by Mike Wade

twitter:@iomnewspapers

Given that it took him more than 50 years to make a return to the Isle of Man, it seems that Harry Manx is starting to become a regular face around the island.

A hard working, wandering blues soul, Harry Manx is currently in the midst of a world tour and is visiting the island for two shows this weekend.

Harry will be appearing at the Basement bar, on Wellington Street on Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29, and it is clear that the Canadian bluesman sees coming to the Isle of Man as an important trip for him.

He was born in Douglas in 1955 and emigrated to Canada aged six.

Later he adopted the name ’Manx’ as a quirky and different-sounding title and has recorded under it since 2001.

However, he didn’t return to the island until 2014, when he played his first concert at the Peel Centenary Centre, following this up with a return concert last year.

’I feel a great connection with the Isle of Man,’ said Harry.

’Walking round Douglas feels a bit like walking on sacred ground, and a deep sense of belonging arises in me. I love the island and always look forward to sharing my music with the locals.’

The 63-year-old slide and blues maestro has spent the last few months in Europe, and he heads for his ’home-coming’ of sorts to the Isle of Man before heading off for dates in Germany, the UK and Norway.

Harry released his 13th album, Faith Lift in 2017, and he said this year has been a busy one, but one that he has so far thoroughly enjoyed.

’I began this year with a concert tour of Australia,’ said Harry.

I did 33 shows which included three festival performances. After that I returned to Canada, said a quick hello to the family and hit the road for another cross-country tour of 30 theatre shows.

’I came home for the summer but left on weekends to play folk and jazz festivals. At present I’m just finishing a tour of French Canada before heading to the UK.

’Yes it’s been a busy year that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed!’

In between a hectic touring schedule, Harry is planning to release more new material next year.

Following Faith Lift, which is a collection of some of his older, original songs, with one or two blues and American folk classics, recorded with the string section from the Sydney Opera House, Harry is now working on a project that focuses on blues and gospel music.

This is indicative of a musician who is famed for blending styles, genres and cultures together to create beautiful, original music.

He is well known for playing the 20-string Mohan Veena, a mix of a lap steel guitar and an Indian sitar, which he began to play after studying with Vishnan Mohan Bhatt in the early 1990s.

His unique style of east-meets-west ’Mysticssippi’ blues is proving ever-popular, and he shows no sign of wanting to hang up his guitar, banjo or veena any time soon.

’I will keep on playing music as long as the world will have me,’ he said.

’I’m blessed with a bit of talent and a lot of inspiration to bring some joy. I’ve got to make use of it.’

Harry appears on the island in conjunction with 3fm.