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.
By 2004, 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.
2006 participation in The Long Beach Jazz Festival was a highlight. Local gigs in Los Angeles with her 5 piece band. Ended a 12 year teaching staff position at Musician’s Institute/Hollywood. Studio work included preparation for her anticipated CD and writing & producing for saxophonist(s) Justin Young and Jeanette Harris
…”Jhonson is very personable and shared stories of her musical career as she played songs from her previous & current CD’s. Jhonson took control, but allowed the music to flow naturally.” ARIZONA INFORMANT
Jhonson makes her keyboards glitter like a mosaic of pixilated notes and slides with the ease of melted caramel,,,”Jazz Review“These days-after many years as a sidewoman-Jhonson…is hanging on her reputation as a keyboard soloist, music director and vocalist for guitarist Norman Brown, and as an independent recording artist.”… Smooth Jazz News/Nov. 2007 feature by Preston Turregano
…”Jhonson is very personable and shared stories of her musical career as she played songs from her previous & current CD’s. Jhonson took control, but allowed the music to flow naturally.” ARIZONA INFORMANT
Jhonson makes her keyboards glitter like a mosaic of pixilated notes and slides with the ease of melted caramel,,,”Jazz Review“These days-after many years as a sidewoman-Jhonson…is hanging on her reputation as a keyboard soloist, music director and vocalist for guitarist Norman Brown, and as an independent recording artist.”… Smooth Jazz News/Nov. 2007 feature by Preston Turregano
“One of the most inventive keyboard players I’ve heard.. Her music is fresh & exciting!”…..\Jeff Lorber
Writerr, producer and keyboard player Gail Jhonson is someone for whom the accolades of multi talented and multi faceted hardly seem adequate..” Smooth Jazz Vibes “I have shared the stage with Gail many times, and have always found it to be musically inspiring. She has years of experience supporting countless artists-but it’s so good to hear her step up, front and center and embrace the spotlight as a solo artist. She does so with grace, elegance, musical integrity, and a whole lot of style!”…..Dave Koz
Gail has thrilled Los Angeles area jazz fans with her ecectrifying live shows. She has been a featured performer at Jazz at Sea, at the Fantasea Yacht Cub in Marina del Rey California, Southern California’s premier upscale format and venue for contemporary jazz.
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