Boomatic Chromerang

The Boomerang Chromatic pictured above was recently up for auction. Going by the hex head cover fasteners and the S.E.Y.D.E.L reverse cover plate, this had to be from the late 90s. Seydel had a few different Boomerangs available late in the twentieth century. I fired off an email to Mark Weber an authority on all things Mund chromatic. He even had another version!

“Hi Shep I bought that one about five years ago in Australia. I think that one on auction is the predecessor. It did not come with a box but rather a small black bag as far as I remember.”

Then I came across another that had been auctioned sometime back that came in a black pouch.

“This doesn’t look exactly as the one I remember. This pouch looks more stylish and seems to be real leather. The one I remember was made out of artificial leather. In any case if you compare the covers there are also differences.”

This model above, from another auction, was different again – the reverse plate is stamped C. A. Seydel Söhne. It too has hex fasteners, but only on the reverse plate. Probably 12 holes? These all look like they belong to the noughties when Seydel was struggling to stay afloat. If you remember back to my Boomerang Boogaloo article, a cheapish diatonic was on the market with the same hex fasteners.

Albert’s hadn’t been selling harmonicas since the 1960’s so it’s interesting they would have the Albert’s system plates. They never manufactured a harmonica known as a Boomerang Chromatic. Albert’s marketed them as Chromorgans. In fact the last Boomerang Chromorgan made for Albert’s was not by Seydel, but by Switzerland’s Thorens in 1949.

A week or so after publishing this blog Pat Missin on an unrelated search discovered this brochure from the mid nineties that answers most of our questions. Praise be to Pat.

Gerrard Allman Events is proud to announce a second Melbourne show for legendary American artist Charlie Musselwhite in his not-to-be-missed tour next month. The 2nd Melbourne show is @ MEMO Music Hall on Sunday September 22.

Everybody's gettin' ready to fight
'Cause everybody thinks that they are right
Faith only binds ideology
That ain't peace and that ain't free
(Daily Blues - King Gizzard)

Y’all Got Your Ears On

Cracking new Brisbane corn tree band The Wet Whistles, have dropped their inaugural extended play ‘KICKONS’. It includes all their singles; the catchy Guilty of a Good Time, Carolina and the previously reviewed Do A Little Damage – a snappy drinking tune that includes excellent harmonies and frothy rhythmical harp from Caillin Malley. Caillin throws the Country Burger at the other numbers that complete the five track mini album. Married and the final tune, a fine cover of John Michael Montgomery’s Sold (THE GRUNDY COUNTY AUCTION), both feature tasty harmonies on the chorus and vibrant rhythmical mouth harp.

Love the last tune off King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s latest album ‘Flight b741’. Daily Blues. It could’ve easily been from the early seventies, perhaps even a Carson song. Son of Brod (Ambrose Kenny – Smith) nails the harp chops.

Lambros brothers, Connor and Anthony Lambrou from Sydney’s northern beaches, latest single Blues Within rolls with a hard driven groove and a ripper hook. To furnish off this genre tribute, Connor rips some worthy wailing blues harp. This is well worth a spin.

Ruffled Feathers

Stream/Buy here Ruffled Feathers

If you missed the post, my single Ruffled Feathers has finally hatched!! – it’s a spring chicken. Thanks to all who have already purchased the toon over on Bandcamp – Yes Dave you were first! 👏🏻🙏 To all you fantastic DJ’s, who have given the single a spin and also to Peej for the interview on 3MDR and the world premiere, Sláinte!

Here’s several rave reviews.

“I love this. OL’ SHEP brings you sooooo much harmonica goodness you won’t be able to stop yourself smiling and grooving to it. This is an absolute gem – and of course some very very fine playing to boot. DIG IT! Cheers” – Stuart Coupe (Music Promoter)

“This is a bit random – my mate Ol’ Shep Dawg asked me to play bass on a harmonica track. I reckon it rips. The song is reminiscent of a bunch of chooks flapping around. I’d like to think my bass line represents a smooth and sneaky fox coming in to shake things up (which, of course, is more or less my modus operandi 🦊)” – Zach Grace

“All round gem of a listen Shep. Great harp playing. My foot was a tapping’ with glee and abandonment.” (Gray Summers – Singer/Songwriter UK)

“Shep’s new song is so good! Love all the little additions. The whistling is excellent👌. A big well done, awesome to see some momentum going!” (Benoit)

“Well done mate….a fabulous listen…..mighty fine huffin’ & puffin’…….Lachie’s whistling is spot on……” (Peej – Radio Jock 3MDR)

“Fantastic Phil….the bass harp is great……good harmony part…well done!” (Steve Williams)

Max Crawdaddy spun both singles back to back on his legendary 3RRR program Son of Crawdaddy and he proffered these kind words. 🙏

Thank you ABC Country for featuring my latest single Ruffled Feathers on your Grass Roots program next week. The program premieres LIVE across Australia on ABC Country on MONDAY 15th at 9:00pm AEST, with repeat broadcasts as follows…Tuesday @ 12pm AET, Thursday @ 1pm AET and Sunday @ 8pm AET

“Listen to Grass Roots from anywhere in the world, online or via the ABC Listen APP”

Radiothon

16th September – 13th October 2024 

My favourite community radio station 3MDR is having their annual subscriber drive. Without this call to arms for financial support from the listening public they couldn’t stay on air. Why my favourite? Because we hear heaps of local independent music and live studio concerts. We even hear it clear as a bell off the mast (worldwide on 3mdr.com) here in the Bass Coast.

Easiest way to subscribe is via 3mdr.com/subscribe. Commencing on the 16th September highlighted (a late launch) by a live porch broadcast of Ron King’s fabulous program ‘An Acoustic Companion’ at the Upwey Belgrave RSL on 21st September. The show starts at 11 am and rolls on until 1 pm with local bands playing live; Beyond the Sea, Dave Diprose and Friends and Lonesome Still – entry is free.

The radiothon culminates with the Big  Gig on Friday 11th October at the Sooki Lounge in Belgrave featuring; The Coffins, Lost Canoe, The Wax Eaters, Deep Steve, Trux, Arrows of Desire, and more! Tickets available from $10 via 3mdr.com.

Oh! Did I mention there’s a Radiothon Huff’n’Puff featuring yours truly over on Peej’s ‘The Imaginary Friend’s Show’ too! Not invisible just imaginary!

Mr. Eagle Rock 🦅

Came across an old FB post by Ross Wilson that had a photograph of one of his first harmonicas. Thought it was worthy of reposting here as I reflected recently on the cost of living and the forever rising price of a decent harmonica.

“When I started playing blues harp in my teens the Hohner “Echo Super Vamper” was my fave model – I bought this one circa 1965 for 16/6 or $1.65. Allowing for inflation about $20 in 2023 $s.”

Steel Stallion

Apologies to all you Steel Stallion fans the Harley & Harp post has been held over for next month due to the hatching of Ruffled Feathers and its subsequent post.

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