The musical excursion in 1999 “back to the roots†along the “street of Blues Route 61â€, from New Orleans to Memphis was a drastic moment in manu's vocal career. Inspired by the local music scene, small performances and jamsessions, Manu was addicted to the â€virusâ€, nothing could ever stop her to put body and soul into the music.
She got an engagement in the Musical “The wonderful wizard of Ozâ€, founded the “Culturium Workshop Bandâ€, joined several Funk- and Soulformations and collected first studio experiences, to mention on CD “Crossroad†(backing vocals) of the famous “Chicago Dave Blues Bandâ€, there she was incorporated as a constant guest singer in their combo. Her regular performance on miscellaneous local Jazz- and Bluesfestivals with Chicago Dave and band were legendary, the local press paid tribut to her with remarkable recognition. The highlight of these instructive days was 2002 when she was accompanying the famous American bluesman “Jimmy Johnson†while touring in Switzerland.
After disbandment of Chicago Dave Blues Band (Dez 03) Manu Hartmann grew more and more into jazz. Culturium Big Band (BS) “trioZwo†(ZG) are just a few formations, she became a member in “Urfer’s fairy tale stage†in the local “Häbse theatre†and started with Florian Schneider in “Gugelfuehrâ€.
In coincidence with the Bluesband “Sämi Wälti & the Blues Company†from Basle in 2004, Manu’s love aroused again for the deary beloved Blues. This band accompanied her at 2005 year “Blues Festival Basel†(Newcomer Night) in the City Casino. She left a deep impression with her expressive voice and charismatic presence.
Since summer’ 05 Manu is performing with her own group “Manu Hartmann Band†and celebrates groovy Bluesfunk, enriched with lots of Soul and a pinch of Jazz, exactly -Blues à la Manu!
MHB live at Bluesfestival Basel 2008