Harry Manx

Harry Manx has been called an “essential link” between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. He has created a unique sound that is hard to forget and deliciously addictive to listen to.

Manx is a prolific artist, releasing seven albums in a six-year span with no signs of stopping. His first album Dog My Cat (2001, NorthernBlues Music), captured the attention of new fans, musical peers and media with favorable reviews and awards, including Best Blues Album of the Year from the Canadian Independent Music Association. The Juno-nominated follow-up Wise and Otherwise (2002) garnered nods from the American media with excellent reviews in the Chicago Sun Times and The Washington Post.

Born on the Isle of Man, Manx spent his childhood in Canada and left in his teens to live in Europe, Japan, India and Brazil. He honed his hypnotic live show on street corners, in cafes, bars and at festivals. But it was Indian music that captured Manx and in the mid-80s he began his five-year tutelage with Rajasthani Indian musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Grammy winner with Ry Cooder for —A Meeting by the River). He also received the gift of Bhatt’s custom-made, self-designed Mohan veena—a 20-stringed sitar/guitar that was the catalyst for Harry to forge a new path with his now signature east-meets-west style of music.

A successful touring performer, Manx has brought his “breathtaking” solo shows across Canada, into the U.S., Australia, France and most recently to Singapore and Spain. He has appeared at many prestigious festivals, world-class theatres, concert halls and infamous Blues clubs around the globe. Playing the Mohan Veena, lap steel, harmonica and banjo, Manx quickly envelops the audience into what has been dubbed “the Harry Zone” with his warm vocals and the hauntingly beautiful melodies of his original songs.

“The live performances have become the most exciting part of the music business for me,” Harry says.

Blending Indian folk melodies with blues, a sprinkle of gospel, and compelling grooves, Manx’s “mysticssippi” flavour is hard to resist, easy to digest and keeps audiences coming back for more.

Upcoming shows on Feb 15 at Bell Centre for the performing arts 8pm in Surrey and on Feb 16 at Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre.

Visit:www.harrymanx to more about Harry Manx and his music.