Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

Neil Warren
  • 4.7 (30)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

The Happy Hour Harmonica podcast brings profiles of some of the top harmonica players and technicians today. The podcast is sponsored by Seydel harmonicas. Check out their great range of products at www.seydel1847.com. If you would like to make a voluntary contribution to help keep the podcast running then please use this link: https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour. Visit the main podcast webpage at: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/ Contact: happyhourharmonicapodcast@gmail.com

  1. 4D AGO

    The Ten Minute Question: part 3

    Episode 149 is the third compilation of the ten minute question answers from episode 112 to episode 148. Not every episode had a ten minute question, as there’s been quite a lot of retrospective episodes in this batch. So there are 27 episodes covered here. I hope you enjoy listening back to this collection as much as I did putting it together. And if you if you missed any of the episodes included then be sure to check them out.  I’ll introduce each person before they respond to the question: “if you had 10 minutes to practise, what would you spend that ten minutes doing”. Links:  MillionPodcasts Top 100 Music Interview Podcasts: https://www.millionpodcasts.com/music-interview-podcasts/ 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

    57 min

  2. DEC 6

    Hank Shreve interview

    Hank Shreve joins me on episode 148. Hank started playing harmonica at age eight, and that has remained his true love despite learning various other instruments. He explains how his drumming background shapes the rhythmic feel of his harmonica playing, and how blues opened the door to everything from Latin influences to funk. Hank reflects on opening for Paul DeLay, working with Curtis Salgado, leading The Hank Shreve Band with his father Bill on bass, and broadening his musical output across albums like Loosen Up, Trouble, and That Way. He also discusses teaching at festivals, exploring jazz standards, winning several music awards, and the importance of always making the audience want to dance. Links: The Hank Shreve Band: https://www.hankshreveband.com/ Howard Levy’s Rhythms of The Breath tuition books: https://levyland.com/book-rhythms-of-the-breath Zack Pomerleau playing rack harmonica with drums and guitar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke3XUN8agbA Hank's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hank.shreve The Hank Shreve Band Band Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HankShreveBand/ Music Masters Teaching Studio: https://www.musicmastersstudio.com/teacher-roster/hank-shreve-guitar-and-drum-lessons-eugene/ Videos: Hank’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/hankshreve Mike Moothart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6ZxhIU_es&list=RDLs6ZxhIU_es 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

    1 hr

  3. NOV 22

    Santiago Alvarez interview

    Santiago Alvarez joins me on episode 147. Santiago is a chromatic player from Buenos Aires, who has dedicated himself to the folk traditions of Argentina, including writing a thesis on the history of the Argentine chromatic harmonica under the guidance of his mentor Franco Luciani. Specialising in tango, he explores the close musical relationship between the chromatic harmonica and the bandoneon. Santiago has recorded with numerous Argentine artists, released his own album in 2019, performs widely across Latin America and Europe, and teaches internationally, including recently at The World Harmonica Championships at Trossingen in 2025. He has also created an online harmonica course for Argentine music. Links: Contact Santiago at: armonicasantiago@gmail.com Santiago’s Argentine Harmonica Course: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BiBYGXPf3/ Santiago's thesis on Argentine chromatic harmonica: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1V_gnxR5abozV8DMCgDchYZvqtzzqxsjf Profile on World Harmonica Festival website: https://worldharmonicafestival.de/artist-profile-santiago-alvarez/ Harmonica FEN festival profile: https://harmonica-fen-festival.com/artist/santiago-alvarez/ Videos: Santiago’s Argentine Harmonica Course teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUSki-oljnI&lc=UgzKGo6ZbqoJ-RmJhKx4AaABAg A portrait of Santiago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTClyulss-0 Tanino Duo: https://www.youtube.com/@taninoduo/videos Celtic Connections with Tanino Duo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuL_-npUniQ  Argento Trio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKUTufuT1EE&list=RDeKUTufuT1EE New trio with piano and bass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCjG3mjq-yA&list=RDYCjG3mjq-yA 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

    58 min

  4. NOV 8

    Ryan Hartt interview

    Ryan Hartt joins me on episode 146. Ryan is a harmonica player, vocalist and songwriter from New England. After completing musical studies, he headed to Los Angeles in the late 1990s to immerse himself in the blues scene, learning from West Coast swing heavyweights, including sitting in with Rod Piazza. He returned to the East Coast in 2000 to form his long-running band Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts, releasing three albums along the way. Ryan has now put out his first solo record, Be About It!, showcasing plenty of expressive harmonica along with his songwriting and vocals. Links: Ryan’s website: https://www.ryanhartt.com/ Bandcamp: https://ryanhartt.bandcamp.com/ Videos: https://www.ryanhartt.com/video/ 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

    1 hr

  5. OCT 25

    Josh King interview

    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 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

    57 min

  6. OCT 11

    Shane Sager interview

    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

    1 hr

  7. SEP 12

    James Cotton retrospective

    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

    1h 12m

  8. AUG 30

    Victor Puertas interview

    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

    58 min
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4.7
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The Happy Hour Harmonica podcast brings profiles of some of the top harmonica players and technicians today. The podcast is sponsored by Seydel harmonicas. Check out their great range of products at www.seydel1847.com. If you would like to make a voluntary contribution to help keep the podcast running then please use this link: https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour. Visit the main podcast webpage at: https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com/ Contact: happyhourharmonicapodcast@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Neil Warren
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast
  • Show Website
    Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

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