Dennis Gruenling joins me on episode 99.

Dennis is originally from the New York area, where he  began his love affair with record collecting, listening to a wide range of music, from country to rhythm and blues and beyond before it all came together when he heard his first harmonica on the great Harp Attack album. 

Dennis cut his teeth with the support of local harp players before releasing his first album, Jump Time, featuring the jump swing style of his early output. On this, and subsequent albums, Dennis was a trailblazer in making extensive use of amplified low tuned harmonicas. Dennis has gone on to make some great albums across the jump and Chicago blues genres, and currently plays with the Nick Moss band.

From an early age Dennis has been renovating vintage microphones, and is now one of the leading providers of vintage mics and amps in the world, via his BadAssHarmonicas website, as well as a huge collection of webinars on all things harmonica.

Links:
Dennis Gruenling websites:
https://badassharmonica.com/
https://www.dennisgruenling.co

Nick Moss band:
https://badassharmonica.com/pages/nick-moss-band

Webinars / Membership:
https://badassharmonica.com/collections/memberships

Gear used by Dennis:
https://www.dennisgruenling.com/gear

Bands In Town page:
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/14484438-dennis-gruenling-badass-harmonica

Tip Dennis:
https://badassharmonica.com/collections/tips-thank-you

Videos:
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@DennisGruenling

Playing Rocker with the Nick Moss band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=2EswyXuWwz

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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

Support the show

Michael Pettersen And James Waldron join me on episode 98.
In this episode we talk about the iconic Green Bullet microphone, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. 

Michael is the Director of Corporate History at Shure microphones , and he tells us about the early design of the mic, what it was used for and about how it took years before Shure became aware that it was such an important mic for harmonica players. 

James runs SimpleMics.com, where he rebuilds vintage harmonica microphones, including for some illustrious customers. James provides a harmonica-centric perspective on the Green Bullet and some detail on what is under the hood of the mic.

Both Michael and James help debunk some of the myths about the Green Bullet, as well as sharing their deep knowledge of its element, shell and other inner workings of this most legendary of harmonica microphones.

Links

Green Bullet mics website:
https://greenbulletmics.net/

James’ Simple Mics website:
https://www.simplemics.com/

Versions of the Green Bullet:
https://service.shure.com/s/article/what-are-the-different-versions-of-the-green-bullet?language=en_US

https://service.shure.com/s/article/history-of-the-model-520-green-bullet?language=en_US

Convert Green Bullet to use with XLR cable (low impedance):
https://service.shure.com/s/article/putting-an-xlr-on-the-green-bullet?language=en_US

Add a volume control and on/off switch:
https://service.shure.com/s/article/adding-a-volume-control-to-a-520d-green-bullet?language=en_US

Shure 520DX model:
https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products/microphones/520dx?variant=520DX

Videos:
Shure video on how the Green Bullet became the sound of blues harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlLniCG0lCw

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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

Support the show

Vitor Lopes joins me on episode 97.
He is a Brazilian chromatic player who specialises in Choro music.

Vitor tells us about the history of the harmonica in Brazil, starting out when Hohner opened a factory there in 1923, which later became the Hering factory. The availability of harmonicas in Brazil made the instrument very popular and spawned some tremendous players.

In 2008 Vitor was awarded the APCA prize for the best Brazilian musician of the year. He has recorded several Choro albums with his bands, has toured in Europe several times and appears on numerous albums with other musicians. 

If you want to learn some Choro, Vitor has an online course available so you can play some of this wonderful music on the chromatic harmonica.

Links:
Chorando as Pitangas band website:
https://chorandoaspitangas.com

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vitor-lopes-harm/tracks

Vitor’s Choro harmonica course:
https://hotmart.com/en/marketplace/products/choro-harmonica-with-vitor-lopes/U51984467A?sck=HOTMART_SITE

Videos:

History of harmonica in Brazil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIF4-7Em_aw

Edu da Gaita playing Paganini’s Moto Perpetuo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w8j_gfIEiU

Vitor’s series of videos on Brazilian Choro music on harmonica:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb7Pnj0vhWE3TcArNwNkjO4P9IQVCAbxA&si=Ai7wIhxP7LTXzrV-

Concert with Chorando as Pitangas:
https://youtu.be/Wbe2Dr0oi9s?si=IyiLCCHoiwHevJ2f 

With Ana Fridman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxUvAEIPCM

Duo with Pablo Fagundes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s87mSjNEGJ8

Vitor playing diatonic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-RtOdozKdw

Suzuki condenser mic  overview from Joe Powers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQKs3yFRInc

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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 

Support the show

Paddy Wells joins me on episode 96.

