Manitoba Hal

Reckless & Wild

Manitoba Hal

In cart Not available Out of stock

Limited Edition CD Download

In cart Not available Out of stock

The modern sound of the ukulele? Two ukuleles and a drum machine? No matter how you describe it, this recording is a departure from the usual strumming sound associated with the humble ukulele. Manitoba Hal has filled it with infections grooves, overdriven slide leads, glorious ambient reverbs and lush arrangements. All performed on his trusty

The modern sound of the ukulele? Two ukuleles and a drum machine? No matter how you describe it, this recording is a departure from the usual strumming sound associated with the humble ukulele. Manitoba Hal has filled it with infections grooves, overdriven slide leads, glorious ambient reverbs and lush arrangements. All performed on his trusty double neck ukulele and his "Made-By-Hal" baritone resonator ukulele.

Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    Be Careful What You Ask For 2:56
    Lyrics
    Your price

    Be Careful What You Ask For

    Manitoba Hal

    Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$1.00 or more)

    Please pay at least C$1.00

    Out of stock
    0:00/2:56
  2. 2
    Southern Moon 4:25
    Lyrics
    Your price

    Southern Moon

    Manitoba Hal

    Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$1.00 or more)

    Please pay at least C$1.00

    Out of stock
    0:00/4:25
  3. 3
    Bonnie And Clyde 3:29
    Lyrics
    Your price

    Bonnie And Clyde

    Manitoba Hal

    Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$1.00 or more)

    Please pay at least C$1.00

    Out of stock
    0:00/3:29
  4. 4
    All Around The World 3:49
    Lyrics
    Your price

    All Around The World

    Manitoba Hal

    Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$1.00 or more)

    Please pay at least C$1.00

    Out of stock
    0:00/3:49
  5. 5
    Learned Pigs And Fireproof Women 3:50
    Lyrics
    Your price

    Learned Pigs And Fireproof Women

    Manitoba Hal

    Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$1.00 or more)

    Please pay at least C$1.00

    Out of stock
    0:00/3:50
  6. 6
    Daylight 3:39
    Lyrics
    Your price

    Daylight

    Manitoba Hal

    Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$1.00 or more)

    Please pay at least C$1.00

    Out of stock
    0:00/3:39
  7. 7
    Ten Bucks Too Light 3:47
    Lyrics
    Your price

    Ten Bucks Too Light

    Manitoba Hal

    Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$1.00 or more)

    Please pay at least C$1.00

    Out of stock
    0:00/3:47

Back To The Well

Manitoba Hal

Download: Your price

Back To The Well

Manitoba Hal
Album download

Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$8.00 or more)

Please pay at least C$8.00

Out of stock

Manitoba Hal returns to the well of music that inspired him.

The songs on Back To The Well span his entire performing career and are standards that define who he is as a musician. Ragtime, Piedmont, Delta Blues, Folk and Tin Pan Alley styles all combine to make a playlist of mid-century American roots music presented in an intimate acoustic style

Manitoba Hal returns to the well of music that inspired him.

The songs on Back To The Well span his entire performing career and are standards that define who he is as a musician. Ragtime, Piedmont, Delta Blues, Folk and Tin Pan Alley styles all combine to make a playlist of mid-century American roots music presented in an intimate acoustic style that highlights his versatility, ease of delivery and confidence in the music. This is the work of a seasoned professional who has nothing to prove. And yet, walking between playful, sorrowful, joyful and novelty without skipping a beat, he seamlessly covers new ground in old familiar songs. credits released June 1, 2022

Recorded at Hal's Kitchen Shelburne Nova Scotia

Produced by Nicole Colbeck and Manitoba Hal

Artwork illustrated and designed by Hal Brolund

Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    Richland Woman Blues 3:31
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:31
  2. 2
    Freight Train 2:24
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:24
  3. 3
    Atlanta Moan 4:23
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/4:23
  4. 4
    By The Light Of The Silvery Moon 2:25
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:25
  5. 5
    Wildflowers 3:14
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:14
  6. 6
    Hello Aloha! How Are You? 5:04
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/5:04
  7. 7
    Born With The Blues 3:19
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:19
  8. 8
    Grinnin In Your Face 2:50
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:50
“An excellent recording. Loving the brightness, seeming simplicity and great playing on it. It's a cure for the overkill of so much music. ” - Russ Musgrove

— Facebook

Vintage Blend

Manitoba Hal

Download: Your price

Vintage Blend

Manitoba Hal
Album download

Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$10.00 or more)

Please pay at least C$10.00

Out of stock

Get the Actual CD Download

In cart Not available Out of stock

Vintage Blend is a collection of Manitoba Hal songs reimagined and rearranged for cigar box guitar, ukulele and slide guitar. These newly recorded songs from the earliest stage of Manitoba Hal's career combine his rich, signature songwriting style with the clear and uncomplicated tone of homemade, "front porch" instruments.

