エピソード

  • Yoonseok Lee interview
    2025/08/16

    Yoonseok Lee joins me on episode 141.

    Yoonseok is from South Korea where he first took up the tremolo harmonica. He discovered the chromatic when he heard Sigmund Groven playing at the Asia Pacific Festival in 2004, and started taking lessons with Sigmund. This culminated in Yoonseok studying at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo with Sigmund as his professor.

    Returning to South Korea in 2020, he enjoys a successful career as a freelance chromatic player, and returns to Norway to teach at a yearly harmonica summer camp.

    Yoonseok has released two albums so far, with many of the pieces arranged by himself, and also songs he has composed for the chromatic harmonica.

    Links:

    Yoonseok's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yoonseok.lee2/

    Linktree: http://linktr.ee/yoonseokl

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoonseok_hca/

    Buy Harmonica Recital album: https://baro7.com/products/yoonseok-lee-2nd-album-harmonica-recital

    Videos:

    Yoonseok's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoonseokLee_HARMONICA

    A young Yoonseok playing tremolo harmonica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1CYScJ3VO4

    Playing James Moody’s Toledo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78ezOpAGh98&list=RD78ezOpAGh98

    The Good, The Bad and the Ugly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py62lXF0Xiw

    Moonlight music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiF2o0WSIuQ

    Playing with a harpist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM4v1qc4s1w

    Podcast website:
    https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

    Donations:
    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_GB

    Spotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

    Podcast 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 HARMONICAS
    --------------------------------
    Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com



    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • Liam Ward interview
    2025/08/02

    Liam Ward joins me on episode 140.

    Liam is from the north west of England and first took up the harmonica in his late teens. His youthful zeal turned into his career when he chose to become a full-time harmonica player over becoming a school teacher. Liam plays in numerous bands, including his own band, two duos and in an Oasis tribute band. In addition to the harmonica he also plays various jug band instruments including the musical saw, washboard, spoons and the Irish bones.

    Liam runs one of the most popular online tuition sites: LearnTheHarmonica.com, which he started in 2014. He is also a regular workshop leader at harmonica camps, teaching at the EuroBlues week and the Hohner festival in Trossingen in 2025. And he has recently been selected as the face of the Hohner Blues Harp.


    Links:

    Liam’s website: https://www.liamwardmusic.com/

    Online harmonica school: https://www.learntheharmonica.com/

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/liamwardmusic

    The World Harmonica Festival (Hohner): https://worldharmonicafestival.de/

    Videos:

    Learn The Harmonica YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Learntheharmonica

    Liam’s critique of his first recording with Lonesome George: https://youtu.be/JNZvs2Mm-mk?si=Jlo-OCWmR4G4rkGP

    Lyndon Anderson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGwAnYpxWT0

    Oasis Supernova Tribute Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JDqWIuwKbQ

    Liam playing the Fat Tone amp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ilXKHh2r6I


    Podcast website:
    https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

    Donations:
    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_GB

    Spotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

    Podcast 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 HARMONICAS
    --------------------------------
    Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com


    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • Big Walter Horton retrospective with Tom Ball, Mudcat and Madcat
    2025/07/19

    Tom Ball, Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth and Michael ‘Mudcat’ Ward join me on episode 139 for a retrospective on Walter Horton.

    Walter was likely born on April 6th, 1918, in Horn Lake, Mississippi.

    He probably made his first recordings in 1939 with Little Buddy Doyle but it wasn’t until the early 1950s that he started recording regularly. After making some early cuts under the name Mumbles, he made numerous recordings as a sideman in the 1950s, including the blues harmonica classics Easy and Walking By Myself.

    Walter enjoyed a resurgence on the back of the blues boom in the 1960s, touring the US and Europe and playing with various bands including the Willie Dixon Allstars, Fleetwood Mac and Johnny Winter.

    In the 1970s he made some more albums under his own name, including with the Johnny Nicholas band, and also appeared on the Grammy winning Muddy Waters album, I’m Ready.

    Big Walter played up until his death on December 8th, 1981, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame the following year. And without doubt left his legacy as one of the greatest blues harmonica players of all time.

    Links:

    Discography by Stefan Wirz: https://www.wirz.de/music/horton.htm

    Information on Big Walter: https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/horton-walter

    Bob Corritore photo gallery: https://bobcorritore.com/photos/big-walter-horton-photos/

    Videos:

    Hard Hearted Woman, States Records: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89P8ZMfTHfk

    Solo recording from Germany: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6RkAlhX7fg

    Walter ‘appearing’ in The Blues Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUUyFrHERpU

    Walter Horton discusses using his hands in Ronnie Earl’s apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX0Eu5Lqexc

    Playing That Aint It & Down Yonder with Ronnie Earl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FghNW94YUaM&t=90s


    Podcast website:
    https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

    Donations:
    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_GB

    Spotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

    Podcast 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 HARMONICAS
    --------------------------------
    Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com


    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 29 分
  • Richard Sleigh interview
    2025/07/05

    Richard Sleigh joins me on episode 138.

