G'day Riff Raffers, Here's a story about how the humble harmonica improved a racehorses temperament and with it his performance, aided by a coffee or two. (Brisbane Telegraph, 21st January, 1950) (Brisbane Truth, 3rd December, 1950) Piccolo Pete having admitted his guilt, of sorts, said his conscience was clear. He accepted the stewards findings and … Continue reading NFSCD #2-Horsin’ Around
Author: Harmonica Riff Raff
Broadcaster, writer, producer & session harp player.
By Dingoes
Hello there Riff Raffers, “ My mother said I was an animal for my wild and wicked ways. My father said I was an animal cos I would not wash for days. My girlfriend said I was a dog and I guess she oughta know. A man's best friend in human form I'm a D-I-N-G-O." (Ross … Continue reading By Dingoes
A Man Called Uncle
Hi Riff Raffers, Legendary axeman Kevin Borich only knew him as Uncle. When the 'Kevin Borich Express' played gigs in Adelaide, Kev would invite Uncle on stage to jam, such were the skills of this long haired, bearded man with wild eyes, on the most owned instrument in the world. In 1977 the stars aligned … Continue reading A Man Called Uncle
Auditory Perception
Hello Riff Raffers, "The singer's song will not be heard if the applause is much too loud." (Glenn Shorrock) Some tunes are never destined for greatness if the measure is by chart success or record sales. Without airplay what chance does it have to be a 'chart buster'? I'm always bemused by the critics' label … Continue reading Auditory Perception
Cobber & Co.
Hello Riff Raffers, Recently I acquired somewhat fortuitously, a ‘Cobber’ harmonica tin. The top of this once colourful tin has a three dimensional graphic of the harmonica that should lie within. However the harp inside wasn’t a ‘Cobber’ and it's name had been incorrectly identified by the seller (maybe a Dawg Blawg down the line). … Continue reading Cobber & Co.
The Gene Genius
“The Jean Genie lives on his back. The Jean Genie laughs in his daks.” Another mondegreen, a misheard lyric by yours truly on David Bowie's 1972 hit, 'Jean Genie', that features David blowing a bit of sixties style harp. Now that I have your attention I'd like to pass on a story about a young … Continue reading The Gene Genius
Making Gravy
Hello Riff Raffers, Rodney 'Gravy' Harris (pictured below - left) had a dream to be up on stage belting out 'R & B' songs with his own band and recording an album. For many years he had worked back stage with legendary Australian bands, 'Daddy Cool' and 'Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons' as their … Continue reading Making Gravy
Collingwood’s ‘Crackajack’ Collier
Hi Riff Raffers, Who holds the title of Collingwood’s ‘Crackajack’ Collier? No it's not either of the footballing brothers Albert or Harry from the late 1920’s through into the thirties. It is Australian Mouth Organ Champion from the same period, Albert and Harry’s cousin, Harold. Harold’s father, Harry Edward Collier was the brother of Albert … Continue reading Collingwood’s ‘Crackajack’ Collier
Forpies’ Blues Burger (No Mashed Potato)
Some people I know are not aware that Billy Thorpe blew the gob iron. There’s a few who think I'm crazy, but here is the evidence that Bill did indeed play the harmonica. Who would have thought that a clean cut ‘Mod’ with songs like, ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ and ‘Mashed Potato’, would transform … Continue reading Forpies’ Blues Burger (No Mashed Potato)
Quest For The Maker
Hi Riff Raffers The epic journey set out on the first of October, 2018. The trekking party consisted of Pat Missin, Ray Grieve and myself. We were in search of a gold nugget. Just as George Leavis Allan had done in 1853 when he took out a gold licence (#88) and went prospecting at Campbell’s … Continue reading Quest For The Maker
Harmonica Riff Raff 