The album begins with

Vintage Blend is a collection of Manitoba Hal songs reimagined and rearranged for cigar box guitar, ukulele and slide guitar. These newly recorded songs from the earliest stage of Manitoba Hal's career combine his rich, signature songwriting style with the clear and uncomplicated tone of homemade, "front porch" instruments.

The album begins with Manitoba Hal's first ukulele, a 1955 Martin soprano. His grandfather gave it to him on the condition that he learn to play it. He did and it changed everything. A little folk, a little blues and a little rock n' roll… this album showcases Manitoba Hal's varied songwriting and musical styles. credits released October 15, 2019

Manitoba Hal - lead vocals, ukulele, cigar box guitar, slide guitar, cigar box bass

Geoff Arsenault - junk percussion

Support Vocals (arranged by Nicole Colbeck) Jessica Jürgenliemk Kathleen Glauser Merrie Howe Chett Buchanan Nigel D'Eon Nicole Colbeck

All songs © Hal Brolund except This Condition and 30 Odd Days by Hal Brolund/Stephen Johns (SOCAN)

Produced by Nicole Colbeck/Hal Brolund

Recorded by Jay Pilzer at Maritimes Music Studio Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Canada

Photography by Lisa Buchanan

Design concept by Nicole Colbeck Graphic Layout by Hal Brolund

Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    Wake Up Jake 1:34
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/1:34
  2. 2
    Paradise 2:13
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:13
  3. 3
    King of the World 5:41
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/5:41
  4. 4
    30 Odd Days 2:51
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:51
  5. 5
    Poulet Shack 2:49
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:49
  6. 6
    This Condition 3:32
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:32
  7. 7
    A Night Like This 2:47
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:47
  8. 8
    1000 Miles of Blacktop 2:50
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:50
  9. 9
    Cost of the Blues 3:33
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:33
  10. 10
    Love Carries On 3:57
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:57
  11. 11
    Last Transmission 3:42
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:42

Blues Is In The Water

Manitoba Hal

Download: Your price

Blues Is In The Water

Manitoba Hal
Album download

Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$10.00 or more)

Please pay at least C$10.00

Out of stock

CD Download

In cart Not available Out of stock

Nominated for Blues Album of the Year - Music Nova Scotia 2019

This collection of songs is about water. WATER is in just about every one of these songs. Water takes the role of cleansing, of baptism, of home, of escape and freedom. It is location, redemption, obstacle and hope. This album is defined by water and water is the unifying element in

Nominated for Blues Album of the Year - Music Nova Scotia 2019

This collection of songs is about water. WATER is in just about every one of these songs. Water takes the role of cleansing, of baptism, of home, of escape and freedom. It is location, redemption, obstacle and hope. This album is defined by water and water is the unifying element in this collection of songs. Blues IS in the water. credits released March 1, 2018

All songs by Hal Brolund except; My Dyin Day by Hal Brolund and Joanne Stacey Paul Walked On by Pat Melanson

Manitoba Hal: Ukulele, Resonator Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar

Tim Williams: Octave Mandolin, Mandolin, 12 String Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar, Weisenborn guitar, Backup Vocals

Kevin Belzner: Drums

Kit Johnson: Upright Bass

Shaye Zadravec and Syndey Zadravec: Backup Vocals

Produced by Tim Williams

Engineered by Steve Gerard at Bette Jane Studio Calgary, Alberta

Mastered by Dave Horrocks at Infinite Wave Mastering, Calgary, Alberta

Photography by Lisa Buchanan Graphic design by Hal Brolund

Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    Alligator 3:21
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:21
  2. 2
    My Dyin' Day 3:12
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:12
  3. 3
    Papa Gâteau (Made Of Money) 2:59
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:59
  4. 4
    Peel Myself Away 3:13
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:13
  5. 5
    Paul Walked On 2:42
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:42
  6. 6
    Plenty Of Fish 2:47
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:47
  7. 7
    Saint Peter 3:03
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:03
  8. 8
    Hope Of A Brighter Day 3:29
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:29
  9. 9
    When Leadbelly Walked The River 3:02
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:02
  10. 10
    Blessed By Love 3:37
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:37

Live in Ghent

Manitoba Hal

Download: Your price

Live in Ghent

Manitoba Hal
Album download

Please choose a price: C$ CAD (C$10.00 or more)

Please pay at least C$10.00

Out of stock

The two-disc set Live In Ghent was recorded in April 2016 at Missy Sippy Blues & Roots Club while on a tour stop in Belgium. The result is a fascinating combination of masterful musicianship, enthusiastic audience and a night to remember.

