Harri Palm first hit the stage of the old Ontario College of Art auditorium in 1977 as the founder of what some people call Toronto’s first New Wave/Punk band The Eels. There, he caught the eye and ear of John MacLeod and together they formed the seminal Queen Street band Johnny and the G-Rays. The band was known for it ripping guitar work, sophisticated yet raw song writing and frenetic live shows. A five year stint with the G-Rays included an album produced by David Bowie guitarist Stacey Heydon, opening for the Talking Heads and Iggy Pop, and hundreds of live shows.
In 1980 Harri said goodbye to Queen Street and moved to Guelph to be with his new love and partner, Molly Kurvink. Together they formed Common Ground, a band which toured Ontario extensively and closed the first two Hillside Festivals. While in Common Ground, Harri started writing and continued developing his trademark guitar sound. It was as a songwriter and guitarist that he best expressed himself. Among the people he worked with were Willie P. Bennett , the Birds Sisters (he appears on their CD), blues legend Dutch Mason, Cleave Anderson ( Blue Rodeo) Glen Milchum (Blue Rodeo) Randall Coryell, Jeff Bird (Cowboy Junkies), Tamarack and most recently Little Feat drummer and co founder Richie Hayward, who is featured on two tracks of Harri’s soon to be released, self produced, solo CD. His no nonsense songs pack a lyrical punch and are a perfect vehicle for his signature guitar work. All this is delivered with honesty and respect.
Harri continues to live in Guelph, play with his wife Molly Kurvink in her band 6Lb. Head, work on his own material and after thirty years, still plays shows with John Macleod.