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#ArtistAtHome with Shawn Hall

#ArtistAtHome is a series of portraits and profiles of local artists by Christopher Edmonstone. Read all about it and see the archive HERE . Every once in a while you come across an amazing story of true inspiration and community amongst musicians.

#ArtistAtHome is a series of portraits and profiles of local artists by Christopher Edmonstone. Read all about it and see the archive HERE.

Every once in a while you come across an amazing story of true inspiration and community amongst musicians. To make it even better, it's wrapped up in one of the most memorable experiences I've had since beginning this #ArtistAtHome project.

Today's feature artist has been a supporter of my work since we met a couple of years ago, and he is a dynamite harmonica player and singer, and the other half of the duo The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer. His name is Shawn Hall.

Just before we got together for this shoot he had not only just returned from the JUNO's (their album ' A Real Fine Mess' got a nomination for 'Blues Album of the Year') but had also sat in with Colin James for shows in Vancouver and Nanaimo, where Shawn now lives. When I asked him about the doing the portrait, I mentioned the only way it was going to be feasible would be for him to pick me at the ferry and take me back after the shoot. He replied immediately and said "Yes of course no problem".

 Shawn Hall in his home studio.Shawn Hall in his home studio.

Shawn picked me up off the noon ferry with his boys and took me for lunch at his partner's cafe 'The Bees Knees' in Nanaimo, where she makes delicious sandwiches and baked goods. While setting up for the shoot at his home, Shawn showed me a worn vinyl album by Sonny & Browne and said "This record is the reason why I am a blues musician today." Years ago he soaked up everything to do with that album (and I mean everything) including who co-produced it. This knowledge would set up a magical experience many years later when HarpAxe was playing the Salmon Arm Blues and Roots Festival in the summer of 2013. It was midnight in the lobby of their hotel when Shawn overheard a gentleman trying to check in and it was overbooked. Mo Rogers was his name and Shawn turned around to say "THE Mo Rogers that produced the Sonny & Browne Album in 1973? It's because of that record that I am here playing this festival today!"

It was the start of an amazing weekend for Shawn, as he hung out with Mo and picked his brain about the blues. A month later, Shawn received a personal copy of that album from Mo with the following inscription in marker, on the inside sleeve: "To Shawn. Blues is truth and you are a part of a great tradition. Sonny inspired you and now you inspire others. This is the power of the Blues. Peace, Love and Blues. M. Rogers 8-29-13" Now if that isn't f@cking cool then nothing is!

Stay tuned to find out how the rest of my time on the island turned out. It was pretty awesome too. Many thanks to Shawn. Peace Love and Blues ! For upcoming show dates and to check out their music see their website.