Covering classic blues songs by Robert Johnson, Bukka White, Mississippi John Hurt and more. Manitoba Hal

The two-disc set Live In Ghent was recorded in April 2016 at Missy Sippy Blues & Roots Club while on a tour stop in Belgium. The result is a fascinating combination of masterful musicianship, enthusiastic audience and a night to remember.

Covering classic blues songs by Robert Johnson, Bukka White, Mississippi John Hurt and more. Manitoba Hal also performs several original songs and a cover of a popular Tom Waits song.

"Yep, this is what college coffeehouses were all about in the late 60s. Hal is a growler, playing and singing the blues solo with his ukulele. The proper mix for passing the hat as you passed a joint. A charming pro that holds his own against time and tide in fine style, it's easy to say this is as good as white boy blues gets (and with few exceptions, that's pretty accurate). If you aren't too cool for school or too hip for the room, you'll dig this as much as his fans in Belgium did when this live two cd recording was made. Check it out." MidwestRecord.com Jan 12, 2017

"(4 stars) Manitoba Hal Brolund brings a sturdy voice and a whole lot of ukulele dazzle to a song list stacked to the rafters with blues and folk staples on this double-disc “live” set from Belgium. The Winnipeg-bred uke whiz keeps his travel costs light, backing... more credits released January 13, 2017

Produced by Nicole Colbeck and Hal Brolund Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jeroen LaPeere

Cover photography by Jimmie Walgraeve Djiemie Photography

Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    Come On In My Kitchen 2:12
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:12
  2. 2
    Way Down In The Hole 3:05
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:05
  3. 3
    Atlanta Moan 3:10
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:10
  4. 4
    Automobile 2:22
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:22
  5. 5
    Baby Please Don't Go 3:29
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:29
  6. 6
    Evangeline Blues 3:53
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:53
  7. 7
    Dancing In The Moonlight 4:59
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/4:59
  8. 8
    Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me 2:54
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:54
  9. 9
    Sweet Home Chicago 3:34
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:34
  10. 10
    St James Infirmary 5:32
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/5:32
  11. 11
    My Babe 2:37
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:37
  12. 12
    Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women 3:52
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:52
  13. 13
    Ain't No Grave 3:48
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:48
  14. 14
    Tastes Like Chicken 3:45
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:45
  15. 15
    High Fever 2:42
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:42
  16. 16
    They're Red Hot 3:38
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:38
  17. 17
    Built For Comfort 3:15
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/3:15
  18. 18
    You Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond 2:42
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:42
  19. 19
    Key To The Highway 2:16
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/2:16
  20. 20
    Dig Me A Grave 5:32
    In cart Not available Out of stock
    0:00/5:32

Dancing In The Moonlight

Manitoba Hal

Buy album
In Dancing In The Moonlight Manitoba Hal is conjuring love and redemption either directly by calling to his lover or through the use of ancient magic. From the very first notes of One Kind Favour through the redemption of a sunrise in Daylight, the recording carries the listener through a tortured night full of voodoo spells and love notes. It
In Dancing In The Moonlight Manitoba Hal is conjuring love and redemption either directly by calling to his lover or through the use of ancient magic. From the very first notes of One Kind Favour through the redemption of a sunrise in Daylight, the recording carries the listener through a tortured night full of voodoo spells and love notes. It features Manitoba Hal on some sizzling slide ukulele along with a cast of supporting musicians.

Karen Morand - accordion and vocals
Leah Morise - vocals
Allison Brown - vocals
Alex Buchanan - organ, bass and vocals
Allan Crosby - drums, harmonica
Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    One Kind Favour 3:14
    0:00/3:14
  2. 2
    Come To Me 3:48
    0:00/3:48
  3. 3
    Dancing In The Moonlight 3:59
    0:00/3:59
  4. 4
    Sweet Honeybee 2:33
    0:00/2:33
  5. 5
    Ain't No Grave 3:25
    0:00/3:25
  6. 6
    Wayfaring Stranger 3:14
    0:00/3:14
  7. 7
    Daylight 2:51
    0:00/2:51

