Tag: Harmonica

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 →

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 →

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 →