Front Liner

Hiya guys Jamie here again, Im here with an interview with Harmonica Lewinsky who are one of the best blues bands performing in Scotland today. The members of Harmonica Lewinsky have over one hundred years of experience between them and are all accomplished musicians in their own right. Put them together and they produce outstanding blues. Ive had the pleasure of seeing them live and not only are they entertaining and engaging they are a bunch of really good guys that would get on well with anyone. If you ever get the chance go see them (especially if your a blues fan)

I had the chance to get an interview with Robert Ryan who is the front man for Harmonica Lewinsky and it went a little like this:


Jamie - What is the music scene in dumbarton like? is it healthy?

HM - For live music there aren't that many venues although the Burgh Bar has regular live music and others do it occasionally. Alexandria and the Vale of Leven seems to have a more vibrant live music scene with bands and jam sessions arranged in various venues.

Jamie - Do you feel there should be more gigs for all age groups

HM - we don't think you can beat live music but maybe we are biased. Some of the best gigs weve attended have been 'local' ones and it would be good to see that tradition continue, as you say, for all ages



Jamie - Do you think there should be more facility's for live music?

HM - We would like that to happen but really that is down to it being financially viable. If a venue puts on a live band they have to recoup that cost somehow.

Jamie - Is there any specific genre of music that is followed in dumbarton?.

HM - We don't think so although weve have been playing blues in the area for a number of years. Certainly the blues/rock genre has quite a following in the wider area (if you include Alexandria and the Vale)

Jamie - What would you like to see change in dumbarton?

HM - We would like to see more venues offer live music.

Jamie - Is there a future for dumbartons local music?

HM - we would like to think so. There are always young musicians who are keen to write and perform. Long may that continue.

Jamie - What are your main influences as a band?

HM - We play Blues and Rhythm and Blues. Our influences would be everything from Chuck Berry to Dr Feelgod, Sonny Boy Williamson to Tom Waits. We do mainly covers but are increasing the amount of our own material in the set.

Jamie - Do you feel you have to travel away from dumbarton to experience more music?

HM - we think that's true

Jamie - is there a strong demand for music in dumbarton?

HM - It's hard to say. The current economic climate means that people aren't going out so much and they have much more access to recorded music than ever before. Sometimes getting people out from the comfort Zone can be difficult.

Jamie - What are the main sources for yourselves to actually access music in terms of newspapers, online blogs, radio............fanzines?!

HM - To access music we use Spotify. As far as purchasing goes we do most of that online these days and most of our listening is done via the MP3 format.


Thank you for your time and effort :)