Saltwater Hank: “G̱al'üünx Wil Lu Holtga Liimi” (2023) CD Review

Saltwater Hank is a singer and songwriter based in British Columbia, and a member of the Ts’msyen (sometimes spelled Tsimshian) people. From what I’ve heard of his recordings, the traditions of music are of particular importance to him, as he’s explored the origins of folk and country, even in his original material. His new release is something truly unusual and special, Titled G̱al'üünx Wil Lu Holtga Liimi, this album is delivered entirely (or nearly entirely) in Sm’algyax, the Ts’msyen language. Some of the tracks are traditional Ts’msyen songs, while others are original compositions by Saltwater Hank. And one of them is a Hank Williams cover, delivered in Sm’algyax. Again, this album is something special. Saltwater Hank plays both guitar and fiddle, focusing on guitar on this release. Joining him are Liam Meivor on lap steel and bass, and Danny Bell on drums, with Chloe Nakahara joining on fiddle on a couple of tracks.

The disc opens with “Uks Yaan K’ask’oos,” one of the traditional pieces. It is a very short piece delivered a cappella. That is followed by an original composition, “Ba’wis,” which features a compelling vocal performance. This track builds, taking on a power, and toward the end, Saltwater Hank’s vocals take on more power as well. This track also contains some good work on guitar, and is one of my personal favorites. “Dm Yootu Stukwliin” is another original composition. This one has more of a playful, light vibe, with a familiar country sound, including some really nice work on lap steel. It’s interesting, for it’s easy to get caught up in the music and completely forget that you have no idea the actual words he’s singing. Then when he begins to sing in English toward the end, that comes as a surprise. It’s a surprise that he’s singing in English, and it’s a surprise what he’s singing. “Now there’s a lot of rabbits in Nanaimo/And I am feeling very hungry.” I wasn’t expecting that at all. “I’m going to barbecue the rabbits/At the university.”

“Ndo’o Yaan” is a traditional number, delivered as a fairly fast-paced country number featuring more good work on lap steel. This arrangement is by Saltwater Hank, and there is a good deal of attitude in the vocal work and in the playing. He then moves back to original material with “Waaba Gwasoo,” which has a slow waltz feel. I love Saltwater Hank’s voice, particularly when he dips into his lower registers, as he does here. This is a totally enjoyable song, another of the disc’s highlights. “Liimi Maḵ'ooxs” is another original composition, and this is one that will likely get you up off your seats and dancing around. It has a delicious rhythm, and includes some seriously fun work on guitar. Plus, this is one of the tracks to feature Chloe Nakara on fiddle.

Then we get the Hank Williams cover, “My Sweet Love Ain’t Around,” here listed as “Akadi K'uł Waal Nsiip'nsgu.” This is a song that Hank Williams released on a single in the late 1940s. Saltwater Hank does a really good job with it, and this is the other track to feature Chloe Nakara on fiddle. If you’re a Hank Williams fan, you’ve got to check out this rendition. Then Saltwater Hank plays fiddle on “‘Nii Wila Waalt,” as well as guitar. It is an original number, and this one has a fairly serious, strong sound, more of a rock sound and power. Yet the lyrics, according to the translation, are about picking berries and harvesting seaweed, following the ways of the ancestors. I would not have guessed that. The disc concludes as it began, with a short traditional piece delivered a cappella, this one titled “Goosnł Waals Noon.”

CD Track List

1. Uks Yaan Ḵ'a̱sḵ'oos
2. Ba’wis
3. Dm Yootu Stukwliin
4. Ndo’o Yaan
5. Waaba Gwa̱soo
6. Liimi Maḵ'ooxs
7. Akadi K'uł Waal Nsiip'nsgu
8. ‘Nii Wila Waalt
9. Goosnł Waals Noon

G̱al'üünx Wil Lu Holtga Liimi was released on July 1, 2023 (Canada Day).