LIVE@Spaghettini's Nov. 26, 2011

The Smooth Jazz Live Crew was blessed with the presence of Philadephia native,Contemporary Vocalist,,keyboardist and music director Gail Jhonson & her incompriable band at Spaghettini on Saturday, November 26th. Smooth Jazz Live knows that this first lady of Smooth Jazz is no stranger to the world of playing music. Gail Jhonson,was keyboardist and music director with Norman Brown's Summer Storm, has enjoyed 2 indie label releases. She played her new songs from her new CD Her Story and she killed it once again! The piano melodies are sweet, the grooves are mesmerizing, the flavor is a compact blend of jazz and R&B. She has been accompanied in the past by recording artists: Paul Brown, Nelson Braxton, James Lloyd, Marion Meadows & Grammy award winner Norman Brown. Tonight she featured her daughter, who is on her way to being a Alist Artist right out of High School. The Smooth Jazz Live crew were joined by close friends Larry and Barb Emdur,Tamara Collins,Rhonda Kilpatrick,Carolyn Jones,Anisha Wilson,Scott Mackie,Lj Holifield, Tina Marie Wong,Maria Gallo Diaz, & our favorite staff at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, Ca. Fellow band member and vocalist/musician,Robert McDonald, blew the crowd away with a special request to singing “This Masquerade”...and got a standing ovation...As er said,Gail Jhonson is promoting her new CD titled "Her Story".while rocking the house with her amazing band of cats Rob McDonald on Bass, LJ Holifield,Isha Love on synth, and the one and only Gary Stanionis, Drummer, Percussionist, Song Writer, Musician. Gary even gave Smooth Jazz Live's own, Frances Cohen, Shekere lessons after the hot as hell show...

1st Annual Calabasas Music Festival 2011

Jeffrey Osborne at Calabasas Music Festival First Annual Calabasas Music Festival Gets Off To A Great Start By Paula Edelstein Close to 3000 people chose to extend their summer music festival season by attending the first annual Calabasas Music Festival in Juan Bautista de Anza Park in Calabasas, California. Delighted fans from as far away as Detroit, Nashville, and Tokyo shared their affinity for the heated Latin jazz chops of LA Mambo Combo, Gail Jhonson’s  mellow keyboard sounds, the fresh electric violin dynamics of Noel Webb and the awe inspiring soulful energy of the great Jeffrey Osborne.  International food, creative arts and cocktail vendors also offered a pleasant ambience to the festival setting. About the festival Presented by the City of Calabasas, Barbeque Club Entertainment Company and Labrador Entertainment, the festival supports music education programs and some of the proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs respectively. Set in the scenic Malibu Hills, this unique upscale festival showcased musical talent that immediately raised the attention level of the fans and had them dancing in their seats, in front of the stage and along the sidelines as the afternoon sun set over the glorious mountaintops and a full moon rose to illuminate the deep blue sky.  LA Mambo Combo opened the show and played an exuberant assortment of songs made famous by such great artists as Tito Puente (“Que Sera,” “Ran Can Can”), Mongo Santamaria (“Besa Me Mama”), and Poncho Sanchez (“Oom Bombe”) as well as “Lullaby Of Broadway” and “Cal’s Pals” – a well- known jazz standard that references the late great Cal Tjader. Their Latin Soul and great mambos really got the festival off to a great start and provided just the right atmosphere for Gail Jhonson’s band which featured two excellent vocalists – Jovani and Gail’s daughter Tamika. Smooth jazz keyboardist/vocalist Gail Jhonson gave major props to conguero Sheila E. and guitarist Norman Brown during her introduction (she is the Music Director/Vocalist/Keyboardist for Brown’s Summer Storm bands) and later segued into a great re-imagined version of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You.”  With her latest release Herstory  now experiencing commercial success, her fans were treated to several of the songs from the album. Later in the show, Jhonson brought out her daughter Tamika to sing a fresh track that had her fans singing along while Jovani belted out a great blues version of “Dr. Feelgood” that brought the crowd to its feet. Labrador Recording artist/actor/composer/ innovative rock violinist Noel Webb gave an excellent performance filled with intensity, soul and sexiness as his ensemble played an exciting array of songs culled from Webb’s discography and several other songs made famous by such performers as  Kool & The Gang (“Summer Madness”) and Led Zeppelin. Webb's exemplary violin playing was a sight and sound to behold and there is no wonder why he is in such demand as a performing artist with exceptional musicality. Ultimately, the night belonged to the inimitable Jeffrey Osborne. Osborne energized, caressed and interacted with the audience as throngs of fans made their way to the front of the stage with their cameras. Osborne’s exciting showmanship and trademark vocals were in top form as he sang such hits as “Stay With Me Tonight,” “I’m Only Human,”  “On The Wings of Love,” “Holdin’ On,” “Concentrate On You,” “Love Ballad” and “Can You Woo, Woo, Woo.” Osborne really worked the stage - left, right, middle – all the while capturing the hearts and souls of his fans as they danced, sang and held loved ones close. At one point, he came into the audience to allow fans to sing their version of the ‘woo, woo, woo’ song. Overall, his show was absolutely great and with the curfew for the park rapidly approaching, the great Jeffrey Osborne thanked everyone for coming and said goodnight to a standing ovation. For more information about the Calabasas Music Festival, please visit their website at www.calabasasmusicfestival.com.

on the road again....!

