2:00pm • $10-$20 suggested donation
Some bands create a musical story that engages the listener, and The Gayle Harrod Band exemplifies this approach. The performance style of the band is characterized by empathy, commitment, and freedom from self-consciousness. Band leader, vocalist, and songwriter Gayle Harrod demonstrates this level of performance on The Gayle Harrod Band’s debut release, Temptation.
Gayle's enjoyment is evident in “In the Deep Dark Night,” a New Orleans second line piece. Her vocal power is showcased on the Gospel-inspired Texas Blues track “Temptation.” On “The In Between,” her warmth and vulnerability resemble Bonnie Raitt. She combines grit and defiance with warm, smoky tones, creating an intimate listening experience. Her songwriting is personal and reflects deep insights into her own experiences and feelings.
Temptation is produced by Buddy Speir and recorded at 38 North Studio in Falls Church, VA. It highlights Gayle’s varied musical influences, blending Blues styles from various regions along with elements of Motown, R&B, and Soul. The Gayle Harrod Band delivers Blues music with honesty, emotion, and storytelling rooted in experience.
The recording features musicians from the DMV region. Gayle values both talent and chemistry in selecting band members. Original band members include Stan Turk (guitar) and Chuck Ferrell (drums), with guest performers Jonathan Sloane, Sol Roots, Bobby Thompson (guitarists), Christopher Brown (bassist), and Brian Simms (piano and organ). Producer Buddy Speir also contributes to the instrumentation. Background vocals are provided by Mary Ann Redmond, Dusty Rose, and The Voices of Faith of the First Baptist Church of Baltimore Choir. Additional musicians include Rachelle Danto (harmonica) and The Beltway Horns: Greg Boyer (trombone), Brad Clements (trumpet), and Brent Birckhead (tenor sax). Their CD "Temptation" was selected to represent the DC Blues Society in the 2024 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN for “Best Self-Produced CD” and has been chosen as a finalist by The Blues Foundation.
Based in the Baltimore-Washington Metro region (The DMV), The Gayle Harrod Band has performed at various venues across Maryland, DC, Northern VA, and beyond since 2017. They have participated in festivals such as the 2019 Whiskey Rebellion Festival, the 2022 and 2023 Main Street Music Festival, the 2023 Greenbelt Blues Festival, the 2023 Columbia Pike Blues Festival, the 2023 Solomons Island ArtFest, the 2023 Maryland Microbrewery Festival, and the 2023 Bluestoberfest. Club performances have included Roofers Union, 219 Restaurant, JV’s, and Cat’s Eye Pub, among others. They regularly perform at The DC Downtown Holiday Market, DC Live Concert Series at Woodrow Wilson Plaza, Columbia, Lakefront Stage, and The DC Blues Society Happy Hour. Recently, they have expanded their regional performances to Pennsylvania, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and West Virginia, with plans to extend further in 2024.