Harry Manx at Small Halls in Sydenham

Wilma Kenny | Oct 11, 2023

Last Friday evening, Harry Manx played to a full house in Sydenham, as part of the Small Halls series. For whatever reason, he’s been off the radar for much of the past eight years, so it was a rare treat to see and hear him again.

He’s known and has won many awards as a Canadian folk and blues musician who has developed a skillful blend of traditional blues, country folk and Hindustani classical, switching seamlessly between banjo, guitar, mouth organ and a 20-string instrument called a Mohan Veena. Early on in the concert, his personal rendition of “Take this Hammer” would have pleased even Leadbelly (Huddy Ledbetter), and it assured him this listener’s complete attention! He was equally at home with a haunting version of Gershwin’s classic “Summertime”.

Manx performed solo, managing drum accompaniment with his feet. His brief interludes of patter were highly amusing, and the audience reacted warmly.

It was a lovely and absorbing evening of music; over much too soon.