Harry Manx returned to the island on Saturday to showcase his talents in both vocal and string instruments.

The musician played at Peel Centenary Centre on Athol Street on November 4, as part of a line of gigs organised by Jonathan Gollow who passed away earlier this year.

Originally from Douglas, Manx moved to Ontario in Canada at the age of six along with his family, where he later developed an interest in the Blues.

Today the artist indulges international audiences with his eclectic mix of Blues, Folk and Indian compositions of which his travels around the globe have enriched.

The audience at the Peel centre fell into a trance once Manx eased into his first song of the night, ’Only then will your House be Blessed’, on his sliding guitar.

The smooth notes were beautifully complimented with the rustic tones of Manx’s voice, as he sang what seemed like gospel-influenced lyrics.

Murmurs of excitement could be heard around the hall every time Manx went to play another piece, since the artist introduced a different instrument one after the other.

Not only does the musician have a talent in singing and playing the sliding guitar, but he also plays the harmonica, banjo and a 20-stringed Mohan Veena from India.

During the changes of instrument, Harry Manx would give the crowd little nuggets of information about his journey with music.

’I started recording at 46 years of age, writing my songs out by candlelight because we didn’t have enough for electricity back then,’ he said.

’I used all the money my wife and I had to spend one day in a recording studio where I composed my whole album.

’We released it about a year later and it was awarded best album of the year in Canada and 50,000 copies were sold.’

His audience responded by bursting into a large congratulatory applause.

Speaking to the song writer during the concert’s interval, Manx was eager to share his appreciation to the island’s interest in his work.

’It’s lovely to be here. I’m glad that people have come out and embraced my heritage.

’Although I haven’t lived here in years, I have a good connection because of my family. My mother is from the island and still speaks the way they speak here. I remember my Granny sending me rock candy from the island when I was a boy, living in Canada.

’My name has done me well, as it’s very unusual,’ he continued. ’Most Canadians don’t know where it comes from, so it gives the island recognition over there.’

Manx was invited to visit the island again after playing here in 2011 by Jonathan Gollow, who was a well-respected promoter of local music.

His performance on Saturday marks the last of a number of gigs arranged by Jonathan, known as "Jonno" before he passed away unexpectedly.

Harry Manx said: ’Jonno had a good interest about me after reading an article in a newspaper. He wanted to put on a show to get people interested.

’I remember after my performance, a couple of years back, a man in the crowd stood up and said ’Welcome home Harry!’ I felt very well received.’

Harry Manx will continue to tour away from Canada and will be playing at festivals in Australia, as he has recently recorded string quartet at the Sydney Opera House.

Previously, the artist had traveled around Europe and Japan where he played on the streets, picking up ideas from fellow musicians.

’You need to keep moving to develop your act, otherwise it can stagnate and this doesn’t engage the audience,’ he said.

Manx also spent 12 years in India, where he learnt about the Mohan Veena, an Indian classical instrument, at the feet of one of its creators, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

’It was a really big awakening because I was having to unlearn things about music and tuning,’ said Manx.

’He taught me a lot about philosophy, telling me ’Don’t try to be greater than the song, it should come first, not yourself’.’

To follow Manx’s soulful music search for his Facebook page @harrymanx.

by Jess Ward

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