There are many synonyms for the word “unconventional,” such as unusual, unorthodox, unfamiliar, uncommon, or different. So why was that word chosen as the title of the CD? There are two reasons.

First, the origins of the instrument go back more than two hundred years. Even though the first known classical piece dedicated to the harmonica was written almost 100 years ago by English composer Cyril Scott, and many more followed by composers like Heitor Villa-Lobos, Darius Milhaud, Vaughan Williams, and Joaquín Rodrigo, it is still not regarded as a classical music instrument. Instead, it is seen as uncommon or “unconventional.”

Second, after one of my performances, a fellow harmonica player approached me and described my playing as unconventional. I am not sure if that was meant as a compliment. In hindsight, I have been asking myself, what is the conventional way of playing? There isn’t an “official” harmonica technique. My approach to the instrument is based on my experience playing the violin, as there are many similarities in terms of phrasing, sound, and vibrato. The well-known harmonica virtuoso, violinist, and my idol, Tommy Reilly, had an impeccable way of playing. His approach to the harmonica was always based on his violin technique.