The Harvest Band

Performing Artist Magazine - March 2001

In the catacombs of a Clearwater production company called Platinum Studios, four kindred spirits meet every Tuesday and Thursday to create an atmosphere of rhythm and harmony. The band? Harvest.

This local outfit is setting their eyes on the promised road. The sound filtering from this quartet, a blend of pop-rock groove with soulful rhythm, is amazing.

Harvest, started about three years ago, began with front man Rocco and electric guitarist John Dell. Rocco and Dell looked desperately for the right musicians to finish the group. Many musicians came and went. And time passed.

Then, one day, two guys from Georgia auditioned, the two final, crucial ingredients — bassist Bridges and stickman Kevin. The two auditioned with pieces Rocco wrote in the past. Bridges and Kevin acquired a demo tape from Rocco playing a few songs. They listened, liked what they heard and learned it. To Rocco and Dells’ astonishment, the sound they always wanted came out in that session. The group agrees that the music played itself. The sound Harvest needed came alive that night, and the band has been together ever since. In fact, they just celebrated their one-year anniversary. It’s not likely that local bands stay together more than a few months. These guys have both the talent and love for the work that could pay off for them in the future. By the sound of their work, it may be the near future.

Harvest is a laid-back, down-to-earth team. Rocco’s casual banter is contrasted by the emotion he wrenches into his songs. Electric guitarist John Dell lends a rhythmic sway like a lava lamp, then rips into a jittery string-picking rift. Bassist Bridges, who trained under jazz great Jeff Berlin, lends soothing and diverse bass lines to the songs. And drummer Kevin, who concentrates on the beats inside the beats, finishes off the quartet perfectly.

The time comes for most bands to be recognized. The how is a mystery, but in the great scheme of things, good bands reap the benefits. Harvest is just the type of band to crack the ice.

But for now Harvest meets twice a week at Platinum Studios to perfect their art. They will head into a recording studio to compile pieces for an independent album. If you haven’t heard this band, you are missing out. Theirs is a must-see show.

—Karl Berberich