Paddy is based in the north of England, where he started out as a singer playing a little harp before hearing amplified harmonica, which really turned him on to the instrument.

Paddy is also a freelance music journalist, having written regular articles for several music magazines in the UK, including Blues in Britain. He also wrote an article, Blowin’ Off The Dust, for the SPAH magazine. 

Paddy has also spent some time travelling the US, including sitting in with Jason Ricci, and writing two magazine articles on him.

Paddy has played in various bands in the north of England, appearing at festivals and supporting some notable names. His current band is called Dust Radio.

Links:
Paddy’s website:
https://www.paddywells.com/

Dust Radio music:
https://dustradio1.bandcamp.com/music

Music:
https://www.paddywells.com/music

Paddy’s article: Blowing Off the Dust:  Modern Masters of the Blues Harp:
https://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/modern-blues-harp-masters.html

Videos:

Lyndon Anderson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26yIoZVYuVA

Interview with Paddy on the Tim Green Blues show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yTEBIuKJGk

I’d Rather Go Blind with Poorboy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNH0Qs8GEeM

Problem and The Remedy video:
https://dustradio1.bandcamp.com/track/problem-remedy-2

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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 

Support the show

Michael Rubin joins me on episode 95.
Michael moved to Austin as a young man, initially as a blues player. He found that by diversifying the genres he played on harmonica he became much more in demand in the vibrant music scene in Austin. He added to t his versatility by playing different types of harmonica, including plenty of chromatic in addition to the diatonic being his main axe. Michael has also recorded on bass harmonica and the harmonetta.
Michael has gigged and recorded with numerous outfits, with styles ranging from blues to pop, African music, reggae and old time country gospel. Michael released his first solo album in 2022, I’ll Worry If I Wanna. On here he demonstrates his full range of harmonica mastery, including a solo playing in all twelve positions. 

Links:
Michael’s website:
https://michaelrubinharmonica.com/

I’ll Worry If I Wanna album:
https://michaelrubin.hearnow.com/

SPAH tribute to Bob Herndon (great Harmonetta player):
https://www.spah.org/content.asp?contentid=62

Mike Caldwell:
https://www.countrythangdaily.com/mike-caldwell-unleashed/

Album with Christopher Cody Meacham:
https://christophercodymeacham.bandcamp.com/album/ol-time-waddies-blues-2019-lp

Videos:

YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@michaelrubinharmonic

List of YouTube harmonica lessons:
https://michaelrubinharmonica.com/pageVideoArchive.html

Peg O My Heart on Harmonetta:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfqJNhLoTA

Sophisticated Lady on DM48:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaSKBZqijnU

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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 

Support the show

The interview with Jason Ricci continues on episode 94, part 2.
Jason shares how he has matured into his music, including on his 2021 album, City Country City, playing jazz, funk and blues with New Orleans musician Joe Krown. 
Jason goes on to share what he considers to be his best work on harmonica, and the elements that make up a great performance.
He’s recorded two albums with JJ Appleton, and Bad Kind is Jason’s current band, having released two albums so far, and a new album coming out with Bad Kind at the end of the month: Behind The Veil.
Jason has a big social media presence, with Patreon the place to go for his teaching material, with over 600 harmonica related videos available.
And Jason has just released a signature harmonica in partnership with Blue Moon harmonicas.

Links:
Jason’s social media links::
https://mooncat.org/
https://www.instagram.com/jasonricci93/
https://twitter.com/jasonricci93
Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/jasonricci
Tip Jason:
PayPal.me/jasonricci
Bandcamp:
https://jasonricci.bandcamp.com/
Harp Gear amplification:
http://harpgear.com/

Videos:

Paul Butterfield induction into the rock ’n roll Hall of Fame:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zix79vpAjG0

2023 SPAH concert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKPuDDJz66M

Pedal Board (2019):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8CeSabvTy0

Hip-Hug Her with Bad Kind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMlB_rL8REU

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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 Ins

Support the show

Jason Ricci joins me on episode 93 (and on episode 94)

In part one: Jason tells us how he started out in a punk band, with his bandmates suggesting he take up the harmonica. Of course, he took to it quickly, to become quite possibly the leading diatonic harmonica player of his generation. 
After initially developing his blues playing via the classic players, Jason moved to Memphis and developed his signature fast licks under the guidance of Pat Ramsey. Then, after getting into jazz and a brief flirtation with the saxophone, he started playing overblows, inspired by Howard Levy and the more blues based approach of Adam Gussow. 
Jason moved from Memphis for stints in various places, including Florida and jail, before settling in Nashville where he really made his presence known with his band Jason Ricci and New Blood.

