Customer Reviews

In Good We Trust

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Kevin Breit may be the best guitarist you've never heard of, and together with singer/songwriter/revisionist Harry Manx,he's put together a great album of very modern blues and country sounds that's as exciting as anything I've heard in years. As good as it is, however, you really have to see them live to fully appreciate the incredible sound the two of them get without assistance from bass or drums. And none is needed. These guys can really play! Each is tremendously talented on a wide variety of stringed instruments, but it's the interplay that makes them, and both of their collaborrative CDs,outstanding. Manx is a mature, evocative singer, and writes some pretty profound lyrics ( on the few songs he writes ), but it's Breit's amazing guitar work that makes this CD exceptional. Listen to "Steal 6 " and tell me he's not the best player since Ry Cooder.
Get this CD, and then check out " Jubilee".

Two of the best - and you'll look at cigar boxes differently now!

I discovered Harry Manx a few years ago and have most of his CDs and DVD - see my review of his "Blues and Ragas" DVD on Amazon. Kevin Brett was new to me. Most of Harry's recordings are on his own label but this one is on the great Canadian-based Stony Plain. I came to this one a bit late but am SO glad I did!

Harry gets all the lead vocals - and wrote most of the non-instrumental songs here. (There is a cover of Springsteen's "I'm on Fire" to lead off the CD.) There are three instrumentals, two of which Kevin wrote and the third "Don't Swim, Float" is a co-write. Its bluegrass with a funky backbeat, with Harry on lap slide and Kevin out front on lightening fast mandolin. The album ends with a more laid back instrumental titled "sisters". Harry plays a variety of stringed instruments here. There is one with the unique 20-string Mohan Veena, which he's introduced to North America. And on a few numbers, including the Springsteen cover, he plays the Cigar Box guitar. There's a whole group of folks playing these but, if memory serves me right, this is the first time Harry has played one on an album.

To say this is one of my favorite albums this month, would be an understatement. This is just great. Check out the samples and see if you don't agree. I heard that they are planning a follow-up in 2010. I, for one, can hardly wait!

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

Love Harry and his music - great disc - if you love blues - but it.

Manx and Breit have produced a fantastic blend of folk and rock with eastern influence. Sheer delight