JAZZ@SEA Artist Focus: Keyboardist Gail Jhonson Voted LA's Best Jazz Musician

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Gail Denise Jhonson began piano lessons at the age of 10. Proving to be a gifted student, she advanced quickly, and by 14, was playing gigs with various local R&B and Funk bands. Ever on her musical pursuit, she enrolled into Berklee College of Music, and later received a B.A in Composition.

In 1985, she landed an audition with Morris Day (and The Time), and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream!. During the next several years, Gail’s efforts included performances with Jermaine Jackson, Howard Hewitt (Shalamar), Bobby Womack, Pink,Vanessa Williams, Bobby Lyle/featuring Mindi Abair, Paul Jackson jr, Vesta, Kevin Toney (The Blackbirds), Sheila E & Ronnie Laws; numerous videos & TV shows: MTV, BET, and Jay Leno.

Keep The Music Playing, Gail’s highly acclaimed debut Contemporary Jazz CD, brought her into the international recording spotlight. Led by the hit singles Heaven and Just For Kicks, the CD received strong support from within the music industry.

2005 brought forth a great opportunity-The Capitol Jazz Challenge in D.C. Also, Gail became the musical director for the nation’s much anticipated Summer Storm Tour, hosted by Grammy-award winner Norman Brown, which included special guests, Peabo Bryson, Everett Harp, and Brenda Russell. 2006 brought special guests Patti Austin, Alex Bugon, and Paul Taylor & 2007 with Marion Meadows, Jeff Lorber, and Peabo Bryson.

2008 kicked off with The Smooth Music Cruise , a signing to NuGroove Records with the release of her CD “Pearls” and more exposure by performing her music in cities across the country with various smooth jazz artists; namely Jeanette Harris, Pamela Williams, Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows, Lin Rountree & Althea Rene. The Summer Storm 4 includes: Chante Moore, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor.

Here’s what others are saying about Gail Jhonson: