Richie Pollack IS Calgary’s “cross-harp ambassador”! He has been deliberately challenging the stereotype of the diatonic harmonica by challenging himself with every opportunity to tackle different styles of music on his own and with much encouragement from the fantastic musical community that surrounds him. One thing for certain is that Richie Pollack plays the livin’ tar outta that little ‘ole tin-sandwich!

How did it all start? Well, Richie received his first harmonica (like most of us do) in a Christmas stocking one year and immediately took a liking to the instrument. He especially like the way in which the harmonica could magically bring a 50 lb. dog to near tears within the first few notes. Just kidding! He did however begin figuring out how to play a little when big brother gave him a rare live Paul Butterfield record and, well, as they say...

Time passed and more enemies than friends were probably made due to limited skills at that time of course, however, Richie persevered and by the time he had just about driven everyone at home, everyone at school and everyone at work nuts, a friend offered him a seat in a blues band and well, he had no choice but to say yes…and really learn to play the harmonica. The training regime: listening to and playing along with Paul Butterfield, James Cotton, Big Walter Horton and Jr. Wells for starters and being talked into entering a harmonica contest in a downtown bar. (B.T.W. the bar was a full-on, heavy metal hang- out and the band that backed everyone up for the contest came complete with spandex, much hair, Marshal stacks and luckily, a fondness for the blues). Although he didn’t win, Richie placed third and won a few new harps. The real prize for him though was the experience of playing in front of a crowd. Very cool (and contagious)!

Over the years Richie fronted a few different bands in Calgary and managed to land some great session experience as well, making him one of the first call “harmonicators” in the area.

Currently, Richie is getting back out there in support of his most recent recording, “Stew”, which was nominated for the 2006 WCMA award for Outstanding Blues Recording.