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
Category: Artist Feature
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
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)
Pig Jiggin’
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’
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
Harmonica Riff Raff 