Album Review

The Harpoonist – Did We Come Here To Dance?

• 6th Nov 2024

After seventeen very successful years as part of acclaimed Canadian blues duo The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, vocalist and harmonica virtuoso Shawn Hall – aka The Harpoonist – has released his first solo album. The name comes from a line in Me and Bobby McGhee, the Kris Kristofferson song: “I pulled a harpoon out of my dirty red bandana” – harp being an American term for the harmonica.

The music on this bright album is soulful, with an upbeat and joyful vibe. Of course there is plenty of excellent harmonica work to enjoy, as well as some lovely synth and organ work. This is a very different sound, a mix of soul and blues with occasional harder rocking touches.

The opening track Good People has been released as a single and the psychedelic sound sees a swirling Hammond organ setting the groove with the vocals and harmonica playing off each other. Acrobatic is very good, its bluesy feel and chanted refrain giving it an anthemic quality.

Show Me The Green is very much a harmonica led track, although the synth sound and touches of guitar give it a heavier sound than most of the album. The closing Trucker Speed is the one cover on the album. The Fred Eaglesmith track is given a very different feel with a classic reggae beat, as the world weary that tell of a truck driver tired of life on the road.

Did We Come Here To Dance? is a musically accomplished album, if something of a niche release. Its mix of soul and blues results in an upbeat and optimistic sound, and the harmonica work is, of course, top quality. The Harpoonist may not be a big name in the UK but this release is well worth some attention.

Label: Tonic Records

Release date: 8 November 2024