Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

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.coNick Moss band:https://badassharmonica.com/pages/nick-moss-bandWebinars / Membership:https://badassharmonica.com/collections/membershipsGear used by Dennis:https://www.dennisgruenling.com/gearBands In Town page:https://www.bandsintown.com/a/14484438-dennis-gruenling-badass-harmonicaTip Dennis:https://badassharmonica.com/collections/tips-thank-youVideos:YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@DennisGruenlingPlaying Rocker with the Nick Moss band:https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=2EswyXuWwzPodcast 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 InstagramSupport 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.LinksGreen 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_UShttps://service.shure.com/s/article/history-of-the-model-520-green-bullet?language=en_USConvert Green Bullet to use with XLR cable (low impedance):https://service.shure.com/s/article/putting-an-xlr-on-the-green-bullet?language=en_USAdd a volume control and on/off switch: https://service.shure.com/s/article/adding-a-volume-control-to-a-520d-green-bullet?language=en_USShure 520DX model:https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products/microphones/520dx?variant=520DXVideos:Shure video on how the Green Bullet became the sound of blues harmonica:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlLniCG0lCwPodcast 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 InstagramSupport 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.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