"The Blues is very old if we consider that it originated in Africa and Indian music is also very ancient. The depth that comes from age is found in both styles."

Harry Manx: Om Mysticssippi Ohm

Harry Manx has been dubbed an “essential link” between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. His unique sound is bewitching and deliciously addictive to listen to. Born on the Isle of Man, Manx spent his childhood in Canada and left in his teens to live in Europe, Japan, India and Brazil. He honed his hypnotic live show on street corners, in cafes, bars and at festivals. But it was Indian music that captured his attention and in the mid-80s he began a five-year tutelage with Rajasthani Indian musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Grammy winner with Ry Cooder).

Receiving the gift of Bhatt’s custom-made, self-designed Mohan Veena (a 20-stringed sitar/guitar hybrid) was the catalyst for Harry to forge a new path with his now signature east-meets-west style of music. A successful touring performer, Manx has brought his “breathtaking” solo shows across Canada and into the USA, Australia, and Europe. He has appeared at many prestigious festivals, world-class theatres, concert halls and infamous Blues clubs around the globe. Playing the Mohan Veena, lap steel, harmonica, stomp box, and banjo, Manx quickly envelops the audience into what has been dubbed “the Harry Zone” with his warm vocals and the hauntingly beautiful melodies of his original songs.

It’s in the live setting, Manx says, that the bridge between “heavenly” India and “earthy” American blues is most effectively built. Manx is a prolific artist, releasing nine albums in a eight-year span with no signs of stopping. He has received seven Maple Blues Awards and his mantel shelf also holds honours from the Canadian Folk Music Awards, Vancouver magazine Georgia Straight, and the South Australia Blues Society. He received CBC Radio’s Great Canadian Blues Awards for 2007 and his albums have garnered five Juno nominations. Blend Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues, add a sprinkle of gospel and some compelling grooves and you’ll get Manx’s unique “mysticssippi” flavour. It’s hard to resist, easy to digest and keeps audiences coming back for more.

Interview by Michael Limnios

What do you learn about yourself from the Eastern and Blues culture? How important were in your life?

I’ve had the chance to learn many things during the process of playing Blues and Indian music. That’s because the journey changes you. As you move deeper into the music you will find that the music speaks about ‘who’ you really are. The notes you choose says a lot about you. The musician can be found in the music.

"Life is not without its challenges, but overall I’m enjoying the musical journey I’m on now more than ever."

How do you describe “Mysticssippi” sound and progress, what characterize your music philosophy?

The ‘Mysticssippi’ sound is a combination of Blues and Indian Classical music. There are blues scales and ‘Raga’ scales’ that share the same notes. Blues is like the earth and Indian Classical is heavenly, I try to find common ground between the two styles.

What experiences in your life have triggered your ideas for music and songs most frequently?

I learned to play Blues while working in a Blues club as a sound man in the 1970’s. I mixed sound for Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Hound Dog Taylor and many others.  Later on I lived in India for 12 years and learned to play Indian Classical music. My songs are inspired by the world around me. I often write on the themes of Love, Life, Death, Joy, Sorrow, Beauty.

Which is the most interesting period in your life? Which was the best moment of your career?

I find that this period of my life is more interesting than any of my past. I now have acceptance as an artist and I’m content with the life I lead. Life is not without its challenges, but overall I’m enjoying the musical journey I’m on now more than ever.

Why did you think that the Blues continues to generate such a devoted following? What does Blues mean to you?

The Blues is something that everyone on the planet can relate to. It’s the desire to be liberated from the struggles of life. In Indian Classical music there are also some very deep, dark ragas that sound like the deepest Blues you’ve ever heard. Blues is also very uplifting and liberating to both the musician and the listener.

What has been the relationship between East and West in your life and music?

I’ve spent many years in India and Japan. Those cultures are represented in their art and music.

I explored their music and learned to make it part of my own sound. I mixed the music of the East and the West together.

What are some of the most memorable gigs and jams you've had? Which memory makes you smile?

I played in New York City at the Bruce Springsteen Tribute. After playing Bruce came backstage and  said to me “I feel like I learned something new watching you play”. I also toured for two years with the  Folk musician Richie Havens, every night was special.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What is the best advice ever given you?

I met Vishwa Mohan Bhatt in Rajasthan India in the late 80’s.  I spent five years learning from him. He told me “never try to be greater than the music”. It was his way of saying ‘don’t let your ego be part of your music’

Are there any memories from your busking era in Europe and your trips in India which you’d like to share with us?

I was a busker in Europe and Japan up until the year 2000. Those were the years when I learned to play well. Playing on the street was all preparation for a larger stage. Over the course of those years I had many experiences that inspired me to keeping moving forward. Sometimes that inspiration came as words or money or good deeds. And some of the best lessons learned were hard ones.

"The Blues is something that everyone on the planet can relate to. It’s the desire to be liberated from the struggles of life. In Indian Classical music there are also some very deep, dark ragas that sound like the deepest Blues you’ve ever heard."

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of music?

I try to remain focused on my own music. I try to grow that music, I try to move it into the future by being innovative and creative so that it remains relevant to these times. I can’t see where it’s going but I’m enjoying the journey.

You are also known as 20-stringed Mohan Veena (custom guitar) player. Would you tell a little bit about that?

The Mohan Veena is an instrument that mixes the Sitar and Guitar together. It has 20 strings and is played in the lap with a steel bar in the left hand. It is a new and unique instrument created by my teacher Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

I’ve been playing this instrument for 20 years and I’m still learning a lot about it.

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues with the music of East and West?

The Blues is very old if we consider that it originated in Africa and Indian music is also very ancient. The depth that comes from age is found in both styles. In both Blues and Indian music strings are bent and stretched into new tones by pulling on them.

What has made you laugh lately and what touched (emotionally) you from the world and music?

I recently had my Mohan Veena stolen in Chicago. I was emotionally destroyed. I’ve had the Veena for 20 years and it was hard to lose it. But lucky for me it has come back and we are once again together. I’m happy.

"The ‘Mysticssippi’ sound is a combination of Blues and Indian Classical music. There are blues scales and ‘Raga’ scales’ that share the same notes."

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day..?

If and when I have the chance to go anywhere for a day, I go home. That’s where I recharge my battery.

I live on a small island on the West Coast of Canada with my wife and son. Time at home is always precious.

Harry Manx - official website