Boomerangs and Crackajacks

A detailed research study into the history of the harmonica (mouth organ) in Australia From 1825 to 1960.

Contains approximately 200 photos and illustrations of instrument brands, adult and children’s competitions and events and stories of harmonica players and performers of the period.

Author Biography

Ray Grieve was a vocalist and rhythm guitarist in 1960’s Sydney rock and blues bands including the Elliot Gordon Union. He played tin whistle, flute and guitar in traditional Australian folk bands and was one of the founding members of The Rouseabouts, within the Bush Music Club in the 1970s. In the 1980s, he began the research and collection of material on the harmonica in Australia. The result of this research was his book, “A Band in a Waistcoat Pocket” (The Story of the Harmonica in Australia), published by Currency Press and the companion tape and CD sets of original historic Australian mouth organ recordings, released by Larrikin Records and launched by Larry Adler in 1995. He has released two independent CD albums by his band, Bushlark, performing vocals, flutes, tin whistles and various other instruments titled: “Reedy River Flute” (2000) and “For Now”(2007). Twenty Bushlark videos and audio tracks are available on YouTube and CD Baby, Spotify and other online outlets.