The Galt Line is all about what moves you.

A band with a truly unique sound (their influences include R&B, Rockabilly, Swing, Country and Gypsy punk), they thrive on the energy of their audience.

"Our greatest moments are when someone will let loose and dance," said Willie Gammel, The Galt Line's lead guitarist. "Every now and again we'll get a few brilliant drunks or some star-crossed couple who will step out and really start moving.  We'll play forever if someone's dancing.  We'll stretch a song for 10 minutes if it means that people will get up and enjoy themselves."

Hailing from Poolesville, this past Saturday Gammel and Blythe Crawford, lead vocalist and ukulele player, performed at Chloe's Coffee shop in The Kentlands. 

The Galt Line displays their energetic style with a bit of a bluesy, old-American dance hall style and sound.  These talented musicians masterfully wield their instruments to bring a finely crafted blend of music to their listeners, and it really is hard not to dance to. 

With humble beginnings as a ukulele-guitar duo living in Brooklyn, NY, The Galt Crawford and Gammel were pursuing separate careers.  Crawford was "a part of this show called 'Sex, Drugs, and Ukuleles', and was paid in part with a ukulele."  Gammel was pursuing his career of studio session guitar work or a gig with a touring band.

Once Gammel heard some of Crawford's original ukulele music, he "was floored," he said. "The more we played together the more we enjoyed it, and we began booking shows and haven't stopped since."

After forming in 2008, The Galt Line moved back to the DC area to broaden their musical reach. 

They have an exciting and rhythmic style, and exercise a real passion in the music they make. Creative chord progressions are one of The Galt Line's strong points. Listening to and watching The Galt Line perform, the music seemed to flow effortlessly. 

For fans of intimate venues where you actually interact with a band, Chloe's Coffee was ideal.  The acoustics were perfect for this kind of performance; an enclosed space allowed for the music to reverberate off the walls with minimal distortion and maximum music delivery to the listeners.

Alongside the instrumental talent, lyrical talent shines through The Galt Line's music.  The song 'Helen Morgan' in particular was very funny.  It displayed their creative lyrical diction with a catchy hook, "Oh Helen Morgan, won't you hurry up and die!" 

The song also exhibits their musical talent with a variety of tempo and key switches, keeping the listeners right in the song.  The percussive mix of string strums and instrumental thwacks made the duo sound as though it were a full band.  Crawford, lead vocals, exhibits a huge range in her singing.

The Galt Line does not lack enthusiasm for their audience or fans.  After the show I had the pleasure of speaking to both Blythe and Willie and found them to be such nice, amiable individuals. 

I couldn't get a steady photo of them performing, the energy in the room kept the duo moving to the music.  Through the whole show, I did not notice The Galt Line falter even once.  

If you missed Chloe's Coffee show, your next chance to catch The Galt Line live in the DC area is at the Velvet Lounge on Nov. 21 at 9pm.  To learn more about this band and to hear some of their music, check out The Galt Line's "Brand Spankin' New Website"!