Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

Billy Boy Arnold joins me on episode 53.Today we have a little part of blues harmonica history, as Billy lived through the heyday of the blues in Chicago and was a peer of the many great players at the time, being born just five years after Little Walter himself. He took a couple of lessons with John Lee Williamson, aka SBWI, at just 12 years of age. Billy released his first record at the age of 17 and then went on to release two songs with Bo Diddley, including coming up with possibly the most well known harmonica riff ever on I’m A Man. Shortly afterwards Billy went on to record his harmonica classic, I Wish You Would. Billy took some time off from touring for a few years before he came back strong with two albums released through Alligator records in the 1990s. He has continued to record and release great albums until recently, and his passion for the harmonica is as infectious as ever after over 70 years of playing.Links:Discography:https://www.wirz.de/music/arnoldbb.htmMore Blues On The South Side album:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML3xmmjhItUThe Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold book (by Kim Field):https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/B/bo119945396.htmlKim Field website:https://www.kimfield.comVideos:Tom Jones playing I Wish You Would live:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CgmJgQzcrIAmerican Blues Legends Tour 1975:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvUa_56XysMStudio recording of song from SBWI album:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmqHIjTenHwJohn Peel session with BBC from 1977:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAL-0nwbzZ8Three Harp Boogie song with James Cotton and Paul Butterfield:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHchw-sHzkPodcast 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 Estrin joins me on episode 52.Rick grew up in San Francisco and starting sitting in with bands in the city.  He was friends with Jerry Portnoy, who persuaded him to spend some time in Chicago. Here he met many of the harmonica greats, and missed the golden opportunity for the harmonica chair in the Muddy Waters band. It turned out this wasn’t a bad thing though, as Rick forged his own path with Little Charlie & The Nightcats (later Rick Estrin & The Nightcats). A band in which he has played harmonica, sung and wrote most of the lyrics for well over 40 years. And with great success as the band has won many Blues Music Awards, including for Rick’s harmonica playing and songwriting prowess.Links:Rick's Website:http://www.rickestrin.comInstructional DVD is listed at the bottom of this page:https://rickestrin.com/musicEP Booster pedal:https://xotic.us/effects/ep-booster/Videos:Rick singing with Little Charlie & The Nightcats in 1981:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyEYO1Pkosg‘Contemporary’ album video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY1tkJRrx9Q&t=9sI Met Her On The Blues Cruise:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqS_nL2jvHE&t=55sRick Estrin & The Nightcats at World Harmonica Festival, 2013:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sccRtO1mJfw&t=6sPodcast 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

Richard Gjems joins me on episode 51.Richard hails from Norway, with its many blues clubs demonstrating how popular the music is there. Richard is a real student of the blues, and the place of the harmonica within it, and he is involved in archiving music at the National Library in Norway.Richard has incorporated pre-war styles into his contemporary approach to playing the harmonica, where he covers multiple genres, including Nordic folk music.A big exponent of different tunings, Richard likes to pick the tuning that works best for a particular recording.He has released three acoustic albums with a pianist, two electric blues albums and will soon be releasing some of his ‘field recordings’ from his extensive YouTube channel.Links:Richard's website: http://richardgjems.wix.com/richardgjemsVideos:YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/RichardGjemsYou Don’t Have To Go (rack playing):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyO4qobTuy8Strange Love (vocals):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUZd3D2ExEsHarmonica Didgeridoo:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq6lbRX4lLMNatural Minor Blues:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEFhWI_lfMMPodcast 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

Magic Dick joins me on episode 50.Magic Dick created one of the all time classic harmonica instrumentals in Whammer Jammer. But his long career has produced so many more highlights than just that.He started playing trumpet at age 9, and this instrument along with his love of jazz and rock and roll shaped his approach on harmonica.He was a founder member of the J Geils Band, who had great commercial success for over 15 years. Magic Dick was  an integral part of their sound with his harmonica work central to their output of Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Pop and Soul.After the J Geils band split in 1985 he took a break from playing before coming back with some session playing and then forming the band Bluestime with J Geils. More recently he has performed in an acoustic duo with Shun Ng.Links:Magic Dick's website:https://www.magicdick.com/Email Magic Dick for lessons:magicdick@magicdick.comLine 6 HX Stomp pedal:https://uk.line6.com/hx-stomp/Videos:Southern Crossing with band Full Circle:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEayO6DUn74Whammer Jammer with Shun Ng:https://youtu.be/QRygCpiW7mYSo What on Chromatic with Shun Ng:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtM9UGfwLm0Papa's Got A Brand New Bag with Shun Ng:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxAZ3YyjtPgPodcast 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

