Harmonica Session Musician

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: Well there is a lot of misconception about the harmonica... a diatonic, can sound like a distorted guitar/rock organ, a bluesy beast, or a violin.... Likewise, a chromatic can go from sounding like something from the brass/woodwind section, to an accordion, to a glass 'armonica' (if you add a dash of reverb)... all instruments are limitless and so is the harp! .... Indeed, I'm really working on changing perceptions of the instrument and welcome any questions- even if only for the sake of curiosity.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically, after receiving a brief, I will send the client some demo takes to better establish what kind of sounds and playing they are looking for, and how I think the sound would fit. Then I would do a series of 'polished takes' based on their choices, then we would review, and I can make any additional changes.... For example, on a harp track, I would send you a range of harp sounds (clean/driven/mixed etc...), and a range of playing styles (playing rhythm or playing fills, playing riff based solos or structured solos, playing harmonies etc.). Upon receiving your feedback, I would record several takes based on that new brief. 90% of clients are happy at this stage, but a few might ask for one more additional 'run' at the track (which I am happy to do for free) or to apply a basic mix (which is an extra small fee).

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I subscribe to the philosophy of buying a few good pieces of gear for the jobs you specialise in, rather than cheap gear and attempt (and often fail) to be a jack of all trades.... Thus, as I am mostly concerned with gear for recording/audio capture (as opposed to mixing and mastering), I use Seydel Harmonicas (with whom I am an endorsed artist), high end guitars, quality microphones from Aston and Shure, and Focusrite interfaces.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Record as if you are mixing, mix as if you are mastering, and master as if you don't have to!

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Classical, but I'm open to anything!

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: 7 times out of 10, I'm asked to play Diatonic Blues Harmonica on tracks. I do, however, often get asked for Jazz and Classical Chromatic Harmonica.... Occasionally I also get commissioned on the guitar. EVERYONE plays the guitar nowadays, so it's a very competitive market, but my tight rhythm and expressive, natural lead playing is getting a reputation.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Formidable.