"Overcome, Overjoyed" Gospel Play

www.overcomeoverjoyed.com

ChaRo Productions presents:
"Overcome, Overjoyed"

The story takes place in Denver, Colorado. Her
name is Mrs. Cassandra Greer and she is the new
music teacher at the Union school. She moves to
South Denver to try to overcoming the pain of her
past and to get a fresh start.

His name is Pastor Gregory Kenton and he is the
Pastor at Union church. He was a General in the
Army and is now left to raise six children by himself
after his wife died of Breast Cancer. The children,
whose names are Gregory, Jr., Paris, Siena,
Venice, Niles and London are all very talented and
do everything in their power to keep the memory of
their mother alive .

Their father, who is extremely strict, refuses to let
the children take part in a talent show being
planned by Mrs. Greer and won’t allow them to
have anything to do with Performing Arts at all.
Why? What is the reason for keeping them from
what they love? What Is he hiding?

Find out these questions and many more in the
new hit musical entitled, “Overcome, Overjoyed

ChaRo Productions produced the hit gospel musical sold out 2 of 4 shows at The Lillian Theatre in Hollywood, July 29-31, 2011. Produced and directed by Charlia Boyer, Music director Gail Jhonson. All 20 songs in the stage play were produced and written by Gail Jhonson & Charlia Boyer, except "I am here" by James Barber & Charlia Boyer. The cast, crew, stage manager, choreographer, stylist, assistants, editors, production all came together to produce a wonderful show!

Loading up all the gear

Getting setup

Break out the music & play

Thank you all for you love and support!! You packed the house and I appreciate it!!! This is just the beginning so look out for ChaRo Productions!! My dream came true this weekend in a HUGE way!!!!!-Charlia Boyer

A MUST SEE YA'LL! Just came back from the 3:00 show! Great Talent, acting, singing, dancing!!! And the Band, of course, Awesome Gail! Excellent Storyline! A blessed event! Yaaaa Charlia!-Pamella Walker

My family and I attended opening night, on Friday night. All I can say is BRAVO! !-Stephanie Holloway 

Awesome Evening!-Marlena Sherman Linton

It was my pleasure!-James Jefferson

The band came through and played that music until somebody felt it!!! And my lovely daughter, Tamina Khyrah-joi received a hearty applause for her vocal styling on "Close your eyes", a lullaby-Gailj

Hot New Releases in Smooth Jazz

The bestselling new & future releases in Smooth Jazz. (Learn more)

1. 1.

   

   Sample

   Dear Aaron (feat. Dwayne "Smitty" Smith)

   Gail Jhonson | Format: MP3 Download

   Release Date: June 10, 2011

   Available for download now

   $0.99

2. 2.

   

   Sample

   Electric Lady

   Gail Jhonson | Format: MP3 Download

   Release Date: June 10, 2011

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3. 3.

   

   Sample

   This One

   Gail Jhonson | Format: MP3 Download

   Release Date: June 10, 2011

   Available for download now

   $0.99

Reviews: Gail Jhonson | HerStory

Album Review: Gail Jhonson – HerStory
By Peggy Oliver

Growing up in one of music’s historical hotbeds, Gail Jhonson was one of many hard working dreamers who truly loved to play the piano. She was thoroughly awed in how nearly everyone in Philadelphia seemed to take music seriously; even the one who were strictly ‘basement’ musicians. But between her teachers and funk heroes she heard on the radio like Sly (Stone) and Stevie (Wonder), there were constant conflicts of interest. While the teachers demanded training her in the classical genre, Jhonson highly desired otherwise. In those frustrations, she took a year off from achieving her goals. Thankfully, Jhonston's passion was rejuvanated after witnessing an electrifying concert from Stevie in her hometown’s Uptown Theatre. She was especially drawn to his Farfisa keyboard; an organ which reminded her of Sly’s rock flavored organ breaks on many of his hits including “Dance to the Music.” Despite persisting on obtaining a Farfisa, she settled for another keyboard. Jhonson found plenty of work during her high school years (actually as flute player); proving herself worthy of a trip to the top-notch Berklee School of Music.

