCustom harmonicas for sale:http://www.folkmunspel.se/till-saluGreat resource for traditional Swedish tunes:folkwiki.seAudio-Technica ATM350 mic:https://www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/atm350Videos:From Andas! Album:https://youtu.be/6E3jK0Hj71IWith Bjorn Gardner:https://youtu.be/6E3jK0Hj71IWith Vastanvinden trio:https://youtu.be/eNDmadf1k0MTremolo playing:https://youtu.be/7CXqJ4-v1wUGraduation concert:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKKNMHmeR6oPodcast 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_GBor sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/supportSpotify 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 HARMONICASSupport 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/BlueMoonHarmonicasSonny Terry harmonica collection:https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/collections/sonny-terry-estate-llcVideos:Blue Moon instrumental by Whitt Smith:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NGES1uduekRange of harps available at Blue Moon:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXlrOo9qQKECNC Milling GM wood comb:https://youtu.be/lhVFoRTDMjsJason Ricci video on Blue Moon products he uses:https://youtu.be/PWrKgdGnhZEJason Ricci playing ‘Feel Good Funk’:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSAvtxrTbccCustom combs for Big River:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcgQktZ8gDsAdam Gussow appraisal of 150 of Sonny Terry’s harmonicas:https://youtu.be/EDT4Xt70OmgSonny Terry tribute concert at SPAH 2016:https://youtu.be/7ycKmefNKfgPodcast 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_GBor sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/supportSpotify 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 HARMONICASSupport 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.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 HARMONICASSupport the show

Mike Stevens joins me on episode 89.Mike is a Canadian who made his name playing Bluegrass harmonica, performing with some of the biggest names in Bluegrass and playing at The Grand Old Opry over 300 times. Mike toured with Bluegrass legends, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, and recently played two songs on harmonica at Jesse’s funeral. Mike won the Canadian Bluegrass artist of the year for five consecutive years, and released a Bluegrass book with Hal Leonard.But Bluegrass isn’t his only genre, also playing Americana, Blues, solo looping, soundscapes and even ballet and West African music.Mike also tells us about synesthesia, a condition which means he sees music in colours and shapes, and how this has impacted his music. On top of all this, Mike has been a leading figure in bringing music to indigenous communities in Canada, distributing some fifty thousands harmonicas to young people.  Links:Mike’s website:www.mikestevensmusic.comArtscan Circle:www.artscancircle.ca  A Walk In My Dream documentary:https://mikestevensmusic.com/walk-in-my-dreamVideos:Playing at the Grand Old Opry with Jim & Jesse:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YIpFQccOUoPlaying at Jesse McReynold’s funeral:https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NzgyMTYwMjI1ODU0MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==Playing with Matt Andersen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6iCgQoaViMTED talk on Artscan Circle: bringing music to indigenous communities:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-4uQoNq4M4Blue Sky music festival presentation:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7s-x9tMn6QPodcast 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_GBor sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/supportSpotify 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 HARMONICASSupport the show

Jim Hughes joins me (again) on episode 88.Jim is a chromatic player who was last interviewed on the podcast in October 2020, back on episode 26. He is now at the grand age of 93 years young, and he shares the wisdom he has developed over many years of playing the chromatic harmonica.Jim has has become blind since the last interview and after being a life long sight reader has now had to learn how to play by ear. He shares how he has adapted to these new challenges and is finding new joy in playing the harmonica.Recently Jim has unearthed some recordings he made among the thousands he recorded with the BBC, and he talks us through some of the pieces and the approaches he took on the harmonica, and his life as a session musician with the BBC.Links:Previous interview with Jim:https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/jim-hughes-interview/Serenade Radio:https://www.serenade-radio.com/The Archivist harmonica website, from Roger Trobridge:http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/NHL concert 1985: (or 1983)http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/jim-hughes-1983/Videos:Adam Glasser in conversation with Jim Hughes, from 2022:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU59OUY-PjE&t=464sCarol Axford playing at NHL concert 2004:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC5t-t8L4F4Podcast 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 HARMONICASSupport the show