Gail Jhonson – HerStory feat. “American Boy”

Philadephia native, Gail Jhonson is no stranger to the world of Smooth Jazz. Jhonson, keyboardist and music director with Norman Brown’s Summer Storm.

Herstory, is the fourth CD from Gail Jhonson, the First Lady of Smooth Jazz. She says, …”My story begins with her story…this is dedicated to you Mom!’

The music blends jazz, R&B and soul. It kicks off with Make It Happen, an uptempo, funky live trio. Electric Lady reveals her synthesizer work on the keytar , a treat for fusion fans. Crusin‘ After Dark , a summertime jam with guest trumpeter Lin Rountree. Still Care About Me, if you ever been in love, you’ll understand this passionate vocal feature by Ms Jhonson.

In past years, she has performed with Morris Day, Bobby Womack, Pink, Norman Brown, Vanessa Williams, Bobby Lyle/featuring Mindi Abair, Dave Koz, Jermaine Jackson and Sheila E. With early influences of Duke Ellington and Herbie Hancock and later Stevie Wonder and Joe Sample, Gail has shared the stage with Ray Parker Jr. Vesta, Howard Hewitt, Brian Culbertson, OC Smith, Paul Jackson Jr. Pamela Williams, Phil Perry and yes, Milli Vanilli. Her various television performances include: BET on Jazz, MTV, Lou Rawls/Parade of Stars, Soul Train, The Tonight Show and numerous video performances. Gail also has a love for theatre znd Gospel Musicals.

The journey continues with a tribute to her son Aaron aka Vein, with a smooth midtempo bass performance from Dwayne “Smitty” Smith and sweet vocals by daughter Tamina on Dear Aaron. The title cut , HerStory, produced by Chuck Jefferson pumps your heart & makes you understand that this lady has something for you to feel. After that ballad whoo’s you, jump back into swing with saxophonist Tom Braxton on Do Something Else, whose partial proceeds benefit The Do Foundation. This One, great smooth jazz top tappin’ listen, nice duet with Lin Rountree.

For You Mom, the soul searching solo piano piece dedicated to the lady that was a loving inspiration to her daughter, so she could someday tell her story…in music. American Boy features the feminine side of jazz with Jazz In P!nk, a lively rendition of the hit single. The bonus track Dee‘s Dance, named for her mother is reminiscent of early contemporary jazz and her Philly musical roots.

Gail invites you to join her on her musical journey for her upcoming live show on Friday, April 6th, at  Jazz at Sea / Onyx World Class @ Cicada, 614 Olive Street in Los Angeles, California, where she will be performing her new hit from Herstorty “American Boy”