To be continued...

Links:

Jason’s social media links::
https://mooncat.org/
https://www.instagram.com/jasonricci93/
https://twitter.com/jasonricci93

Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/jasonricci

Tip Jason:
PayPal.me/jasonricci

Bandcamp:
https://jasonricci.bandcamp.com/

Videos:

Jason's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/jasonricci

Baby Scratch My Back with the Nick Moss band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSGrzkcdiM0

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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

Support the show

Erland Westerstrom joins me on episode 92.
Erland is from Sweden, where he studied Swedish folk music on the harmonica at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, with Filip Jers as one of his teachers there.
Erland released a solo harmonica album in 2020, Andas! (Swedish for breathe), where he makes use of drones, polyphonic rhythms, tongue spilts and other techniques to create self-accompaniment to the melodies of the traditional tunes he plays.
Erland’s latest band is with the trio Västanvinden. This sees the harmonica combining with great effect with the clarinet and cittern, with the harmonica used as much for chordal accompaniment as for melody.
A big part of Erland’s music is playing for dancers, who are part of the show in Sweden.
Erland also does some harmonica maintenance work as well as teaching in Stockholm and online. He is touring with the Västanvinden trio in Europe later in 2023.

Links:

Erland's website:
http://www.folkmunspel.se/english

Contact:
[email protected]

Blog:
http://www.folkmunspel.se/blogg

Custom harmonicas for sale:
http://www.folkmunspel.se/till-salu

Great resource for traditional Swedish tunes:
folkwiki.se

Audio-Technica ATM350 mic:
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/atm350

Videos:

From Andas! Album:
https://youtu.be/6E3jK0Hj71I

With Bjorn Gardner:
https://youtu.be/6E3jK0Hj71I

With Vastanvinden trio:
https://youtu.be/eNDmadf1k0M

Tremolo playing:
https://youtu.be/7CXqJ4-v1wU

Graduation concert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKKNMHmeR6o

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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

Support the show

Tom Halchak joins me on episode 91.
Tom tells us how he grew his successful company, Blue Moon Harmonicas, started in 2009. 
Tom started out selling custom combs, and then covers in different materials and colours. Tom went on to develop his customisation skills to offer fully fledged custom harmonicas using his Blue Moon product lines. 
Tom also started offering pre-war Marine Band harmonicas for sale. These hand-crafted harps have stood the test of time and with some improvements by Tom, provide a playing experience which conjures the spirit of the players of the past. 
As a result of his pre-war harmonicas trading, Tom now acts on behalf of the estate of Sonny Terry, offering Sonny’s actual harmonicas for sale, complete with the DNA of the great man himself, as well as a range of other memorabilia, such as concert posters and contracts. 
Tom also prides himself in providing great service.

Links:

Blue Moon harmonicas:
https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/

Blue Moon Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/BlueMoonHarmonicas

Sonny Terry harmonica collection:
https://bluemoonharmonicas.com/collections/sonny-terry-estate-llc

Videos:

Blue Moon instrumental by Whitt Smith:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NGES1uduek

Range of harps available at Blue Moon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXlrOo9qQKE

CNC Milling GM wood comb:
https://youtu.be/lhVFoRTDMjs

Jason Ricci video on Blue Moon products he uses:
https://youtu.be/PWrKgdGnhZE

Jason Ricci playing ‘Feel Good Funk’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSAvtxrTbcc

Custom combs for Big River:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcgQktZ8gDs

Adam Gussow appraisal of 150 of Sonny Terry’s harmonicas:
https://youtu.be/EDT4Xt70Omg

Sonny Terry tribute concert at SPAH 2016:
https://youtu.be/7ycKmefNKfg

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

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

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

Support the show

Tom Ellis joins me (again) on episode 90.

This is part two of the Paul Butterfield retrospective where Tom takes us even deeper into Paul’s career and talks us through more of his incredible output.

About how Butter, while paying his due respect to the greats before him, took the blues in a new direction, with his experimentation and innovation.

Butter’s music and bands evolved as he developed, with the best musicians joining him to provide a bedrock to some of the greatest harmonica ever recorded. 

Tom Ellis puts forward a compelling case for Paul Butterfield as the most influential harmonica player ever, with his cultural and societal impact overshadowing even the classic players of the 1950s.

Paul Butterfield retrospective, part 1:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/paul-butterfield-retrospective-with-tom-ellis/

Was Butter a u-blocker?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-73mhQn4Pkc 

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

Support the show