Rory Mcleod joins me on episode 49.Rory is a modern day wandering minstrel . A multi-instrumentalist ‘folk singing’ troubadour, Rory has travelled far and wide, his trusty harmonica (plus an assortment of other instruments) has been with him every step of the way, including working as a musical clown in Mexico. His first band was ‘Have Mercy’, formed jamming in the markets of London alongside Steve Baker and another harmonica player. Rory has jammed and gone onto collaborate with a wide range of different performers around the world, including Michelle Shocked from the US and Australian Aboriginal Kev Carmody. From his travels he has picked up tunes which have armed his harmonica repertoire with complex rhythms and unique angles.Rory won the Edinburgh Festival Street Busker of the Year and was the Texas Harmonica Champion of 1981.Links:Rory's website:http://www.rorymcleod.com/Bandcamp page:https://rorymcleod.bandcamp.com/musicBuy a Sheng Chinese Harmonica:https://harmonicas-direct.com/product/sheng/Road Diaries: http://www.rorymcleod.com/diaries/list.htmVideos:Have Mercy ‘Boodlam’ album:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOkOZUD9GNgNHL Festival 2011 with glass and telephone call:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqDqHkA-e2wLoves Like A Rock:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4gFDlm4oe0Short interview on YouTube: Bluesman don’t really sing about their Grandmas:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XPXxQDukBgSome of the harmonica songs on Rory's albums (including the ones played in the podcast):Album: Angry LoveFarewell welfare Album: Kicking the sawdustBaksheeshHarmonicas dream Album: Footsteps and HeartbeatsLove like a RockMoments sharedTake me homeAlbum: Travelling HomeIndia matea Black Brown and WhiteAlbum: Lullabies for big babiesCome with me when I goLong lost friend Album: Mouth to mouth Miners Picket danceSandpaper blues One track mind  (with have mercy)Album: Brave FacesKlezmer tune: The Disciple of the Rabbi from Trisk.Cut in PayEmperor’s new clothesAlbum: Swings and RoundaboutsLassoing the beesAlbum: Songs for big little people TrainDeep breath waltzWinds March (played on Sheng Zheng)Balloon dance Direction songFeather raceAlbum: GustoDisturbing The comfortableGalloway girlWrong side of the wallSingle:Didn’t he ramblePodcast 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_GBPodcast 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 BlowsSupport the show

Cy Leo joins me on episode 48.Leo is from Hong Kong, where he started learning to play classical chromatic harmonica from age 6, under the direction of his father, who is an accomplished player himself, having won the ensemble category at the 1997 World Harmonica Championship with his quintet, helping to raise interest in the harmonica throughout Asia.Leo quickly gained recognition in his own right, winning the World Championship youth category at age 15 before taking the adult crown at age 19.Still only 27, Leo has built on his early success with some notable studio sessions and two albums under his own name. Leo also spent a few years on cruise ships which helped him hone his stagecraft.Currently living in New York, Leo is studying Jazz Performance at NYU. And watch out on your TV screens for Leo as he is about to audition for America’s Got Talent!Links:Leo's website:https://www.cyleomusic.com/Kings Harmonica Quintet:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpKi1oSXOlTpHkyWSRzlFsQGinger Muse record label:https://www.gingermuse.com/Love of Chromatic Harmonica book:http://mastersofharmonica.com/slide/love-chromatic-harmonica-5/Cremona chromatic:http://www.workshop-cremona.com/service.htmlPollestad chromatic:http://www.polle.no/munnspi3.htmlMicrophone:https://www.lewitt-audio.com/microphones/mtp-live/mtp-740-cmVideos:World Championship entry 2013:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq3PuVLxZTMPlaying Flight of the Bumble Bee on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRmk1ZPSjXcPerforming at Chinese New Year celebrations in London:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipOMGDuRNwE&t=170sSong with Sandy Lam:https://youtu.be/IaMI0Zb2kKkTuition video on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQypPEs4kscPodcast 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

Jason Rosenblatt joins me on episode 47.A native of Canada but now resident in Israel, Jason is best known for his band Shtreiml, playing a mixture of Klezmer (Jewish) and Eastern European music with great use of the harmonica. His first instrument was piano before he went on to pick up the harmonica after hearing Sonny Terry and Paul Butterfield. He then took advantage of the vibrant Montreal blues scene to witness harmonica live.After hearing Howard Levy’s seminal ‘New Directions in Harmonica’ tutorial video, Jason knew he also wanted to take his own playing down a new path. He proceeded to take lessons with Howard, helping him to expand his sound using the overblow technique.In 2015 Jason released his album Wiseman’s Rag, a slightly twisted take on the blues and jazz music that first got him started.Links:Jason's website: https://jasonrosenblatt.com/homeShtreiml band:http://www.shtreiml.com/shtreiml.phpJerusalem Harmonica Festival:https://www.facebook.com/harmony.culturalcenter/photos/a.259961650825736/2058544157634134/Joe Spiers custom harmonicas: https://spiersharmonicas.comVideos:Grand Theft Stutinki - Shtreiml CD Launch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG9PUugB-Zs&list=PLyA_Ggl9bnME8h4rLSjdK86aK4CVzWcUpHarmonica Jazz - Paper Moon:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LyUd3gSswU&list=PL0F121BC77E9267C7Teaching: using overblows in blues context:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsfh4QF7XrYTeaching: Salt Creek:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQmoDjp32qcPodcast 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

