Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

Gerhard Mueller joins me on episode 59.Gerhard is the Product Manager for Hohner harmonicas, a role he has held for 28 years. His father worked as a gardener at the Hohner factory in Trossingen, and as well as getting his son harmonica lessons, he even had a hand in helping Gerhard land his dream job at Hohner.Gerhard talks us through the fascinating history of Hohner and how it was established as the leading harmonica brand in the world having sold over 1 billion harmonicas since the company began. Gerhard tells us all about Hohner’s harmonica offerings as well as some of the accessories offered and the yearly events hosted in Trossingen.Gerhard is also a fine chromatic player himself, having been part of the Hohnerklang Orchestra in Trossingen for over 25 years, he also regularly performs in his harmonica quartet Harmonicamento. Links:Hohner website:https://www.hohner.deTrossingen harmonica museum:https://www.hohner.de/en/community/harmonica-museumMarine Band 125 in 2021:https://www.hohner.de/#youtube-1Harmonicamento quartet:http://www.harmonicamento.de/Toots Thielemans 100th birthday concert:https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/toots-thielemans-100th-anniversary-official-concertOther Toots 100th birthday celebrations in Brussels:https://www.thebulletin.be/toots-100-brussels-launches-centenary-celebration-jazz-giants-birthHohner endorsees:https://www.hohner.de/en/community/artistsCShop for parts:http://www.hohner-cshop.de/en/home/Harmonica Masters Workshop, happening in June 2022:https://www.harmonica-masters.de/en/Videos: Sheng harmonica:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWt4mf3whxwHarpin’ By The Sea Hohner presentation (including Trossingen Factory Tour):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuRqqT_eSIMHarmonicamento at SPAH in 2011:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fmxly46ewMSteve Baker discussing the HB52 microphone:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a9V8Grhmr4Podcast 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 AwaySupport the show

Bertram Becher joins me on episode 58. Bertram is the Product Manager at Seydel harmonicas. He first landed this dream job when he made a name for himself by creating a software tutorial called The Interactive Blues Harp Workshop. Bertram tells us about the history of Seydel and how their use of stainless steel reeds led to the creation of the ‘new’ Seydel around 2007. As Product Manager for harmonicas he has a very varied role, including creating web pages, selecting pitches for tunings and helping customers directly with their harmonica needs. And being the harp player in the Boogielicious band, Bertram understands the needs of the gigging harmonica player.Bertram then talks us through the range of harmonicas offered by Seydel, including the diatonic, chromatics and tremolos, as well as other offerings from the oldest harmonica manufacturer around today.Links:Seydel website: https://www.seydel1847.deBertram’s band:http://www.boogielicious.deSeydel Artists Page:https://www.seydel1847.de/Artists/enMundharmonica Live festival:https://mundharmonika-live.deSeydel Open:https://www.seydel1847.de/Artists/en/SEYDEL-openLittle W effects pedal:https://www.pedaltree.de/shop/pedals/little-w.-harmonica-boost/Videos: Doug Tate playing at NHL 2003: (I think on an original Renaissance harmonica)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmH8ZKozwlcPodcast 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

Mathias Heise joins me on episode 57.Mathias is a chromatic player from Copenhagen in Denmark. He started out playing diatonic, aged eight, before moving across to the chromatic, with which he was the first player to attend the Music Conservatory in Copenhagen. Mathias won the World Harmonica Championship in Trossingen at the age of 20 with his own composition, Sudden Ascent. The album containing this track won Mathias the composers competition ‘New Jazz Star of the Year’ in Denmark in 2015. In his band, the Mathias Heise Quadrillion, Mathias is leading the way as a chromatic player in a jazz fusion band. His most recent album, The Beast, is recorded with the Danish Radio Big Band, with all the arrangements written by Mathias. He has also appeared on numerous recordings as a sideman and more recently in a duo with a guitarist. Mathias has two new jazz albums coming out later in 2022.Links:https://www.mathiasheise.dk/https://www.mathiasheiseq.com/Suzuki chromatic bass harmonica:http://www.suzukimusic.co.uk/products/harmonica/orchestral.htmlClockwork delay pedal:https://rockettpedals.com/product/clockwork-echo/Hall of Fame reverb pedal:https://www.tcelectronic.com/product.html?modelCode=P0CYYVideos:Isn’t She Lovely:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmd4mKAUDxQSpain with Phillip Achille: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gu1kaek-DkShuffleFunk with effects pedal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZKDZolEBVMPlaying in a duo with guitarist Pelle von Bulow:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMCOZTgYPzYHUK 2017: Killer Joehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqFVhUCcS98Podcast 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

