Archive

If you’re into Butterfield or just want to get inside what makes him special, I’ll be discussing my “vinyl” mentor at this upcoming workshop. Saturday June 20, 2020 Only 20 seats sold for each workshop. TOPICS INCLUDE: • Butterfield’s phrasing • Vibrato • Melodic approaches • PLUS: Interactive Q&A (open topic) For intermediate/advanced level diatonic […]

This is a new series of online harmonica seminars presented by Roly Platt Practical, “plain English” seminars aimed at setting you on a path to becoming not just a better harmonica player, but a better musician as well.   Goal: In my early years, there were a couple of players that opened the door to […]

Richard Gjems – Reggae with the Harp Wah    

(SOLD OUT) Sunday May 31, 2020 Only 20 seats sold for each workshop. TOPICS INCLUDE: • 3rd Position – How and Why • Being a Great Sideman (that honourable role) • Interactive Q&A (open topic) I look forward to answering your questions For intermediate/advanced level diatonic players

Seydel Lightning: Is it really worth the money?? As an endorsee of Seydel, I’m fortunate that I get a chance to test out some of their products.

Stephane Laidet getting creative with his Harp Wah Duke’s Caravan with a Yonberg D2 harmonica and the Harp Wah by Roly Platt.    

Here’s an example of what I tell my harmonica students about being a good “sideman” and how that always involves playing less and making the song “King”. Rick Fines Band A timely song for our current situation… PTBO Music Fest Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Alec Fraser Bass, John Crown Drums, Rob Phillips Piano, Roly Platt Harmonica, […]

Roly Platt: Over the Rainbow I was honoured to have been asked to participate in the Huronia Arts Festival in Orillia, Ontario 2016 Lance Anderson – Piano,  Russ Boswell – Bass

Harmonica instrumental: THE CAT by Jimmy Smith Thanks to YouTube channel: LaPietradelParagone

Just jamming…

Use this simple technique combined with the all-aluminum Harp Wah, and get pretty cool “muted trumpet” effects. More Tips Here: https://www.harmonicamute.com/using-harp-wah/

Funk harmonica using the Harp Wah. Played in 3rd position. Backing track is in Em using a “D’ harp with the Harp Wah for cupping effects on the harmonica. Backing Track: https://www.sebastienzunino.com/home/backing-track.html

Just like a trumpet mute, the Harp Wah works great on a Gypsy Jazz tune like this one – Django Reinhardt’s “Blue Drag” And who better to play it than Jason Ricci using a Blue Moon Harmonica “It’s cool. The Harp Wah has it’s own thing – a different sound than using a tradition cup.” […]

Ocean Of Tears: An original track from Roly’s début CD – Inside Out

Here’s a recent harmonica session for Canada’s Dean McTaggart: “Sleeping In The Bed I Made” Tom Griffiths bass Charlie Cooley drums Rob Gusevs keys Neil Chapman guitar Roly Platt Harmonica Dean McTaggart guitar and vocals Special thanks to Aerial Landscapes for the great video footage.

There are several harmonica effects that harp players tend to use. All of these come in the form of an effects pedal or pedal board, and all are for “amplified” harp playing only – (running these effects into an amp or occasionally directly into a PA). I own several of these myself. Delay, reverb, chorus, […]

NEW: Harp Bags / Gear Pouches Coming February 2020 These ultra-soft, velvet-like drawstring pouches are great for pedals, bullet mics or extra harps. Now Taking Pre-Orders Here: New Soft Storage Pouches Protective Soft Storage Pouches 5 3/4″ Wide x 7″ Long, or 14.6 cm  x 17.8 cm  (when bag is lying flat). Large enough to […]

Roly Platt w/ Rick Fines: Performing: Hounds On The Hill

Monster guitarist Matt Schofield & Roly Platt sitting in with Jordan John’s Blues Angels – Toronto, ON

Western Swing / Boogie Woogie using the new Harp Wah for cupping effects on harmonica.

Harmonica Instrumental “Shuffle the Deck” Written and performed by Roly Platt and Justin Forsley Special thanks to the amazing dance teachers at the 2015 Jazz Roots Festival in Paris.

A recording session I played harp on from the ’90s, for vocalist Beverly Mahood. Enjoy…

Harmonica Instrumental “Big Sticky” Written and performed by Roly Platt and Justin Forsley

Here are 4 awesome and totally unique gift ideas for the harp player in your life. Click on each for more information   Men’s Silver Harmonica Necklace The Harp Wah – Like a Trumpet Mute for Harmonica Inside Out by Roly Platt 3 Skype Harmonica Lessons by Roly Platt  

The incredible Brendan Power shows how it’s done – at SPAH 2018.