Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast

Adam 'Tidy' Burney interview

August 14, 2021 Neil Warren Season 1 Episode 44
Happy Hour Harmonica Podcast
Adam 'Tidy' Burney interview
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Adam Burney joins me on episode 44. 
Adam is a south London boy, from Croydon. A stint playing with the punk bands of this area has helped shape his sound with an edge of Blues punk, including in his own band, The Brothers of Mothershovel. 
A big fan of pre-war style of harmonica, Adam has incorporated these techniques into a style which fits into a modern band. Characterised by a rhythmic driving sound which is infectiously danceable.
Adam has recorded some notable tv sessions including some harmonica used in the BBC TV Doctor Who series.
Adam’s latest album ‘Tidy’s Blues Sandwich’ is more of a full-on blues album, recorded with some of the great players currently on London blues scene.

Links:
Tidy's Blues Sandwich album:
https://tidysbluessandwich.bandcamp.com/releases

The Brothers of Mothershovel Bandcamp page:
https://thebrothersofmothershovel.bandcamp.com

Brothers of Mothershovel: Umcha, Umcha album review by Richard Taylor: http://www.harpsurgery.com/umcha-umcha-brothers-of-mothershovel/

Videos:

Hovel Bop video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2AhvIwtrH0

Make The Tea/On The Run Again from latest album:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LCYqy7LxQWI&feature=share

Harpin' By The Sea workshop on Noah Lewis:
https://youtu.be/pbV21VF-yOw

Return of Jerome:
https://youtu.be/zxhgT9P9wjo

Wolfie Witcher documentary:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=135_abFUQfk&feature=share

PCP - Let The Fun Begin:
https://youtu.be/xD3lZpDTAqs

Keith Turner and Southern Sound rehearsal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDADnebDAO0


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

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Where stage name ‘Tidy’ comes from
Adam is from Croydon in South London and early musical influences
Mark Feltham was inspiration which got Adam playing harmonica
Then dug into the blues harmonica greats
Adam started playing harmonica aged 13, and first harmonica was Marine Band
Learning resources of today compared to when Adam first starting learning
Started playing with his brother and that led onto to player in bands on bass and harmonica
Formed his band The Brothers of Mothershovel in 2004 and punk influence
Where name Brothers of Mothershovel came from
Great videos made for songs
Other bands that Adam played with early on
Playing harmonica in punk bands and how to play punk harmonica
Has a love of the pre-war harmonica players
Did workshop on Noah Lewis at UK Harpin’ By The Sea festival in 2021
How Adam approaches songwriting
Brothers of Mothershovel is Adam’s main band, with first album Lay Back and Think of Croydon
Adam’s brand of ‘bop’ harmonica brings a strong rhythmic sense and fun to his sound
Sings some of lyrics as spoken parts
Used to go to see Wolfie Witcher play in London, who influenced Adam’s approach to singing
Second Brothers of Mothershovel album, Umcha Umcha
Richard Taylor from the Harp Surgery website, does an excellent review of the album
Value of making albums for exposure and just capturing the sound of the moment
Return of Jerome is a single released with another band, with a great video
Latest album released in 2021 is Tidy’s Blues Sandwich with some great players from London Blues scene
Brothers of Mothershovel only play occasional gigs now
Some of the songs on Tidy’s Blues Sandwich album
The ‘bop harmonica’ songs that Adam plays
Chad Strentz (who sings with Paul Lamb) sings a couple of songs on the album
Where you can listen to the album
Adam performs in London with Italian blues guitarist and singer Marco Buono
Other bands that Adam plays with
Recently started playing with a ska and reggae band, The Riffs
The decline in live music venues is making it harder to get gigs
Session work, including playing on BBC TV’s Doctor Who
10 minute question
Adam’s harmonica of choice is the classic Hohner Marine Band, and customisation
Favourite key of diatonic
Different tunings
Different positions
Embouchre
Chromatic
Amps
Mics
Effects pedals
How has he been keeping busy during pandemic
Future plans