    Richard is from Pennsylvania and is a renowned harmonica customiser, player and teacher. He tells how his great uncle Bill inspired him to pick up the harp, before discovering Irish music during his travels in Europe.

    We hear about his first album Steppin’ Out, his recording with Dennis Gruenling, and his love for the Clifftop Appalachian festival.

    Richard also shares the story behind his involvement with the MB30 harmonica and his customisation collaboration with Joe Filisko. Plus, we talk rack harmonica, teaching, and how he’s been “hot rodding” harmonicas for over 30 years.

    Links:

    Richard’s website: https://hotrodharmonicas.com/

    Hot Rod Your Harmonicas - The Movie: https://hotrodharmonicas.myshopify.com/products/hot-rod-your-harmonica-videos

    Richard’s Ultimate Foundation Harmonica Course: https://www.ultimateharmonica.com/p/the-ultimate-beginner-harmonica-course

    Other harmonica customiser interviews: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/categories/harmonica-customiser/

    Videos:

    Paddy Fahey’s Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lkMs4utYpE

    Cousin Sally Brown: https://youtu.be/5VaYV1CGwo4

    Cuttin’ Out with Dennis Gruenling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYm8_EGaUqU

    Help Me played on a rack tuition video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-U4PRMY18Y

    Blues Harp Bugle tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbQMrNByJR4


    Podcast website:
    https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

    Donations:
    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_GB

    Spotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

    Podcast 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 HARMONICAS
    --------------------------------
    Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com


    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • Fabrizio Poggi interview
    2025/06/21

    Fabrizio Poggi joins me on episode 137.

    Fabrizio plays blues, folk and spiritual music. Hailing from near Milan, he took some time to find his way with the harmonica but since then he has performed at Carnegie Hall and been nominated for a Grammy.

    His first band was Chicken Mambo who played New Orleans music on their early album releases.

    Fabrizio traveled around the US where he made lots of friends and great strides with his musical development.

    This culminated with the making of an album in 2013 where the Blind Boys of Alabama and Charlie Musselwhite make an appearance. Fabrizio then teamed-up with Guy Davis where their second album together, Sonny & Brownie’s Last Train, was nominated for a Grammy in 2018.

    Links:

    Website: https://www.chickenmambo.com/eng/

    Biography: https://www.chickenmambo.com/eng/biography/

    Discography: https://www.chickenmambo.com/eng/discography/

    Juba Dance album with Guy Davis: https://guydavis.bandcamp.com/album/juba-dance

    Videos:

    Italian Folk Band: Fabrizio Poggi e Turututela Miniera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnhwOfCjrpU

    Harpway 61 album song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx-Reyl3ZuI

    Playing live at Carnegie Hall with Guy Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joe1mRWMLwc

    TV appearance with Guy Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzlcccMDPFM

    Fabrizio live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkqHNcATQ3A


    Podcast website:
    https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

    Donations:
    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_GB

    Spotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

    Podcast 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 HARMONICAS
    --------------------------------
    Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com



    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間
  • Sonny Boy Williamson II retrospective with Giles Robson and Jim Basnight
    2025/06/07

    Giles Robson and Jim Basnight join me on episode 136 for a retrospective on Alex ‘Rice’ Miller (aka Sonny Boy Williamson II).

    Information on Sonny Boy’s early life is sketchy. Sonny Boy was likely born in 1912 and had a hard upbringing working on a plantation before becoming a travelling musician. Arriving in Helena, Arkansas, he found fame performing on the King Biscuit Time radio show before making his first recordings with Trumpet Records at age 38 in 1951. Sonny Boy made his classic cuts for Checker Records (a subsidiary of Chess) in 1955.

    He then toured Europe in 1963/64, becoming a celebratory in England and having a huge impact on the British Blues Boom.

    Returning to Helena, where he died in 1965, Sonny boy is one of the true giants not only of the harmonica but also the blues, with his charismatic vocals, songwriting and enigmatic charm.

