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Bio
Gail Storm is a New York based singer/songwriter/pianist who performs in NY as well as on the national and international circuits. Her blues stylings embrace the root music she cherishes and provide a refreshing frame to other genres, such as classic jazz, pop and original compositions. Though Gail draws her musical influences from traditionally-based performers such as Meade Lux Lewis, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller, and Louis Jordan, many of her fans compare her to modern day performers such as Diana Krall and Marcia Ball. The "Storm" is known to have a “heavy left hand” as demonstrated by her strong, rhythmic bass lines-particularly evident in the “boogie woogie”. Repertoire ranges from traditional blues and boogie woogie to swingin' classic jazz standards, ballads, pop, and originals thrown into the mix.
Ms. Storm regularly performs in a wide variety of venues (solo or as bandleader) and has radio, film and television appearances to her credit. She has opened for Maria Muldaur, Henry Butler, and Bakithi Kumalo (of Paul Simon ). She has shared the stage with greats such as Charlie Sayles and Sarah McLawler. As bandleader, Gail has had such notable sidemen such as WyCliffe Gordon, Jerry Weldon, Toby Walker, and Adam Rapa. In addition to her performance schedule, Gail also leads multi-media music themed presentations (eg “Women In The Blues”, "Tribute to Carole King"," The Essential Blues"), conducts Music and Art Workshops, and provides music lessons. She has been on staff at the award-winning Augusta Blues & Swing Week.
Discography includes her trio studio recording: “Just The Blues”, and a live sextet recording “Live At The Vail-Leavitt”. She is currently working on releasing recordings of original work-stay tuned!
HISTORY
Although a native New Yorker, Gail was raised in New Jersey and demonstrated a natural passion for music. She began studying at an early age. Her classical piano teacher inspired and nurtured Gail’s love of the piano. In high school, Gail played piano recreationally, was accompanist for musical productions, and explored songwriting which earned her an award.
Gail attended the University of South Carolina as an Art major. However, Gail switched majors to Philosophy, winning awards and graduating cum laude in Philosophy. After completing her Masters in Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, Gail returned to South Carolina and her passion for Art and Music. She then graduated from a clinical pilot project Art Therapy training program at William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute. Storm then became the first Art Therapist in the Greenville Hospital System in South Carolina for the newly created Adolescent Inpatient Unit.
During her years spent in Greenville, Gail revisited her music passion and entered a music contest at a local bar. After taking first place, Gail felt encouraged to pursue her music and decided to return to New York. She secured a job as an Art Therapist for an outpatient Psychiatric Day Treatment Center and then set out to learn improvisation and to master the intricacies of the Blues. She attended the award winning Blues/Swing Week at the Augusta Heritage Festival for several years - first as a student, and later as a member of the staff. Later, Gail was blessed to have met jazz master Bross Townsend who became her mentor. Bross focused and polished Gail’s talent.
In addition to being a professional musician and a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Gail is also a visual artist who creates abstract mixed media pieces along with urban photography and portraits.