British Chromatic royalty Jim Hughes joins me on episode 26.

Jim has been playing professionally for over 60 years. From his early success in harmonica competitions, he went on to forge a successful career as a session musician, with countless appearances on the BBC, including playing on the hit TV show, Last Of The Summer Wine. 

Jim set up quite possibly the biggest harmonica festival of all time, The World Harmonica Championship in Jersey, 1987, as well as involvement in other festivals. He has several albums to his name and is a harmonica teacher who has helped guide some real star pupils to go on to achieve great things.

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).


Links:
Roger Trobridge's Archivist site:
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk

Dror Adler Classical Music project info:
http://harmonica.uk/drorcp.htm

Franz Chmel
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/franz-chmel-1944-to-2016-the-archivist/

Ricky Cool:
https://www.rickycoolandtheincrowd.co.uk

YouTube:

Ronald Chesney Flight Of the Bumble Bee
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORYIpDQpDWk

Jersey World Harmonica Festival 1987
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3SaOL0cuXM

Philip Achille - The Story So Far, including a duet with Jim (4 mins in):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSbHkcipr8g

Jim playing at the NHL event Birmingham 1988:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGkzPBqpdJM

Audio recording Jim playing at a NHL concert in 1983:
http://www.the-archivist.co.uk/jim-hughes-1983/

Harmonica Group Jim ran:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy4Fh2niOno

Hotcha Trio:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXuGlYa2wkA

Fata Morgana:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3XMePuGhZ8

My Funny Valentine, at Jim’s 90th birthday party:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU_IGmCsFCM

Franz Chmel YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/user/franzchm/videos


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway

Support the show

Sugar Blue has certainly pushed the boundaries of the harmonica, with his rapid fire licks, lots of high end runs and gorgeous tone. It was perhaps his early jazz influences that shaped his distinctive sound, although there is no doubt that he has paid homage to the harmonica greats, spending time with some of the classic players. 
As well as numerous solo albums, Sugar has recorded with many illustrious names, including the Rolling Stones, Willie Dixon and Frank Zappa, to name but a few. 
He has two Grammy awards and has recently released his new album, Colors.

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

Links:
Sugar Blue's website:
https://www.sugar-blue.com/

YouTube:

Pontiac from Crossroads album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo_4V2oQkJQ

From Paris to Chicago album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erR3ykdWjUs&list=PLKy7ZszBRofeRhtxfOq9AnNJJE-oEkPzR

With Louisiana Red:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNJvfPF_S1w

Willie Dixon Hidden Charms album: Blues You Can’t Lose
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_PudHiZWnI&list=PLvxWibFr0wiK2EYwsSfV3C2bg_i5GDNvL

Sugar Blue Unplugged:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtNgTBZx2HY


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Grant Dermody first picked up the harp in Alaska, where he emulated the greats before developing his own acoustic sound playing American roots music. 
He played as a session man on various albums before releasing the first of his four solo albums to date, which included harmonica duets with Phll Wiggins and Joe Filisko. In-between Grant toured for six years with Eric Bibb, and for his latest album, My Dony, he has returned to his roots with a raucous electrified harmonica sound. Not only a great harmonica player with a strong sense of rhythm, Grant is a vocalist, and has penned the lyrics on many of the songs on his albums. On top of all this, Grant is a passionate teacher of the harmonica. 

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

Links:
Grant's website:
https://www.grantdermody.com/

Discography:
https://www.grantdermody.com/discography/

Teaching:
https://www.grantdermody.com/teaching/

YouTube:
Harmonica duet with Joe Filisko:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWZjtbNmyUc&feature=youtu.be

EuroBlues Week Harmonica Tutor intro:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECQRu2kEyok&feature=youtu.be

Jerry Devillier playing Cajun Harmonica:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptNsv7s7or8


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Chromatic player, Antonio Serrano, is the current SPAH harmonica player of the year. And with good reason.
Antonio’s father was a great influence on the fledgling harmonica player. And Antonio met Larry Adler at a young age, and performed with him for the first time, at only 13 years of old. Since that time Antonio has made a big splash on the Spanish music scene, not least when he played with flamenco legend Paco de Lucia. He has recorded with many artists and released some albums under his own name, including a tribute to the legendary Toots Thielemans, who he has also performed with.

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

Links:
https://kamalaproducciones.com/portfolio_page/antonio-serrano

YouTube:
Performing with Larry Adler at age 13:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAamKnAvnNs&feature=youtu.be

Performing with Toots Thielemans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdoL5SwLqTU&feature=youtu.be

Playing with Paco de Lucia: (Flamenco)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT8-3_fqO4Y&app=desktop

Playing I Feel For You with Chaka Khan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbLY9QdYADw&feature=youtu.be

Antonio playing Rhapsody In Blue:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRulfholtfQ&feature=youtu.be

Antonio playing Send In The Clowns from his first album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM7-xZ4RPkc

SPAH seminar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HOZHIqW5TI&feature=youtu.be&t=14145&fbclid=IwAR0ZdDoToh7yyIqcSQj9oKKATzkuCxfX9Bpusr3mLeMKF311R4FLxUA_OrI


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Mark Feltham grew up with a love of country music and just knew he had to play harp when he heard Stone Fox Chase on the UK music programme, Old Grey Whistle test.

As he entered the London music scene he found he had to adapt his style to create a fusion of melodic and blues playing, which has served him very well throughout his career. 