    Links:

    Giles Robson: https://gilesrobson.com

    Jim Basnight: https://www.jimbasnightmusic.com/

    Extract from Bill Donohue biography: https://www.furious.com/perfect/sonnyboy.html

    Chris Strachwitz remembers Sonny Boy: https://arhoolie.org/chris-strachwitz-remembers-sonny-boy-williamson/

    Bob Corritore photo gallery of Sonny Boy: https://bobcorritore.com/photos/sonny-boy-williamson-ii/

    Sonny Boy discography: https://sonnyboywilliamson2.blogspot.com/2013/08/sonny-boy-williamsons-chronological.html

    Macie J Blues blogspot on Sonny Boy: https://sonnyboywilliamson-maciejblues.blogspot.com/

    Videos:

    Possibly the late Chris Strachwitz recordings of Sonny Boy: ‘Last Sessions’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLco7ZmxqUs&t=10s

    Concert from the Jazz House, Wiesbaden, Germany, November, 1963: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGGR5l4zOzw&t=1s

    ‘Solo Harp’ album, from German photographer Stefanie Wiesand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6RkAlhX7fg

    Robbie Robertson recalls meeting Sonny Boy shortly before he died: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90-O6c20PLk

    The grave of Sonny Boy, with comments from Giles Robson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-XQwpBTGRI

    Bye Bye Bird in Europe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZArN9y5qZc

    Podcast website:
    https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

    Spotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

    Podcast 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 HARMONICAS
    --------------------------------
    Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com

    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 38 分
  • John Sebastian interview
    2025/05/24

    John Sebastian joins me on episode 135.

    John had considerable chart success in the 1960s as part of the folk rock band, The Lovin' Spoonful, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the year 2000. John was also inducted into the songwriters Hall Of Fame. Probably better known as a singer songwriter and guitar player, harmonica was John’s first instrument, inspired by his father, also called John Sebastian, who was a renowned classical harmonica player. And we discuss some of his father’s music and how this inspired his son to take up the harmonica.

    John started out playing harmonica in a jug band before his success with The Lovin' Spoonful, before he then enjoyed a solo career and some notable recording sessions, not least as the harmonica player on The Doors song, Roadhouse Blues.

    Links:

    John's website: https://www.johnbsebastian.com/

    John’s children’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jbs-Harmonica-John-Sebastian/dp/0152400915

    Review of Jug Band DVD by Todd Kwait: Chasin' Gus' Ghost: https://driftwoodmagazine.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/dvd-review-chasin’-gus’-ghost/

    Videos:

    John Sebastian senior live performance of Villas Lobos Harmonica Concerto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2EO0SUraGQ

    Playing ‘Thedy’ on chromatic with the New Rhythm Blues Quartet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f9IGhcGiQQ

    Harmonica duet with Annie Raines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmPOnRUDZAE

    John’s Homespun Blues Harmonica course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIVWaVSOoLE

    John’s appearance at Woodstock in 1969: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBXL7FaPod4

    Liam Ward interview with John and a lesson from Liam on how to play Roadhouse Blues: https://www.learntheharmonica.com/post/roadhouse-blues-harmonica-john-sebastian


    Podcast website:
    https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

    Donations:
    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_GB

    Spotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

    Podcast 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 HARMONICAS
    --------------------------------
    Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com


    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • The Harmonicaster interview with Ronnie Schreiber
    2025/05/10

    Ronnie Schreiber joins me on episode 134.

    Ronnie runs The Electric Harmonica Company, producing the Harmonicaster, which is an alternative to the traditional harmonica microphone, using guitar style pick-ups to create “the first practical true electric harmonica”. Ronnie first came up with the concept some thirty years ago and has been developing it in earnest over the last ten years.

    Ronnie tells us the story of how he developed the idea, from the need to use steel reeds, the custom harps needed and the availability of pick-ups to use with the harmonica, and some of the harmonica players who have supported him through his journey.

    We discuss the advantages of using a pick-up with the harmonica, such as having a different sound to the traditional harmonica microphone, and the feedback resistance it brings, as well as some of the challenges of using the Harmonicaster.

    Links:

    Harmonicaster website: https://rokemneedlearts.com/harmonicaster/wp/

    The Frank Harmonica mic developed by Ronnie: https://rokemneedlearts.com/frankmic/

    Harp-l post introducing the Harmonicaster: https://groups.google.com/g/harp-l/c/_ETwuJvbRRA

    Brendan Power playing some Irish music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rx8kVBjAL4

    The Turbo Harp: https://turboharp.com/

    Dyna-mic: https://www.dyna-mic.com/

    Videos:

    Harmonicaster YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonicaster8106

    Ronnie overview of the Harmonicaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzbYxwKLPR4

    Jonah Fox YouTube review of the Harmonicaster: https://rokemneedlearts.com/harmonicaster/wp/


    Podcast website:
    https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

    Donations:
    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_GB

    Spotify 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-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

    Podcast 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 HARMONICAS
    --------------------------------
    Blue Moon Harmonicas: https://bluemoonharmonicas.com


    Support the show

    続きを読む 一部表示
    57 分