Hi Riff Raffers, Mike Stevens first appeared on my radar when he collaborated with fellow Canadian, Matt Andersen on the 2009 album, 'Piggyback' (released on local independent label Busted Flat Records). 'Blue Celtic Rose' was a particular favourite of the authors as it featured his inimitable harp playing. Mike's unique style was suited to, but … Continue reading Pig Jiggin’
Author: Harmonica Riff Raff
Broadcaster, writer, producer & session harp player.
Break A Leg
Hi Riff Raffers, It was the summer of '63. The venue Flinders Street Extension outside the 'Mission for Seaman'. A fifteen year old boy from Hampton was hitching to Torquay for some surfing. His lift to the city couldn't take him any further and as he alights from the passenger side into the street he … Continue reading Break A Leg
Smoked Some Dope
Hello Riff Raffers, “Here I stand before you Lord with my life's work in my hands. Lord you come in judgement to see if I go up or down. Smoked some dope and joined a four piece band that's as bad as I've been." Chain's follow up single to their number one hit, 'Black & … Continue reading Smoked Some Dope
Man On The Run
Hi Riff Raffers, At last, an interview of sorts with one of my all time harmonica favourites, 'Dingo', Broderick Smith. As a twelve year old, Brod along with Matt Taylor (Chain), Mike Rudd (Spectrum), Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool) and Chris Blanchflower (Country Radio) piqued this young Australian boy's interest in the instrument that fits in … Continue reading Man On The Run
Marooned At Launching Place.
Hi Riff Raffers, Going to take you back to the year 1970, to an age of herbal music festivals. The venue for this festival is just twenty minutes from the authors home in the 'Dandenongs'. Launching Place, the town was named as freshly cut logs of timber were launched here on the Yarra River and … Continue reading Marooned At Launching Place.
Crystal Captured Chris
Hey Riff Raffers, I wanted to post a wee tribute to one of my favourite harp men, Chris Blanchflower. Sadly he passed away earlier this year. Chris developed a harp style all his own. In the upper octaves it was both sweet and pure. Today it would probably be known as upper octave extension. Chris … Continue reading Crystal Captured Chris
Man From Earth
Hi Riff Raffers, A popular tune in my busking set was 'The Ozark Mountain Daredevils', ‘Black Sky’. The band came into prominence with their release of their first single in 1973, 'If You Wanna Get To Heaven' which peaked at number twenty five on the US Billboard charts. A harmonica driven tune written by Steve Cash … Continue reading Man From Earth
The Journey Continues
Hi there Riff Raffers. Harmonica Riff Raff started out on community radio 3MDR, Mountain District Radio (Emerald, Melbourne Australia) on Wednesday 24th April 2013 at 11pm and would conclude five years later after 256 episodes. HRR broadcast at various timeslots, primarily though from Wednesday 5pm to 7pm. A show dedicated to the most owned instrument in … Continue reading The Journey Continues
Harmonica Riff Raff 