Songwriter, Producer, Mix Engineer, Composer


https://www.nateihara.com

There are bands out there that weave a musical story so vivid that you wind up in the middle of it. The Gayle Harrod Band not only understands that but leans into it.  The rare, honest, and spell-binding performance that Blues-lovers crave is born of empathy, total commitment, and complete freedom from self-consciousness. Band leader, vocalist, and songwriter Gayle Harrod achieves that ultimately satisfying level of performance on The Gayle Harrod Band’s debut release, Temptation, due out February 2023. 
The genuine fun Gayle is having on “In the Deep Dark Night” (a jumpin' New Orleans second line romp) is contagious. On the haunting, Gospel-inspired Texas Blues “Temptation”, the power and soul of her voice are hair-raising. On “The In Between,” her warmth and vulnerability are reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt. Her voice is at times, thrillingly rocket-powered, a signature blend of grit, gravel, and pure defiance.  Yet she also has the ability to summon warm, smoky, velvety tones and has the finesse to draw the listener in with a heartbreaking quiet, confessional intimacy.
Part of the instant connection she brings to the listener may be inherent in her songwriting. “I don't know how I functioned or survived all those years without this means of expression,” she says. “My writing is very personal. I dig deep into my own experiences and feelings.”  
The title track, Temptation, is a great example: confessional, relatable, and right on target.
Oh lord sometimes I wonder
Why you made me like you do
Oh I just can’t seem to do right
Like I know you want me to
Oh that devil got my body
But the good lord got my heart
Sometimes they get to fighting 
Like to tear my soul apart
Temptation, from The Gayle Harrod Band, is produced by Buddy Speir and recorded at 38 North Studio in Falls Church, VA. It’s a beautiful showcase of Gayle's range of musical influences: a melting pot of Blues styles from Chicago to New Orleans, Memphis to the Mississippi Delta and Mussel Shoals; as well as influences of Motown, R&B, and Soul. Listening through the tracks, it’s clear that Gayle Harrod, at 56 years young, is going all in on her musical vision.  
Gayle is backed up on this recording by some of the finest musicians in the mid-Atlantic region. She says, “Finding both talent and chemistry are everything to me when choosing band-mates. I want to play seamlessly together and also laugh together. I have enormous respect and appreciation for these musicians.” Original band members Stan Turk (guitar) and Chuck Ferrell (drums) are featured. Guest performers include guitarists Jonathan Sloane, Sol Roots, and Bobby Thompson; bassist Christopher Brown; and Brian Simms on piano and organ. Producer Buddy Speir contributes guitar, slide, organ, and Wurlitzer. The all-star background vocals are courtesy of Mary Ann Redmond, Dusty Rose, and The Voices of Faith of the First Baptist Church of Baltimore Choir. Also featured is Rachelle Danto on harmonica and The Beltway Horns: Greg Boyer on trombone, Brad Clements on trumpet, and Brent Birckhead on tenor sax. 
When Gayle began dabbling in the music scene in her mid-thirties, it quickly became a passion and outlet for creative expression, carrying her through some of the most challenging times of her life. She joined her first band in 2011 with a former high school classmate and never looked back. After singing with several cover bands, The Gayle Harrod Band was formed in 2017 to focus more on original music. Gayle and her band quickly began creating a buzz. At the 2018 Baltimore Band Block Party (hosted by WTMD Radio), they landed among the “Top 3 bands in Baltimore”. The band was also featured on the weekly “Baltimore Hit Parade” radio show with Sam Sessa.  

Gayle has shared the stage as guest vocalist with legendary Boogie Woogie pianist and mentor Daryl Davis at Bethesda Blues and Jazz, AMP, and The Birchmere; and performed with both The Daryl Davis Band and Sol Roots Trio at the 2022 Silver Spring Blues Festival in Silver Spring, MD. Other Band performance highlights include the 2019 Whiskey Rebellion Festival in Washington, PA; the 2022 Main Street Music Festival in Ellicott City, MD; and yearly repeated performances at the Savor Bowie Music and Wine Festival in Bowie, MD.  

The Gayle Harrod Band gives you Blues the way it was intended - with gritty honesty, raw emotion, and a story rooted in experience.

Spy Bats are watching you, and we are coming up with sick grooves and tracks to help you forget about it.  Stay tuned for more transmissions.

Wifey, Mommy, Marketer and SBO. Working hard but, enjoying my family and life every day!

I play bass, sing and write songs. You should listen.

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