Down In The Kitchen

Manitoba Hal

Buy album
0:00/???
  1. 1
    Chili In The Pot 3:47
    0:00/3:47
  2. 2
    Evangeline Blues 3:25
    0:00/3:25
  3. 3
    We Lose It All 3:38
    0:00/3:38
  4. 4
    Mon Crayon 3:16
    0:00/3:16
  5. 5
    They're Red Hot 2:44
    0:00/2:44
  6. 6
    Dip Down 2:45
    0:00/2:45
  7. 7
    Come On In My Kitchen 2:48
    0:00/2:48
  8. 8
    A Thousand Miles of Blacktop 2:37
    0:00/2:37
  9. 9
    A Night Like This 3:25
    0:00/3:25
  10. 10
    All Day Breakfast 2:05
    0:00/2:05
  11. 11
    Dock Street Shuffle 2:44
    0:00/2:44
  12. 12
    The Bluesy Stuff 2:50
    0:00/2:50
  13. 13
    Gopherville 3:05
    0:00/3:05
  14. 14
    White Dog 3:37
    0:00/3:37
  15. 15
    Incredible Bread Washing Machine 2:04
    0:00/2:04
  16. 16
    Promised Land 3:05
    0:00/3:05
  17. 17
    Wake Up Jake 1:54
    0:00/1:54
  18. 18
    Sweet Summer Rain 3:43
    0:00/3:43
  19. 19
    Beyond August 3:10
    0:00/3:10

Devil On The Wall

Manitoba Hal

Buy album
"Devil on the Wall is a very bluesy album. A couple of fine covers of blues standards appear amongst the rollicking original tunes. Manitoba Hal may have set his ukelele aside for much of the album, but there is no denying that the man knows his way around a blues guitar. With a sweetly vulnerable cry in his naturally authoritative voice, the
"Devil on the Wall is a very bluesy album. A couple of fine covers of blues standards appear amongst the rollicking original tunes. Manitoba Hal may have set his ukelele aside for much of the album, but there is no denying that the man knows his way around a blues guitar. With a sweetly vulnerable cry in his naturally authoritative voice, the prairie boy turned blue-noser leaves no doubt that he has mastered the feel-good heartbreak that defines a really good blues tune.
Devil on the Wall is a fairly short album, only nine tracks, but it proves the adage that good things come in small packages. Do yourself a favour and check this one out." - No Depression Review


Nine bullets of pure blues triggered by Manitoba Hal’s reunion with his resonator guitar fly with precision on his twelfth recording, “Devil On The Wall”. Every note is right on target as this ‘Ukulele Bluesman’ demonstrates his marksmanship on both four and six strings, as well as his artistry as a vocalist and songwriter.

Omens of warning and signs of hope appear as Hal reveals the radiance hidden in the darkest of HOURS while reminding his fated fugitives, restless HEARTS, and lost travelers that even their brightest intentions can cast foreboding shadows. “Devil On The Wall” opens with it’s title track “.44”; an ominous tale of murder, escape and capture inspired by an urban myth about a dead body encased in the walls of an old hotel. The album’s drive follows the solid groove of Australian drummer Jonathon Barbagallo with, “Love Sign” a bold profession of love as yet unrequited. Penned by elusive bluesman Hi-Henry Brown, Hal includes “Titanic Blues”, a voice and resonator blues offering Captain Smith’s assurances for his unsinkable ship’s doomed passengers. Also included is the classic “Sweet Home Chicago” with Hal’s enthusiastic invitation to join him on a journey to the heart of the blues. “Smile” returns to the full electric blues sound with keys provided by the album’s producer, David Findlay and upright bass by T. B. Player. Hal creates a warm trio of voice, ukulele and resonator guitar on “Daylight” as the sun rises on a new day dawning the second half of the record. “Love Carries On” shares a daybreak departure taking to the unending road alone, leaving love behind. Manitoba Hal concludes "Devil On The Wall" with two songs about outlaws and outcasts; as lovers compare themselves with the heated passion of partners in crime in "Bonnie & Clyde", driving full throttle into reckless love. "Tom & Huck" is Hal's rambling resonator instrumental sailing the listener off to further mischievous adventures.

Tom Sawyer’s adventures accompanied Manitoba Hal on his writing retreat at an isolated solar powered cottage near Fort Coulange Quebec in October of 2012, where he crafted all nine songs on “Devil On The Wall”. His first guitar-based album since 2006’s “Come The Ruination”, Hal plays a one of a kind hand-built Arvey resonator built by Thunder Bay luthier Richard Harvey. Spending most of the last seven years performing mainly on ukulele, Hal’s love for the guitar never faded as he returned to it at home in Shelburne, Nova Scotia between his relentless tours across Canada, the U.K. and Australia. “Devil On The Wall” was recorded at Hal’s home studio and at David Findlay’s studio in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
Read more…
0:00/???
  1. 1
    .44 2:01
    0:00/2:01
  2. 2
    Love Sign 2:18
    0:00/2:18
  3. 3
    Titanic Blues 2:45
    0:00/2:45
  4. 4
    Sweet Home Chicago 3:13
    0:00/3:13
  5. 5
    Smile 2:38
    0:00/2:38
  6. 6
    Daylight 3:19
    0:00/3:19
  7. 7
    Love Carries On 3:25
    0:00/3:25
  8. 8
    Bonnie & Clyde 2:26
    0:00/2:26
  9. 9
    Tom & Huck 3:05
    0:00/3:05