|  Harry
Manx - Mantras For Madmen
{2005 | Dog My Cat Records}
This is a far cry
from your typical blues CD. This disc was quite
challenging for me to review. A few words I would
use to start describing it would be interesting,
strange, spiritual and intriguing. Harry Manx is
a very talented musician, singer, songwriter and
performer. He has won numerous awards for his songwriting,
performing, albums etc., has toured the entire world
and has such a unique style and sound that it is
difficult to describe and hard to resist. He has
found a soothing balance between Indian music and
the blues. If you have time, visit his website and
learn more. Take a musical journey that will lead
you to another world, the world of Harry Manx.
The
band is:
Harry Manx – Vocals, 6 string guitar, lap
slide guitar, banjo, mohan veena, tamboura
John Reischman- Mandolin
Geoff Hicks- Drums, percussion
Billy Mendoza- Bass
Niel Golden- Tabla, hang, bells
Steve Marriner- Harmonica
Emily Braden- Vocals
Linda Kidder- Vocals
Joani Bye- Vocals
Helen Davis- Vocals
The
tracks are:
1. Where Fools Die – mellow tune with smooth
vocals and pleasing harp
2. San Diego-Tijuana- J.J. Cale song transformed
into an Indian gem
3. The Point of Purchase- just a nice and simple
tune
4. Never The Twain– enjoyable mandolin licks,
lead and backing vocals
5. A Single Spark- very cool blend of lap slide
guitar, tamboura, mohan veena and harp
6. Your Sweet Name- lyrical masterpiece with a taste
of bluegrass mandolin picking
7. Afghani Raga- an instrumental journey to the
soul
8. It Makes No Difference- slow and soothing with
nice mandolin
9. Don’t Take His Name Away- another slow
one that got a little repetitive
10. It Takes A Tear- enjoyable harmony and backing
vocals by Emily Braden
11. Nothing Fails Like Success- subtle electric
lap steel added a spark to a slow one
12. Talkin’ Turban- creative instrumental
with the mohan veena by Harry
I recommend this
CD to anyone who wants to add a different flavor
to their collection. Slip this disc in to ease into
your morning, to unwind after a hard day or to hit
the highway and let your mind wander as time passes
by. I give this disc 3.7 out of 5.0 Visit him online
at www.harrymanx.com
Joseph
"UJ" Miller
email :: uj@stlblues.net
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