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Connie and the Choirboys – Red-Headed Rhythm & BluesHarry 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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