RJ Mischo joins me on episode 56.RJ hails from the twin cities of Minneapolis-St Paul, where he developed his craft with a little help from local player Slim Lynwood. He then teamed up with Mojo Buford to perform around the cities, including recording an album with Mojo. With numerous albums out under his own name, RJ has also made a career out of performing gigs with ‘pick-up’ bands when he goes on tour, giving his live shows the freshness and spontaneity that he likes to bring out.One thing that really stands out is the plentiful fine harmonica instrumentals across his album releases. RJ is back to work so look out for one his gigs and be sure to check out this great player. Website:http://rjblues.com/Videos:Song from Mojo Buford Harpslinger album:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKjF_gMSQSsSong from Blues Deluxe album:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTJCosoKm3gSong from I Hope You’re Satisfied album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YASa-rg3BdgPlaying harmonica on a rack using RackIt:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYK1KPydSDcRJ teaching at Harmonica Collective:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee-e3WfqEoMPlaying with Junior Watson in 2021:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-v7y-_NK-MPodcast 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

Jim Conway joins me on episode 55.Jim is an Australian harmonica player who rose to fame at the age of 19 in the jug band: The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, with the first two albums from the band receiving gold record status. Jim also played kazoo with Captain Matchbox to great effect. The band evolved into the Conway Brothers act, before Jim decided he couldn’t continue after being diagnosed with MS. But it wasn’t long before he felt the music calling him again and he joined The Backsliders, a blues band which he was a member of for seventeen years. He then went on to form a band under his own name, Jim Conway’s Big Wheel.As well as some notable recordings as a session musician, including some film work, Jim also enjoyed the the great honour of touring Australia with Brownie McGhee in the late 1980s. Links:https://www.thecountryblues.com/artist-reviews/jim-conway/Videos:The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band: Mobile Line: https://youtu.be/eJ2wBc2tXXsYour Feet’s Too Big: https://youtu.be/7uWT3aQZjDAI Can’t Dance (I’ve Got Ants In My Pants):https://youtu.be/Zy4jV6B08M0Playing chromatic with Captain Matchbox:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk7c_mqAQEYConway Brothers Hiccups Orchestra - Dinosaur Songs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgnOIKclEvwPlaying I Wish You Would with The Backsliders:https://youtu.be/TRZ_nNn7i14Sydney Paralympics Opening Ceremony:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LRPn-pJkasDocumentary film on Jim:https://youtu.be/wiq_fQ0XU-EPodcast 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

Tom Ball joins me on episode 54.From Los Angeles, but long time resident of Santa Barbara, he started playing guitar in the popular local folk scene before Sonny Terry turned him on to the sound of acoustic harmonica.He then met Kenny Sultan, to form possibly the longest surviving acoustic blues duo. They have now been performing together for over 42 years and have recorded eight albums together. As well as session work for commercials, television and film, and toured the world together.On top of this Tom has over 300 album credits as a sideman with other artists, has written three harmonica instruction books, a guitar instruction book, two fictional books and released some solo guitar albums.Links:http://tomballkennysultan.comhttp://www.tomball.us Discography: http://www.tomball.us/discography.htmlSonny Terry licks book:https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=178&searchcategory=0&refer=search&type=product&keywords=sonny+terry+licksLittle Walter / Big Walter licks:https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=276&searchcategory=8&refer=newMusic Library sampler clips:http://tomballkennysultan.com/gallery.htmlVideos:Filthy Rich with Kenny Sultan:https://youtu.be/jH18jbva4c4David Barrett interview: demo of wah and growlhttps://youtu.be/IH_fzzS9mwINagasaki Sails From Uranus:https://youtu.be/4Hw4Utb5ZvQNHL festival 2003:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zBgQ7jTLi8Spah 2012, playing Don’t Get Around Much Anymore:https://youtu.be/YkgPNAZQ6BsPodcast 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

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