Best known from his work with Punk Blues band, Nine Below Zero, Mark also played with Rory Gallagher for a long spell. Alongside this he has had a great career as a session musician, recording for television adverts, films and playing with such giants as Oasis, The Christians, Talk Talk and Godley and Creme, of 10cc fame.

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

Links:
https://www.ninebelowzero.com/mark-feltham

YouTube:

Dennis Greaves duo trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZYApDHJZtU&feature=youtu.be

Rory Gallagher:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePJmB4yqV60&feature=youtu.be

Masterplan with Oasis:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZxexZ8v-QI

Playing on the Young Ones TV show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYx9wgK2q20


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Mickey Raphael started out playing on the Dallas folk scene before meeting with Willie Nelson at a jam session. Forty six years later, Mickey has toured the world with Willie.
Alongside that, Mickey has enjoyed great recording success as a session musician, playing with Emmylou Harris, the Highwayman Country Supergroup, U2, Wynton Marsalis, Ringo Starr, and more recently with Chris Stapleton. The list goes on and on.
He played at Ray Charles funeral, and was most likely the inspiration for the Blues Brothers.
Throughout it all Mickey has remained humble about his tremendous career playing the harmonica.

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

Links:
Mickey's website: http://www.mickeyraphael.com/
Discography: https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/mickey_raphael/credits/

YouTube:
Mickey playing with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSOBOJ10JZo
Mickey playing Georgia with Willie Nelson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt8pgr7J6g0
Mickey playing with Chris Stapleton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4nP16bUVL8


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Jerry Portnoy joins me on episode 20 of the podcast.
Jerry grew up with the sounds of Maxwell street in his ears. It took him a few years to pick up the harp, but when he did he enjoyed a tremendous career. Starting out with Johnny Young’s band, he had only been playing for six years before his talents landed him the greatest harmonica chair there ever was, playing with the Muddy Waters Blues Band. 
Jerry went on to play in the Legendary Blues Band and then with guitar legend Eric Clapton. He’s played at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. 

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

Links:
Jerry's website: https://www.jerryportnoy.com

Teaching:
Jerry's Masterclass tutorial: https://www.jerryportnoy.com/lessons.html
Sonic Junction: http://www.sonicjunction.com/jerry-portnoy

YouTube:
Jerry playing with Muddy Waters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu3CbGyKgiA
Jerry playing Misty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb2CZenVvp0

Amps:
http://www.victoriaamp.com/
https://memphisbluesamps.com/mini-amp-docs


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

John is a harmonica repairer and customiser. Following years of experience as a toolmaker John moved into repairing musical instruments, initially for woodwind instruments, before tapping into a rich vein of work repairing harmonicas. As well as many private clients, he now does repair work for the big three manufacturers. 
This has led to John now making quite possibly the only hand-made harmonica in the world today, under the name The Great British Harmonica company.

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

John's website:
http://www.johncookharmonicas.com/

Julius Berthold book:
http://www.johncookharmonicas.com/book-julius-berthold

John's saxophone stands:
http://www.saxrax.com

John's engraving website:
https://www.johncookengraving.co.uk/

YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdedNWMD0l6o3Y1Nyv1sLw


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Mick Kinsella started out as a drummer before moving across to the harmonica to pursue his love of traditional music. Skilled in the use of both the diatonic and chromatic, Mick played on numerous sessions before releasing his own 2002 album ‘Harmonica’ with an assortment of genres and some tremendous harmonica work. He went out to tour with Rick Epping and Brendan Power under the name Triple Harp Bypass. Mick likes to tinker with his harmonicas, has a tuition book to his name and teaches each year at the William Clancy festival in Ireland.

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

YouTube:
Played on Michael Flatleys 'Celtic Tiger' CD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7PD2v3YMo
Talking Harmonica act:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N96S7Q1nh9E
Rick Epping:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YjOrp3RMc

Links:
Triple Harp Bypass album:
https://www.brendan-power.com/IronLung.php

Irish Traditional Music Archive:
https://www.itma.ie/digital-library

Teaching
Blues Harp From Scratch:
https://www.armaosmusic.gr/en/music-books/blues-harp-from-scratch-by-mick-kinsella-book-cd-detail

Michael McInerney teaching website:
https://www.bluethirdmusic.com


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show

Gregoire Maret is a chromatic player, originally from Switzerland. After studying jazz at the New School in New York, Gregoire went on to play with some of the biggest names in jazz: from Jimmy Scott to Cassandra Wilson, Pat Metheny and Herbie Hancock. Although he can also turn his hand to other genres, such as pop, funk and even opera!
In 2012 Gregoire made the first of the albums under his own name, as well as continuing to be an in-demand sideman.
Renowned bassist, Marcus Miller, said that Gregoire is "carrying the chromatic harmonica into the 21st century with prowess, passion, and creativity."

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

Gregoire's website:
https://www.gregoiremaret.com

YouTube videos:
Gregoire's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbwRBejM2dWGlEwCfmUZbWw

Playing with Toots Thielemans:
https://youtu.be/xLB74o-Gu6E

Gear:
Schertler amps:
https://secure.schertler.com/en_IT/shop/amplifiers

Earthworks SR314 microphone:
https://earthworksaudio.com/instrument/

Zoom AX1 multi-effect processor:
https://www.zoom-na.com/products/effects-preamps/acoustic/zoom-a1-four-a1x-four-multi-effects-processors


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
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Support the show