• Pete Pedersen Lifetime Achievement Award – Nominee (2022) for the US’s SPAH international harmonica convention
• Gold Record: Toronto Blue Jays Theme Song – “OK Blue Jays”
• Two Double-Platinum Record Credits
• Has Been Recorded on Over 1,700 Individual Album Cuts, Movie Scores and National Jingles
• Inventor / Creator of: the “Harp Wah”
• Author: “No, Seriously, I Play Harmonica”
Harmonica virtuoso Roly Platt continues to straddle both the live music scene and the international recording world. He has toured and recorded with: David Clayton-Thomas, Ronnie Hawkins, Marc Jordan, John Finley, Matt Minglewood, Dutch Mason, Rita Chiarelli, Suzie Vinnick and Rick Fines to name a few.
In 2022, Roly was honoured to receive a nomination for the Pete Pedersen Lifetime Achievement Award – from the US’s SPAH international harmonica organization.
Roly’s original instrumental “Shuffle the Deck” was aired on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Over 1,700 album cuts, movie scores and national jingles…
Albums (partial list):
David Clayton-Thomas, John Finley, Terri Clark, Susan Aglukark, Marc Jordan, Ronnie Hawkins, Matt Minglewood, Suzie Vinnick, Rick Fines, The Ennis Sisters, George Canyon, Jack Semple, World on Edge, The Stampeders, Cassandra Vasik
Jingles (partial list):
Ford, Chrysler, Labatt, Toronto Blue Jays (OK Blue Jays), Kraft Dinner, Pioneer, The Keg, McDonalds, Budweiser, Oreo Cookies, Shake & Bake
Film / TV (partial list):
US production: “Tankhouse” starring Christopher Lloyd (2020), Ron James (CBC), Kurt Browning (Stars on Ice), Franklin The Turtle, Berenstain Bears, Rolie Polie Olie, Buffalo Girls (Lee Holdridge Composer/Conductor) and Bollywood mega-hit – “Delhi Belly” staring Imran Khan
What Folks Say…
“The most versatile harp player I’ve ever worked with. Blues, Jazz, Country, he does it all.”
– David Clayton-Thomas
“Your harmonica playing, it is outstanding! Simply amazing. You are a wonderful musician. Thank you for your beautiful contribution to our film.”
– Aamir Khan
– Producer/ Bollywood Film: “Delhi Belly”
“Roly’s playing is confident and lyrical…reminiscent of J.J. Milteau’s earlier recordings and it should certainly appeal to fans of high-end harp looking for something which breaks out of the traditional blues mould.”
– Steve Baker
“I Love your CD !!!!!!!!”
– Mickey Raphael
“Best Recordings of the Year” (Début CD – Inside Out)
– MapleBlues Magazine (Dec. 2014)
“Consummate harp playing…you can practically see the smoke rings every time he puts his lips to the instrument.”
– PopMatters Magazine
“Like Sugar Blue, harmonica ace Roly Platt pushes the instrument’s borders. Like Charlie Musselwhite, Mr. Platt demonstrates that the blues harp can be right at home in a wide range of material without losing touch with the roots… kick-butt and decidedly fresh sounding”
– Roots Music Report (5 Stars)
“There are few who can play the harmonica as well as this world class session harmonica player. If I were to go out and buy just one harmonica album Roly’s “Inside Out” would be it. And I’d sit it comfortably next to such classics as Jimmy Smith and Miles Davis.”
– World of Harmonica
ROLY PLAYS
Roly Plays Seydel Harmonicas
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“Your teaching is deeply appreciated…
I really appreciate the warm, friendly, welcoming and insightful way that you teach your workshops.”
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“Everyone loves it!”
“In my Intermediate Harmonica Course at Niagara College, I include the Harp Wah as part of my gear seminar.”
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“This is THE sound I’ve been looking for in a cup style wah.”
I just received my Harp Wah, and I already love it!
It’s waaaay more comfortable to use than a coffee or tea cup, plus it’s much easier to direct the sound into a mic. I look forward to recording with it.
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“Every harp player needs a Harp Wah to express themselves to the fullest!
Thank You Roly!!!”
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Sounds Like a Trumpet Mute…
“Very much sounds like a trumpet mute… produces very crisp wah-wahs when you want.”
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Loving it.
He’s very funny and relatable and I feel more confident that even though I don’t understand music, I can still become a great player.
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Hilarious stories… keep it an entertaining read!
Whether you are just a music fan, new to playing or a long time student of the harmonica, Roly shares the challenges and joys of discovery in music practice and performing with this portable pocket instrument we love to play. Lots of funny and insightful observations whether on or off stage, in the recording studio, and often hilarious stories from life on the road always keep it an entertaining read.
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I’m just a beginner… but it brings such a new color palette and expressiveness.
Such a nice and well built product. Wow! And the sound!! Hell, I’m just a beginner but it brings such a new color palette and expressiveness to the sound. Can’t really cup well with my hands – but with your mute, it’s so easy.
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“Yes!!!! The Wah Claw handle makes it even better!”
“It’s cool. The Harp Wah has it’s own thing – a different sound than using a tradition cup.”
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“Wicked!”
“The Harp Wah is a cool, expressive tool for acoustic harp players, with a learning curve near zero.”
