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Manx appears here in mainly solo,
instrumental mode (mohan veena, banjo, lap steel, harmonica,
acoustic guitar). There's
occasional keyboards from Wynn Gogol and tabla from
Niel Golden. Enchanting background harmonies
provided by talented voices, aptly called the Heavenly Lights,
lend this enterprise an even more pronounced spiritual
quality. Manx possesses such impeccable taste, and he can draw
upon such a kaleidoscope of exotic and intriguing sounds with
his weaving fingertips, that only some diminution in his
compositional skills could ever diminish his powers. But from
the evidence here, his song writing is stronger than ever.
'Tough & Tender' is an especially moving number, a melodically
intriguing blend of Folk and Gospel, thanks to the mixture of
Manx's heartfelt vocals and Emily Braden's evocative
background oohs and aahs. Achingly poignant lyrics too! 'The
Ways Of Love' is another sublime entry, more Indian in motif,
yet Harry's magic even extends to vocals that conjure up
Hindu-inflected chants. Hypnotic! One can't omit mention of
'Make Way For The Living' with its haunting folk poetry set to
lilting rhythms, while 'Shadow Of The Whip' is compulsively
listenable. Sonny Boy 2's 'Help Me' is an example of Manx's
delicate interpretative skills, but 'Sittin' On Top Of The
World' is the cover that lingers longest, like intoxicating
incense. A luminous arrangement too! Along the way, there are
a couple of wonderful instrumentals: the Hindu-infused 'Forgive
And Remember' and 'Hector's Song'. It's easy to
underestimate Harry's vocal strengths, but whatever he may
lack in range is more than compensated for by a delivery that
is so very persuasive, at times reminiscent of both Bob Dylan
and Van Morrison. West Eats Meet reveals something that
goes beyond the expected. A superb accomplishment! MP3 -
Shadow of the Whip |
Tough n' Tender | |
