“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
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
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
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)
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’
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
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
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
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.
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
Harmonica Riff Raff 