Press Materials - (right click and save as to copy)
Press Quotes
"...who would have thought of a ukulele as a blues instrument, but when Hal played 'St James Infirmary Blues' it became clear that the artistry was with the musician, not in the instrument."
 | One Sheet 8.5" x 11" Full Colour PDF File File size 4.4MB Download |  | Gig poster 8.5" x 14" Full Colour PDF File File Size 7.8MB Download |
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 | Promotional Pics 8"x10" Full Colour 2400px X 3000px JPG 300DPI File Size 4MB Download Photo used by permission © Lisa D Buchanan |  | Promotional Pics 8"x10" Full Colour 2400px X 3000px JPG 300DPI File Size 4MB Download Photo used by permission © Lisa D Buchanan |
 | Promotional Pics 8"x10" Full Colour 3000px X 2400px JPG 300DPI File Size 4MB Download Photo used by permission © Lisa D Buchanan |
Press Quotes
"...who would have thought of a ukulele as a blues instrument, but when Hal played 'St James Infirmary Blues' it became clear that the artistry was with the musician, not in the instrument."
Wells Community News, Wells, BC
"With a slate of songs ranging from the silly to the sorrowful, from heartfelt, smooth and rich gospel to scratchy, rootsy blues, Manitoba Hal kept the audience entranced. His songs have witty and involving lyrics that are about 'real life' stuff that any audience can relate to."
Carlyle Observer
"Manitoba Hal was first introduced to my musical world at the second annual Winterfolk Festival in the Acoustic Delta Blues Guys and More-Masters of the Acoustic 6 String workshops. Hal amazed me with his traditional style of singin', guitar playin' and song writin' talents."
Eddy B (Brake) - EJAZZ News
"(5 STARS) Well what can I say about this album...it´s awesome! Cool guitars, wonderful melodies and lyrics for and from the heart. This is awesome music !"
Stephan Fleck - Online Review of Come the Ruination
"(5 STARS) I have had the luck to see Hal LIVE and he puts on a great show! This CD is amazing because you would think it is big studio produced! Hal was talent on the same level as Taj. You will play this one over and over!"
Barbara Lavelle - Online Review of Come the Ruination
"The CD is a folk, country, storytelling blues. There are no driving electric guitars. This is more basic, acoustic sound, which relies on Hal's voice and his fine lyrics...Well Brolund did a fine job in exploring the craft of blues, and this is a CD well worth checking out."
Calvin Daniels - Yorkton This Week
"You are, without a doubt, one of my favorite youtube uke players!!!! "
itsBabySmith - YouTube Fan
"I love your music... and apart from that, you're doing a good job of showing the Uke's not just a clown's guitar."
fo76 - YouTube Fan
"The impressive part about Come the Ruination is how many rich musical elements come into play, with a mess of acoustic stringed instruments all played by Hal."
Penguin Eggs
"Manitoba Hal Brolund is a bluesman of the traditional variety...Come the Ruination captures Hal's spirit as he finger picks his way through 10 acoustic blues tracks here. Highlights include
the jaunty Keep on Singing and Whiskey Blues, which features Brolund serving up some searing slide work."
Uptown
"...one of Western Canada's top acoustic blues players..."
Saskatoon Blues Society
"Give the man a guitar and a microphone, sit back and listen to him inspire you with his tremendous skills and his gritty blues lyrics.
Winnipeg Sun
"...when Hal Brolund launches into a prison song, as he did last Wednesday evening at the Kootenay Gallery, his plaintive vocals and slippery slide guitar will quickly make you believe that it is 110 degrees in the shade, and that you are listening to Mississippi not Manitoba Hal..."
Dale West - Castlegar News
"Listening to Manitoba Hal on his just released This Condition CD, you would never guess he is only 37. Nor would you realize this guy really only turned to the blues in 1995. There is a maturity to Brolund's blues sound that goes deeper than his age and experience would allow."
Calvin Daniels - Yorkton This Week
"...seemed like an old friend before he even started into Jimmy Reed's ageless Big Boss Man. His voice has a real nice tone and his locomotive fingerstyle guitar was most impressive. A Highlight was Hal's treatment of a ukelele (shaped like a little Fender Telecaster electric guitar)."
Jim Sinlcair - The Gazette
