Wise and Otherwise

Harry Manx

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 2, 2002)
• Original Release Date: April 2, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Northern Blues
• ASIN: B000063T45
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #135,527 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Canadian bluesman Harry Manx makes what sounds like a recipe for disaster--acoustic covers of "The Thrill Is Gone" and "Foxy Lady" featuring the veena, a South Indian stringed instrument somewhat similar to the banjo--work surprisingly well. Manx comes by the Indian influences in his music honestly. He spent 25 years in India before relocating to Canada, where NorthernBlues (home of the equally accomplished Otis Taylor) has presented his second album, a follow-up to 2001's Dog My Cat. Wise and Otherwise continues the unusual but highly successful mix of traditional acoustic blues and Indian music pioneered on Manx's first album, though the inevitable comparisons to Kelly Joe Phelps are still apt. It's a little different from what you'd normally expect out of an acoustic bluesman, perhaps, but certainly none the worse for that. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Jewel, December 20, 2003

By	applewood (everywhere and nowhere) - See all my reviews

Every once in a while an artist appears with their recordings full blown and mature and their sound familiar like they've been part of the collective scene for years. Perhaps because Manx is an experienced musician so steeped in the traditional music of India his playing sounds old and familiar and enveloping. I didn't consider this blues right away, in fact I didn't consider it anything but good.

While this all might sound rarified and elite, his music is actually raw and soulful, just in a subtle and graceful way. His slide guitar and Mohan Veena work is always tasteful, nicely accompanied by his capable harmonica playing and singing. His main instrument (veena) is so rich and resonant I hardly even notice he is mostly playing alone. His song selection is enjoyable (mostly originals that sound tradtional as well as traditionals that sound original). The production is simple and clean. The mood he creates is soothing and spacious and, as the title says, wise, (and as such sheds light on those moments that are otherwise). Of the 5 CD's I now have of his, this is my favorite.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harry Manx, September 30, 2004

By	Dash Elan (Australia) - See all my reviews

I first heard Harry Manx live at Australia's brilliant East Coast Blues & Roots Festival. Foxy Lady played on a banjo ! Who would have thought?
A truly great sound, well crafted originals and interesting treatments of blues and rock classics. I have hunted down and purchased all the discs and love them all. The sound of the Mohan Veena, all twenty plus strings, adds a haunting eastern gloss to a fine collection. Highly reccomended.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harry Manx - The new wave of jazz, November 11, 2003

By	Kevin - See all my reviews

I saw this gentleman in Banff, Alberta about a year ago. Let me tell you, it wasn't what I expected in a blues singer. He whips out this indian slide guitar and starts playing mississippi blues style with it. This sort of hybridized blues feel is new to me and I love it. I only wish more people would do cool stuff with indian music.
I was so impressed by his show that I had to email him to tell him. Amazingly, he wrote me back thanking me. To me, that's a musician that appreciates his audience.
Thank you Harry Manx for the beautiful music. Everyone I talk to about music now knows of you. :)