As she experienced the Berklee life, she slowly changed her direction toward jazz; admiring legends like Ramsey Lewis and John Coltrane. In the meantime to keep paying the bills, Jhonson worked on a smaller scale; mostly in the R&B and soul world. But the seal breaker for Jhonson was an audition for the vivacious entertainer Morris Day. Needless to say after ‘getting the job,’ the doors opened towards her own platform, including a long term musical directing gig for master smooth jazz guitarist, Norman Brown. Her impressive resume crosses over various urban genres performing with Bobby Womack and Sheila E.; and touring with Brown on the Summer Storm Series with Patti Austin, Marion Meadows and many more. As a musical educator; Jhonson produced several instructional books and CD’s including Funk Keyboards, heading full circle to her days of soaking in the dynamics of the Sly’s and Stevie’s of the world.

Known affectionately as ‘The First Lady of Smooth Jazz’, Jhonson dubbed her nickname of “Philly the Kid’ as her music company and record label. Now signed to the 111 East Music family, Jhonson returns with a funky good supporting cast on HerStory. The title was inspired by her hard working mother who fully invested in Jhonson’s musical vision. Much like her previous work: It’s About Time, Keep the Music Playing and Pearls, HerStory aims to please those that crave the pure elements of smooth jazz with a heap of funk frosting. . “Do Something Else,” released as a 2010 sneak preview of HerStory, mixes Latin spiced saxophone from Tom Braxton. Dwayne ‘Smitty’ Smith supplies some tasty bass guitar licks for “Dear Aaron.” The head nodding “Crusin’ After Dark” featuring trumpeter Lin Rountree demonstrates Jhonson’s clever spacing leading into the one-two ‘funky horn break’ punch. “Electric Lady” is a showcase for the keytar; a synthesized keyboard which produces deep, melodic acoustic bass lines. The solemn “For You Mom” steers away from the grooves for a short period, yet Jhonson still manages to ooze poignancy without the schmaltzy effect.

HerStory may be pretty much the smooth jazz prototype for many. But what puts the icing on the cake is the passion and expressions Jhonson puts into every note and chord plus the guest musicians she surrounds herself with. And of course, there is the undeniable funk factor that Jhonson is passing; as a teacher and musician; onto future generations of jazz groove architects.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene
All Music Reviews are property of The Urban Music Scene with Copyright (C) The Jordan Music Group, 2007-2011 | All Rights Reserved

Gail Jhonson-Herstory Update June 13

#1-HOT NEW RELEASE /MP3 ALBUM/SMOOTH JAZZ
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PRESS RELEASE-HERSTORY JUNE 10, 2011

HERSTORY - PRESS RELEASE - JUNE 10, 2011

PRESS RELEASE-June 10, 2011 PHILLY THE KID MUSIC & B.L.G. MUSIC GROUP HerStory CD-Gail Jhonson   HerStory, is the fourth CD from Gail Jhonson. She says, ...”My story begins with her story...this is dedicated to you Mom!’ The First Lady of Smooth Jazz is a distinction that Gail Denise Jhonson has worked a lifetime to achieve. Let’s learn a little about HerStory...born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, Gail’s fascination with the endless possibilities of the piano began at the young age of 10. By 14, Gail had played her first professional gig, starting her on a journey that has seen her travel the world, touching lives through her gift of music. After graduting from Berklee to the height of her success on the stage and in the studio, Gail Jhonson has lived a life fully committed to music with an impressive resume as a recording and touring musician including appearances with Norman Brown, Mindi Abair, Ray Parker jr, Pink, Milli Vanilli, Jeff Lorber, The Jay Leno Show, BET & so many others!  In 2010/11 The BMA awarded Gail a Spotlight Award at the red carpet event in Los Angeles; for which she won "Best Jazz Musician." Her daughter Tamina performed & also won “Best Jazz Vocalist.”  To give you some more background to Her Story, in 2009, Gail’s CD Pearls garnered the nod in the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, she leads the all female ensemble “Jazz in P!nk”, has her own band "3 Piece Suit" and is an educator at Champs Charter High in Los Angeles, CA. The music in this CD-HerStory, 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.  Crusin‘ After Dark, a summertime jam with trumpeter Lin Rountree. Still Care About Me, a passionate vocal feature by Ms Jhonson. The journey continues with a tribute to her son aka Vein,  with a bass performance from “Smitty” & sweet vocals by daughter Tamina on Dear Aaron. The title cut , HerStory, produced by Chuck Jefferson gives you something 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, a great toe-tappin’ duet with Lin Rountree.  For You Mom, solo piano piece dedicated to the lady that was a loving inspiration to her daughter, so she could someday tell her story...in music. The last track- Dee‘s Dance, penned for her mother is reminiscent of early contemporary jazz and her Philly musical roots.  Gail invites you to experience a musical journey of a woman who brings you smooth jazz with a feminine touch~ Tracks 1. Make It Happen (3:42) 2. Electric Lady (4:33) 3. Crusin’ After Dark (4:11) 4. Dear Aaron (4:13) 5. Still Care About Me  (4:15) 6. This One (4:06) 7. For You Mom (5:44) 8. Herstory (5:27) 9. Do Something Else (3:29) 10. Dee’s Dance (4:05) Charts Gail Jhonson's first CD single "Do Something Else" has already been #1 MP3 Download /Smooth Jazz on the Amazon US charts. Her second CD single "Crusin' After Dark" has been released with #1 ratings on Amazon - Smooth Jazz for 13 consecutive days and CDBaby.com for consecutive 22 days! This single is still in the top 25 on the Amazon's charts in the U.S., U.K. and Germany! Now it's time for Gail's latest CD ... "HerStory"!!! Tours -SummerJam 2011 with Norman Brown & Richard Elliot -Jazz In P!nk -HerStory Tour, Fall 2011 NETWORK PROMOTIONS & MARKETING B.L.G. Music Group P.O. Box 1615 Burlington, NJ  08016 info@blgmusicgroup.com James Bratton CEO Baron Harris VP of 111 East Records   "That's how we roll, smoove like that!" Contact Website: www.gailjhonson.com EPK: myPPK.com/get/gailjhonson Philly The Kid Music/BMI B.L.G. Music Group info@blgmusicgroup.com Management: Theresa Randleman T-Rose Entertainment, LLC www.t-rose.com trosellc@gmail.com, 517.410.6492

follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Philly the Kid Music P.O. Box 2782 Los Angeles, CA 90027

I #recommend the *Gail Jhonson @myPPK - #PowerPressKit

I recommend the *Gail Jhonson @myPPK - #PowerPressKit

Tamina Johnson sings, "Is it the way" By Jill Scott

My daughter Tamina is really a jazz head....sure she love's Beyonce, Alicia Keys & Jasmine Sulivan. But Ella, Sarah, Billie, Nancy...those are her girlz! Mixed altogether with her love of piano, acting, violin, drums, we got another generation of insurance that jazz is still alive and well. Congratulations Tamina, on winning The Best Jazz Vocalist from The Spotlight Awards 2011, sponsored by The American Black Music Association (Rick Warren & Eddie Robinson-representatives).

Gail Jhonson Brings us HER STORY 06/01 by CoffeeTalkJazz Radio | Blog Talk Radio

Gail Jhonson Brings us HER STORY 06/01 by CoffeeTalkJazz Radio | Blog Talk Radio

Gail Jhonson TV

 2011 BMA Spotlight Award Winner, LIVE at Spaghettini's!

A Cool Jazz Conversation with Gail Jhonson 05/16 by Cool Jazz Convos | Blog Talk Radio

A Cool Jazz Conversation with Gail Jhonson 05/16 by Cool Jazz Convos | Blog Talk Radio

I had the best time talking to Joy Hall & Trish Hennesey yesterday! This was truly an example of women supporting each other in doing what they love to do! We could have had our pillows, kicked out feet up, broke out the snacks and talked all nite...thanks for the invite ladies~

Start a conversation by leaving a comment on A Cool Jazz Conversation with Gail Jhonson

BMA Spotlight Award-I Won!

Wow...2011 Jazz Musician!

It's an honor to be recogized & a part of the music arts community in Los Angeles!  Thank you to all industry people that voted for me & special thanks to Rick Warren and Eddie Robinson, who work tirelessly to make this red carpet event happen~

BMA Spotlight Award Show

Me and my daughther Tamina...1st time in music award history, mother & daughter nominated in major categories! BMA Spotlighht Awards, tonight May 7 at 6p at The Celebrity Theatre, Hollywood, CA.  See you on the red carpet~

Gail Jhonson-"Crusin' After Dark" AVAILABLE NOW~

HerStory….coming soon~

Well the CD is finally finished!  After conceptualizing, concieving, figuring, writing, sequencing, playing, singing, arranging, producing, programming, recording, calling, re-arranging, driving, fretting, worrying, crying, smiling, compiling, downloading, trying…then it’s off to mastering, ordering, uploading, spending, packaging, shipping, advertising, counting, selling, pushing, promoting, paying, spinning, rehearsing and finally performing…..Whew!  That’s what it takes to be a recording artist.

This is the 2nd single release on my upcoming CD-HerStory....it features Lin Rountree, trumpeter from Detroit. Background Vocals by me, my daughter Tamina & Lori Jenaire. What do you think, is it a great summertime song? I have some free download cards for anybody that's been to one of my shows recently-here's the catch, you gotta tell me something memorable that happened! How else will I know you were actually there? All in fun, share your thoughts~