Page 29 - BiTS_07_JULY_2022

LL: So, you started out playing the
drums, like your dad. When and why
did you pick up the harmonica?

RM:I picked up the harmonica in my
late teens while in the service. I started
playing it mostly because of the blues I
was listening to at the time and it was
an instrument that was easy to carry
around. So, it lent itself to lots of
opportunities to practice.

LL: You recorded several albums on
the British JSP label. Can you tells us
how that came about, and about
your time with them?

RM: That came about because of my friendship with Andrew "Jr. Boy" Jones. He was with the
label in the early/mid 90's and he recommended me to the label owner. I wound up recording
4 CD'S with JSP. I appreciate what the label did for me. It was a good relationship for me at that
time.

LL: You must have done some performing in the UK. What do you remember about some
of those shows?

RM: Yes, my first time was in 98 and have been back several times since. It was my first time
overseas, so it was all very eye opening. Blackheath Concert Hall in London and Gardner Arts
Centre in Brighton stand out to me because it was the first time I had played rooms that nice.
Went to Athens, Greece on that tour and that was also a highlight. It was also my first time to
see—and play in—a castle.

LL: Let’s talk about your new release Power Without
Power. Please tell us about the title, and your vision
and concept for the album.

RM:I was trying to be very clear that it was a purely
acoustic CD and that the flavour was about creating a lot
with a little.

LL: What about the musicians who contributed to the
album? Do tell!