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. Gail draws her musical influences from traditionally-based performers and modern day artists as well. The list of influences is great. Her hero: James Booker-great New Orleans pianist and singer extraordinaire. Influences from the earlier generations include Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller, Louis Jordan, Anita O'Day. More recent faves include Ray Charles, Henry Butler, Bonnie Raitt, Catherine Russell, and Amy Winehouse. Many of her fans compare her to a combination of modern day performers Diana Krall and Marcia Ball, with shades of Amy Winehouse. 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. It is the blues stylings that provide the frame for Storm's renditions.
Ms. Storm regularly performs in a wide variety of venues (solo or as bandleader) and is also a member of a New Orleans tribute band: "Back On Bourbon Street". Gail has radio, film, television, and theater appearances to her credit. She has opened for Maria Muldaur, Henry Butler, and Bakithi Kumalo (of Paul Simon ). As bandleader, Gail has had such notable sidemen such as WyCliffe Gordon, Jerry Weldon, Toby Walker, Jake Clemons, Peter Ecklund, Vinny Raniolo, Steve Adelson, and Adam Rapa. In addition to her performance schedule, Gail also leads various multi-media music themed presentations exploring and honoring Blues Divas, Boogie-Woogie-and even a Carole King Tribute. She also teaches and has private students. Ms. Storm has been on staff at the award winning Augusta Blues & Swing Week at the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College.
Discography includes her trio studio recording "Just The Blues" and a live sextet recording "Live At The Vail-Levitt . Her latest cd "EXPOSED" (2018) is now available at gigs-all original music performed solo by Gail Storm.
HISTORY:
Although a native-and current-New Yorker, Gail was raised in New Jersey. She demonstrated a natural passion for music and 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 an Art Therapy 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 then as staff. Later, in New York, 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.
Ms. Storm regularly performs in a wide variety of venues (solo or as bandleader) and is also a member of a New Orleans tribute band: "Back On Bourbon Street". Gail has radio, film, television, and theater appearances to her credit. She has opened for Maria Muldaur, Henry Butler, and Bakithi Kumalo (of Paul Simon ). As bandleader, Gail has had such notable sidemen such as WyCliffe Gordon, Jerry Weldon, Toby Walker, Jake Clemons, Peter Ecklund, Vinny Raniolo, Steve Adelson, and Adam Rapa. In addition to her performance schedule, Gail also leads various multi-media music themed presentations exploring and honoring Blues Divas, Boogie-Woogie-and even a Carole King Tribute. She also teaches and has private students. Ms. Storm has been on staff at the award winning Augusta Blues & Swing Week at the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College.
Discography includes her trio studio recording "Just The Blues" and a live sextet recording "Live At The Vail-Levitt . Her latest cd "EXPOSED" (2018) is now available at gigs-all original music performed solo by Gail Storm.
HISTORY:
Although a native-and current-New Yorker, Gail was raised in New Jersey. She demonstrated a natural passion for music and 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 an Art Therapy 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 then as staff. Later, in New York, 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.