Jeremy Pahl, known by his stage name Saltwater Hank, has captivated audiences for over a decade, with music that blends pre-contact melodies and lyrics that carry the energy of rock and roll.
But his Campbell River show on Dec. 5 at the Willow Point Community Hall for Highway 19 Concerts will be one of the last as Saltwater Hank.
Pahl recently shared on social media he is retiring his alter ego and has plans to reveal a new name for his musical ventures in the upcoming year. A hint may lie in his latest artistic direction, according to a Nov. 14 media release from The Highway 19 Concert Series.
Saltwater Hank first caught the attention of B.C. folk music fans with his original old-time folk songs on acoustic guitar, banjo and fiddle with titles like “Skeena River Breakdown” and “Hartley Bay Rag,” says the release.
Recently, Pahl has shifted his attention to songs in the Sm’algyax language of his Ts’msyen heritage, with his music becoming crunchier and more electric.
His 2023 release "Gal’üünx wil lu Holtga Liimi," which translates to "bentwood box full of songs," is musically in the realm of classic country and rock. It is reminiscent of the many famous Hanks who came before him, except that his rich baritone croons entirely in Sm’algyax, says the release.
His latest album "Siip’nsk" (“Love" or "boyfriend/girlfriend") has a bit less twang and a little more distortion.
"It moves more the direction of surf and punk rock but still remains faithful to his unique style that fuses of raw authenticity and modern innovation as he seamlessly blends pre-contact melodies and lyrics with the energy of rock and roll."
Influenced by early punk rock icons, such as the Dead Kennedys and the Sex Pistols, and legendary blues artists – like Mississippi, Fred McDowell, and Memphis Minnie – Pahl’s music expresses his artistic style "while staying true to his cultural roots," reads the release.
Beyond his identity as Saltwater Hank, Pahl is known as a storyteller, a dreamer, and a protector of tradition and language. He has said his goal as an artist is to carve out a place in the collective history of his people, ensuring that their stories and traditions endure for generations to come, states the release.
"Pahl’s journey as an artist and language revitalizer has been one of cultural resurgence and musical exploration, inspiring others to embrace their heritage with pride. He leads his career with conviction knowing that his music has the power to spark change and ignite the flames of cultural revival," according to the release.
Saltwater Hank performs with his trio at the Willow Point Lions Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5. An opening set by Campbell River’s Jim Legacy will begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets for the Highway 19 concert series are $20 through the Tidemark box office, with a $30 option available to support the series. Tickets for teens are $5, while kids can attend for free with a paying adult.
The Highway 19 Concert Series is supported by the Province of B.C. through BC Arts Council and BC Live, and the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage.
