Cold Harp
Actor/Musician Raoul Bhaneja is joined by local harp heroes Paul Reddick, Carlos del Junco, Dr. Nick and Howard Willett for the Toronto Blues Society Harmonica Workshop at Club 279, Sunday March 28th, 2-6 PM. Photo by Eddy B (Brake).
The popularity of the harmonica, a portable and inexpensive instrument, in the Blues developed in the 1920's and continued during the Great Depression. Over the next few decades and beyond, the `harp' has become a staple in the Blues and its legacy. One of latest harp men on the contemporary scene that is carrying along the traditional and innovative styles of playing both on the diatonic and chromatic harmonica is Toronto's own actor/musician Raoul Bhaneja.
Having started listening to the Blues after hearing Jimi Hendrix's version of "Hoochie Coochie Man" at the age of 11, Raoul credits Bobby 'Blue' Bland, Louis Armstrong and Little Walter as his musical influences. Performing a unique mix of Chicago Blues and Swing with his acclaimed Blues band, Raoul and the Big Time, Raoul has quickly become one of the best harmonica players and singers on the local scene. Their newest CD release 'Cold Outside' is getting plenty of attention as well, having been picked up by Cross Cut Records and getting set for distribution in Germany. Raoul and The Big Time are also working on a video for the title track from the new disc. Indeed, Raoul is a very busy man. He is one of the series lead characters on the cult hit "Train 48" on Global television, playing Peter Subramani, a smooth talking stockbroker. The show is taped without a script and broadcast the same day, five days a week. In addition, Raoul has been seen in theatre and film productions, notably Atom Egoyan's film "Ararat", CTV's "The 11th Hour", "The Jessica Holmes Show", and "Traders".
As if his plate were not full enough, Raoul has found the time to organize and host the upcoming TBS Harmonica Workshop on March 28th at Club 279. Known for being the home of Melody Ranch, Mary de Keyzer and Q107 radio live-to-air parties, Club 279 (above the Hard Rock Café 416-777-1666) should prove to be a welcoming venue for the harmonica workshop.
Also confirmed for this must-attend event is Doctor Nick (Doctor Nick & the Roller Coasters). Besides being a fantastic harmonica player, Nick is an expert on harp amps, microphones and repairs.
Carlos del Junco is a local favorite harp master and harmonica world champion, both in the Blues and Jazz categories. Carlos plays a ten hole diatonic as if it were a chromatic using the overblow technique.
Another illustrious guest for the workshop is Paul Reddick (The Sidemen). Paul has been busy touring the US and working on a new album with Colin Linden. He is another local favorite harp man, whose stage presence, and dedication to perfection with his sound makes Paul a leading harp player in the Blues.
Vocalist and harmonica player Howard Willett can be seen regularly playing with the popular western swing band the Bebop Cowboys. He was recently spotted at Top O' The Senator jazz club playing with jazz guitarist Doug Wamble.
Some of the topics that will be discussed at the workshop will be how to apply technique and tone to the blues, tuning and maintenance. Each performer will be discussing his forte with the harmonica. There will be plenty of opportunity to listen to these masters ply their trade and learn a few tricks of the trade.
Indeed, the Harmonica Workshop will be a good experience for novice and intermediate players to learn techniques and secrets of the pros. Come out, enjoy yourself and blow your Blues away.
- Sarah French