KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING, starts off with a lively tune called “Just For Kicksâ€, that features Norman Brown on guitar. “Heaven†the classic by BeBe & CeCe Winans, which was the 1st single is next, Gail “Keeps the Music Playing†by beautifully laying down contemporary jazz with a feminine touch! Again there is Norman Brown laying it down on “Solehâ€. “I Wanna Luv U†is a ballad that brings to mind the great songs of yesterday. And then there is “I’ll Be Around†a remake of the Spinners smash hit! Pamela Williams on sax lends her groove to “Gimme Your Grooveâ€. Gail lays it back with “Goodnight†a slow groove. And “Sunrise†wakes you up as only Vidais Lovette can with the vocals. “Take What You Need†invites you in and leads you to a “Tropical Island†where she Keeps The Music Playing for you!
Born and raised in Philadelphia , PA, Gail began playing the piano at the age of 10, had her first gig by 14, received a B.A. in Composition from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and later moved to Los Angeles, CA. she presently splits her time between her staff position at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA and her Music Director position with Grammy Award winning guitarist Norman Brown.
Gail has toured. performed and recorded with many artists, including: Morris Day, Dave Koz, Kevin Toney, Mindi Abair, Pamela Williams, Paul Jackson Jr. Bobby Lyle, Brian Culbertson, Bobby Womack, and Phil P ry Her various television performances include appearances on BET on Jazz, MTV Unplugged, Soul Train & The Tonight Show.
Gail was one of six finalists chosen to compete during the June 2005-2nd Annual Capitol Jazz Challenge held in Washington, D.C.
Last summer Gail joined the Summer Storm Tour with Norman Brown, Peabo Bryson, Brenda Russell & Everett Harp!
Gail also has a love for theatre, particularly, Gospel Musicals. Her first professional experience was offered as a piano substitute for the stage play EUBIE,/Ivar Theatre, Hollywood. She soon began playing for Langston Hughes play, TAMBORINES TO GLORY at The Bradley Theatre Los Angeles. Thereafter, she was scoring and director music for gospels performances: SAVING GRACE and REASON FOR THE SEASON, written by Dennis Rowe. In 2003, Gail produced the SAVING GRACE CD, with performances by a muti-talented cast; including her son Vein/producer, rap artist & daughter Tamina/soprano & budding musician. Gail also performes with Rain Pryor's one-woman show-FRIED CHICKEN & LATKAS, which received a NAACP Theatre Award 2005.
Presently, Gail is working on a new CD & several production projects. She still finds time to accompany the youth choir/band as well as songwriting, producing, piano instruction and recording many inspired youth.
She has written, Funk Keyboards, a contemporary guide to chords, rhythms and licks and & Dictionary of Keyboard Grooves published by Hal Leonard as part of the Musician's Institute Master Class Series. Gail is a member of Musicians Union (local 47), BMI and has a Certificate of Service, Music Education-Post-secondary/State of California.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.gailjhonson.comTrack List:
1. Intro/Gail & Genie
2. Just For Kicks
3. Heaven
4. How Do You Keep The Music Playing
5. Soleh
6. I Wanna Luv U
7. I'll Be Around
8. Gimme Your Groove
9. Goodnight
10. Sunrise
11. Take What You Need
12. Tropical Island
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