Harry Manx and surprise guest Steve Marriner performed their concert at Hudson’s quaint and acoustically friendly Village Theatre.  With a population of just over 5,000 people, the small bucolic enclave of Hudson, Quebec is rich with live music; but last night just before the concert the buzz in the crowd was all about the nearby flooding which was even visible from the theatre.

Every so often we are fortunate to be at the right place at the right time, I think that may be called serendipity and it was that thought that resonated in my mind throughout last night’s performance.  This sold-out concert was bliss to my ears, alchemy to my soul, and nourishment for the rest of my body…mmm, can you tell that I enjoyed what I heard?

Manx’s mélange of slide guitar, blues roots music, coupled with Indian folk phrases are distinctive and easy on the ears. Performing with his guitar, six-string banjo and the mohan veena the variety of sounds seemed limitless.  Steve Marriner switched between an array of harps and his Fender Telecaster, adding lead and backup vocals throughout the night.

The concert began with “Death Have Mercy,” Manx’s 2002 release off his “Wise and Otherwise” album.  This song really set the momentum for the evening, as everyone in attendance was overcome by the exquisiteness of the music.  After a couple of songs that featured Manx’s banjo playing, Harry switched back to his guitar and introduced the title track from his latest release “Hell Bound For Heaven.” Other highlights featured in the first set included: “Lay Down My Worries,” “Let it Go” and his wonderful cover of Muddy Water’s “Baby Please Don’t Go.”

After a short intermission, the duo returned to play another hour long set that featured such tunes as “Spoonful” and another Muddy Water’s song. The set ended with Manx’s wonderful interpretation of Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love.”  Enjoy the video clips that were filmed during the concert’s second set. So happy that Harry agreed to share these videos with you.

This was by far my favorite concert of the year and I look forward to the next time we check in with Harry Manx.

Set list:

Oh Death

Working on a Railroad

Nothing                 

Hell Bound              

My Lord                              

Tijuana

Rise and Fall                    

Baby Please Don’t Go/Help Me

Bring That Thing

Death Don’t Have No Mercy        

Don’t Forget to Miss Me

Wish I had Answered    

Rattlesnake                  

Spoonful    

Coat of Mail       

Good Time Charlie

Can’t Be Satisfied

Crazy Love