The Bad Influence Band. (Photo via Facebook)
By DCist contributor Brittny Mayo
Growing up, my parents cautioned me against bad influences—the odd ones, the outcasts, the troublemakers, the people that pushed the envelope of what is socially acceptable. But sometimes, a little bad influence is exactly what we need.
The Bad Influence Band, D.C’s veteran blues quartet, reminds us that the music scene in the District isn’t just for the young pups. Originally a team of 6, The Bad Influence Band formed in 1988, but has been a quartet since 1993, with Roger Edsall on harmonica, slide guitar, and vocals (incidentally, Edsall also plays the harp); Bob Mallardi on bass and vocals; David Thaler on drums; and Michael Tash on guitar.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Tash briefly over Halloween, and was curious what his views are on the musical community he has been a part of for nearly three decades.
Occasionally, there are times when the entire band can’t be together for a show, and they have to rely on the people they’ve met to find a sub. They always have someone they can fall back on, thanks to the support and sense of brotherhood between local musicians. Despite the competitive nature of the business, there are enough many gigs to around.
The band’s originator, Tash has roots in heavy metal, but was turned onto blues when he met Steve Jacobs in the early 80’s. When asked, “Why blues?” Tash says that it’s all about “the feel of it.”
He mentions that people tend to think that blues is easy to play, because it’s the same chords over and over. But, he says it’s hard to play right. Blues is the type of music that must be felt. Just because the chords are played correctly, and the vocal tonality is decent doesn’t mean it is good.
The Bad Influence Band: Patio Stage at the 2014 NAMM Show. (Photo via Facebook)
If there is no feeling, nothing to draw you in and keep you, it is just sound. This is where the Bad Influence Band stands apart. Each performance is an experience, with playful melodies, original songs, and the occasional cover thrown in for good measure.
The energy they bring with them on stage is infectious, forcing even the most stoic of listeners to tap their foot in time with the music.
The Bad Influence Band has three records under its belt and an impressive assortment of accolades, including being recently nominated for two 2016 WAMMIE Awards, for Best Blues Group and a nod to Tash for Best Blue Instrumentalist.
Also seasoned travelers, they’ve ventured to Nashville for the Epiphone 140th Anniversary Party, and even made an appearance at the House of Blues in Las Vegas. This week they’ll be playing closer to home, though, with a free show at The Hamilton this Friday.
The Bad Influence Band is playing at The Hamilton, in the Loft on Friday, November 4 at 10 p.m. Entrance is free.
