Josh King joins me on episode 145.

Josh hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, and picked up his first harmonica at just six years old.
By the time he was eight, he’d found an incredible mentor in the legendary James Cotton, after boldly sneaking into Cotton’s dressing room at a show. That chance encounter turned into a lasting mentorship, with Josh joining Cotton on stage numerous times during his teens.

In 2025, Josh brought his talents to a national audience as a contestant on American Idol. While the spotlight was on his singing and piano playing, it was the harmonica that gave Josh his distinctive edge.
Today, he continues to create and perform new music, keeping the harmonica right at the heart of his sound.

Links:

Josh’s website: https://www.joshkingmusic.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJoshKing

Videos:

House of the Rising Sun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgiGWD9cOWI

Playing Hoochie Coochie Man with James Cotton age 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blBAqb_jyn0

Rolling In The Deep on American Idol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-3dWlkR7q0

Hopelessly on American Idol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np8YhQM6kjk&list=RDnp8YhQM6kjk&start_radio=1

Playing with Buddy Guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcV04BKOdc0

Playing with Tommy Emmanuel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G353LZWD52E

Singing US national anthem in 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FCLnN1384Y

Support the show

Shane Sager joins me on episode 144.

Shane is from Boston. In his early teens, a hand injury forced him to give up drumming, so he turned to the harmonica and never looked back. At Berklee College of Music he studied drums, as harmonica wasn’t offered, but left after two years to focus fully on the harmonica, studying with top teachers — especially Mike Turk, who helped him shape his chromatic playing.

In his early twenties Shane performed with Sting, later joining his touring band in 2019 and going on to travel the world with him for six years.

He now continues to perform and record with various acts and has a couple of albums of his own coming out soon. An avid writer, he publishes on Substack and released his first harmonica book, Beyond Breath, in 2025, with two more in the pipeline.

Links:

Shane’s Substack: https://shanesager.substack.com/ 

Shane's book 'Beyond Breath': https://tinyurl.com/5heaf9tw

North Carolina Harp Fest: https://www.ncharmonica.com/

Videos:

Shane’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0_bbSLOzrEFkvFCWiPvWahu0O_PQpoOx&si=XPeZ_DtDCvHdjf1n

Shape of My Heart with Sting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jPFdg4CNss&list=PL0_bbSLOzrEFkvFCWiPvWahu0O_PQpoOx

Playing with Sting at Carnegie Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AW8uIFxeAk&list=PL0_bbSLOzrEFkvFCWiPvWahu0O_PQpoOx

Playing with Sting at Time’s Square: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se1HT8F2c2k

Sting and Stevie Wonder playing ‘Fragile’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPjj8edvjgM

Shane playing at SPAH 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldhIDlz5TeA

Bill Barrett playing Sunny Side of the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_EW85IYO3w

Liam Ward interview with Shane: https://www.learntheharmonica.com/post/sting-harmonica-player-shane-sager-interview

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

Kyle Rowland and Kenny Neal join me on episode 143 for a retrospective on James ‘Mr Superharp’ Cotton.

Born in 1935 on the Bonnie Blue plantation in Mississippi, James Cotton received his first harmonica from his mother and learnt by ear, captivated by Sonny Boy Williamson II’s King Biscuit Time broadcasts. From nine to sixteen he lived with Sonny Boy, then played with Howlin’ Wolf before holding the harmonica chair in the Muddy Waters’ band for twelve years. Striking out solo in the late 1960s, he spent the next forty five years releasing acclaimed records and delivering explosive live shows, powered by a tireless work ethic and boundless energy. He earned two Grammy Awards—one with Muddy Waters and one for a solo album—and garnered further nominations.

A lifelong devotee of the blues, he gave back generously in his later years and became like family to those closest to him.

Links:

James Cotton website: http://www.jamescottonsuperharp.com

Discography: http://jamescottonsuperharp.com/discography/

Kenny Neal’s website: https://kennynealmusic.com/

Kyle Rowland’s website: https://www.kylerowlandblues.com/

James Cotton and Seydel harmonicas: https://www.seydel1847.de/jamescotton

Videos:

Bonnie Blue documentary trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lidw_qH1D4Q

Seydel James Cotton tribute with lots of photos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQJrI0oioKE&list=RDKQJrI0oioKE

Complete This Order song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e09HOfVB21g&list=RDe09HOfVB21g

Kyle Rowland with The James Cotton Tribute Band in 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZfajGFBE74&list=RDLZfajGFBE74

A ten year old Josh King singing Hoochie Coochie Man with Cotton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blBAqb_jyn0&list=RDblBAqb_jyn0

The James Cotton Band Live at North Sea Jazz in 1983: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CVvNe0OpZY&list=RD2CVvNe0OpZY

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

Victor Puertas joins me on episode 142. 

Victor Puertas grew up just outside Barcelona, discovering the blues in his early teens, splitting his passion between harmonica and keyboards. At 18 he traveled to the US and had the chance to meet his idol, Gary Primich.

Back home, Victor formed The Suitcase Brothers  with his brother Santos, who had given him his very first harmonica at age 13. For over 27 years the duo have been exploring acoustic country blues, with their latest album, a tribute to Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, earning recognition from the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society.

Victor continues to perform in the duo as well as with other bands, where he showcases his deep love of the blues.

Links:

The Suitcase Brothers: https://suitcasebrothers.com/

The Suitcase Brothers albums on Bandcamp: https://suitcasebrothers.bandcamp.com/

Victor Puertas & The Mellow Tones on Bandcamp: https://victorpuertasmellowtones.bandcamp.com/music

Videos:

The Suitcase Brothers performing live at the FEN Festival, Berlin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH6115tQ6WU&t=3s

Victor Puertas & The Mellow Tones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oooYZqq_J7g

Harpin’ By The Sea workshop on Gary Primich: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC63Zz-tDAE

Playing with Steve ‘West’ Weston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rCkKFRJOIM&list=RD3rCkKFRJOIM

Konstantin Reinfeld  at the Seoul International Harmonica Festival 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi73OEN_ZxI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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