SKURRAY FLURRY Bruce Walter Skurray (1922 - 2008) Bruce Walter Skurray was born in Jamestown, South Australia on the 26 July, 1922. He was the son of Joseph Clement Skurray the local Bootmaker and renowned vocalist. When six years old Santa placed a Boomerang mouth organ in Bruce’s stocking. At nine years of age he … Continue reading Skurray Flurry, Pop Harp & Hot Air.
Rushing in, in the early morning and you're wondering.Got a minute for another cup of coffee before you run.And the silver bird is gone,And you wonder where you belong.(First verse) Burton Cummings, I would think is the culprit blowing the ‘pocket piano’ for this distinctive riff on Silver Bird. There is no harmonica credited on … Continue reading Guess Who?
Bess Shep’s vessel and Harley’s harp Just a month or so ago I penned a blawg relating to the Bess O’ Th’ Barn mouth organ tin I had unearthed from the Lakes district in Gippsland. In the article I related the intrigue into why ‘Besses’ was shortened to ‘Bess’ on the branding of the mouth … Continue reading Little Besses, Dick & Percy (also Les & Harry)
I’m a Bloodhound on the scent of a trailI’m a Bloodhound on the scent of a trailCrying Lord, O’ Lord - don’t let me flail The single that never was. There was one more in the pipeline, but due to circumstance and personal reflection, I decided my solo recording career would cease forthwith. A fan … Continue reading Ol’ Dawg Boogie
What an honour and privilege to blow a bit of harp on Lachlan and Astrid’s recessional song performed by Jon Collins at their wedding reception last month. Initially Lachlan (my son) had enquired if I’d like to play some Aussie classics with Jon, which I was really chuffed to be offered. However, I was more … Continue reading All Your’n (Media Naranja)
The Cobber Mouth Organ was made by F A Rauner. Primary evidence Cobber’s covers, shaped and stamped in a very similar design to the early Crackajacks (manufactured by F A Rauner) - note the angles of ‘40 Bell Metal Reeds’ and ‘Registered made in Germany’. In addition, the model type is bracketed below the brand … Continue reading Cobber Verdict Is In! (Beyond A Reasonable Doubt)
James Donnelly 1865 - 1937 Left: NSW Mouth Organ Champion - Mr. F. Donnelly (Sydney Sun, December 28, 1913) Middle: Thomas & Co Newtown Right: James Donnelly as The Grocer in ‘Horseshoes’ (1923) - Starred Oliver Hardy On the 18th December 1913 at the West’s Glaciarium (a skating rink and picture theatre), the Cobber New … Continue reading Cobber Champ
CAPTAIN MATCHBOX WHOOPEE BAND Jim Conway, along with his brother Mic, formed the entertaining, eclectic Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band just before the onset of the seventies. They had enormous success with their second album, ‘Wangaratta Wahine’, which went double gold and peaked at number four on the Australian charts. This was primarily on the back … Continue reading Jim’s Moonshine Breakdown
A new selection for the collection joining the Cobber & Boomerang tins. Pretty chuffed to have quested this Bess O’ Th’ Barn metal case from Lakes Entrance. I haven’t witnessed too many of these rising to the surface in my ten or so years of collecting for my collection. The Bulletin - Advertised December 1913 … Continue reading Whoa Bessie & Y the Zee!
Harmonica Riff Raff, located in the beautiful Bass Coast acknowledges the Bunurong clan of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands and waters, and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. The Australian Star (Sydney), Wed 17 Feb 1897 The King Billy mouth organ was manufactured by C. … Continue reading King Billy
Harmonica Riff Raff 