Greg Heumann joins me on episode 46.The focus of this episode is all about gear, as I talk to the founder of BlowsMeAway Productions.Greg has released an album of his own and uses his knowledge of playing harmonica to understand what is needed to make great harmonica products.The first product in this line was the volume control which later on Jason Ricci asked Greg to develop into the actual mic, which led to the Ultimate Series of mics.He also hand crafts beautiful custom wood microphones and grills which can include your own initials and designs.On top of this Greg also makes his very own mic element, which is included in his successful smaller diameter ‘Bulletini’ microphone.Links:Gregs website:http://www.blowsmeaway.comAll About microphones guide:http://blowsmeaway.com/all%20about%20harmonica%20microphones.pdfVideos:Workshop video of creating wooden mic and metal grille:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbYGs58nW2gNic Clarke playing wood mic:https://youtu.be/HBflXFYi1kEHermine Deurloo playing Ultimate SM58:https://youtu.be/zBxEWyGrbmAMark Hummel playing the RackIt with Bulletini:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBg3D6xZmUQHarpin’ By The Sea festival 2021:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysr5Pep81QUPT Gazell interview as part of Seydel Overtones:https://youtu.be/2FdkEYT6ggsEmail:greg@blowsmeaway.comPodcast 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

Tony Eyers joins me on episode 45. Tony is an Australian who first picked up the harmonica while studying at Yale in the US. Returning from America he started a successful blues band in Adelaide.He also plays baroque recorder, and has been part of an ensemble for 25 years, which has helped shape his sound on harmonica.In the mid-90s he became interested in playing fiddle music and developed the Major Cross tuning for the diatonic, now available through Seydel. Tony has several successful harmonica teaching websites, including the Harmonica Academy.And also has his own harmonica trio for which he has released numerous YouTube videos, where he maintains the great tradition of comedy in the harmonica ensemble.Links:Teaching website:https://www.harmonicaacademy.comSpanish version: https://armonica.com.esHarmonica Tunes website:http://harmonicatunes.com/Recorder teaching site:https://learnrecorder.comMajor Cross Harp Tuning:https://www.seydel1847.de/major-crossTaiwan tour in 2010:http://harmonicatunes.com/tony-eyers-taiwan-harmonica-tour/Tony Eyers trio formation story:http://harmonicatunes.com/tony-eyers-harmonica-trio/Videos:Jim Fitting:https://youtu.be/sGpBxepQx7QTony Eyers Trio - Jerusalem Ridge:https://youtu.be/cEWJtrPAtLwTremolo playing:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWr2qusnfu8Tony Eyers Trio with button accordions:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYhG5FnjRGATony’s Fifties Busking trio:http://thefifties.com.au/watch/Tony explains Major Cross tuning:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fn6nfMAbuAPodcast 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

Adam Burney joins me on episode 44. Adam is a south London boy, from Croydon. A stint playing with the punk bands of this area has helped shape his sound with an edge of Blues punk, including in his own band, The Brothers of Mothershovel. A big fan of pre-war style of harmonica, Adam has incorporated these techniques into a style which fits into a modern band. Characterised by a rhythmic driving sound which is infectiously danceable.Adam has recorded some notable tv sessions including some harmonica used in the BBC TV Doctor Who series.Adam’s latest album ‘Tidy’s Blues Sandwich’ is more of a full-on blues album, recorded with some of the great players currently on London blues scene.Links:Tidy's Blues Sandwich album:https://tidysbluessandwich.bandcamp.com/releasesThe Brothers of Mothershovel Bandcamp page:https://thebrothersofmothershovel.bandcamp.comBrothers of Mothershovel: Umcha, Umcha album review by Richard Taylor: http://www.harpsurgery.com/umcha-umcha-brothers-of-mothershovel/Videos:Hovel Bop video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2AhvIwtrH0Make The Tea/On The Run Again from latest album:https://youtube.com/watch?v=LCYqy7LxQWI&feature=shareHarpin' By The Sea workshop on Noah Lewis:https://youtu.be/pbV21VF-yOwReturn of Jerome:https://youtu.be/zxhgT9P9wjoWolfie Witcher documentary:https://youtube.com/watch?v=135_abFUQfk&feature=sharePCP - Let The Fun Begin:https://youtu.be/xD3lZpDTAqsKeith Turner and Southern Sound rehearsal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDADnebDAO0Podcast 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