GAIL JHONSON: Keep The Music Playing

Gail Jhonson

Keep The Music Playing

© 2004 Gail Johnson (634479037139)

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Smooth Jazz with a feminine touch. Music director for Norman Brown. Performed with Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Paul Jackson jr, Bobby Lyle & more...

notes

KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING, starts off with a lively tune called “Just For Kicks”, with Norman Brown on wah-guitar & "Big Game" James Manning on bass. Followed by the classic "Heaven" by BeBe & CeCe Winans. “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”, beautifully presented in the contemporary jazz style... with a feminine touch! "Soleh" is a duet with jazz superstar Norman Brown and bassist extraordinaire Sekou Bunch. “I Wanna Luv U” is a ballad that brings to mind the great songs of yesterday, featurning upcoming producer/songwriter Addam "Gift" Driver and the sweet voice of Charlia. 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 Groove”. 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 Gail Keeps The Music Playing for you!
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Born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, Gail Denise Jhonson began piano lessons in elementary school at age 10. Proving to be a gifted student she advanced quickly and played her 1st gig’s at age 14 playing organ with numerous local Funk and R&B bands. On her musical pursuit, by 18 she enrolled into Berklee College of Music and later received a B.A. in composition. Returning home, as a “jazz pianist”, Gail performed with several jazz bands, and other popular Philadelphia artists. She left Germantown in 1985, with her keyboard strapped on and landed an audition with Morris Day (of the “TIME”). She eventually moved to Los Angeles to make her dream career come true!

By 2004, Keep The Music Playing, Gail Jhonson’s highly acclaimed debut contemporary jazz CD on her own (Philly The Kid Records), brought her into the international recording spotlight. Led by the hit singles Heaven and Just For Kicks the CD received strong support from the music industry ((“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).) and heavy spins on many of the nations smooth jazz stations; Gail’s solo career is now cemented in success!

Gail additionally works as the music director, keyboardist and vocalist for smooth jazz super star guitarist and vocalist Norman Brown where Gail is quite busy. In 2005 the nations highly successful and much anticipated Norman Brown’s Summer Storm Tour was launched with special guest Peabo Bryson, Everett Harp & Brenda Russell followed by the major success of the 2006 Summer Storm 2 Tour with special guest Patti Austin, Alex Bugon and Paul Taylor!!

In addition to putting the finishing touch’s on her follow up to the Keep The Music Playing CD, which is slated for a September 2007 release, Gail is currently working on the music for Summer Storm 3 with this year’s special guest Jeff Lorber and Marion Meadows!!

Gail recently competed in the Capitol Jazz Challenge, Washington DC and last year performed for four weeks in Austrailia with Rain Pryor’s Fried Chicken & Latkas. While there Gail had the extreme pleasure of performing with Abarigal jazz musicans, an experience Gail calls “exhilirating” and looks forward to recording!!

In past years, she has performed with Pink, Minako Honda, Norman Brown, Vanessa Williams, Bobby Lyle/featuring Mindi Abair, Jermaine Jackson, and Morris Day.

With early influiences of Duke Ellington and Herbie Hancock and later Stevie Wonder and Joe Sample Gail has recorded with Bobby Womack, 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, particularly Gospel Musicals. Her first professional experience was offered as a piano substitute for the stage play EUBIE, at the Ivar Theatre, in Hollywood. She soon began playing for a Langston Hughes play, TAMBORINES TO GLORY, directed by the late Lincoln Kilpatrick, at The Bradley Theatre also in Los Angeles.

Thereafter, she was scoring and was the music director for gospel 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, rap artist/producer VEIN and her daughter Tamina, a wonderful vocalist and budding musician.


Presently, Gail finds time to for songwriting, producing, and piano instruction. 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 Los Angeles Musician's Institute Master Class Series. Gail is a member of Musicians Union (local 47), BMI, NARAS and has a Certificate of Service, Music Education-Post-secondary/State of California. Stay in touch with the exciting career of Gail Jhonson at gailjhonson.com.

reviews

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  • Keep The Music Playing
    author: Richard King

    This CD was given to me as a gift over 6 months ago and I play it every day. It is my favorite smooth jazz CD. It is appropriate for any setting, dinner, cruising in the car, romatic evenings, office music, easy listening, etc. Great project. Please continue to produce more projects like this. You are very talented!!!!!

  • Mucician
    author: William White

    Awsome!!! Thank you for sharing your GOD Blessed Talents. Yail

  • author: Luther B / Jazz Artist

    Great Songs , Arrangements, andf Great Playing. Can't Wait For The Next Project. Luther B / Jazz Artist Baltimore , Md.

  • i am truly enjoying this marvelous cd.
    author: azara

    this cd is excellent for just chilling or riding in the car on a beautiful day. It is just a marvelous cd and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

  • Beautiful CD
    author: Arnie Fox

    A beautiful arrangement of How Do You Keep The Music Playing? This one number is worth the price of this CD!

  • this cd is is one of my greatest inspirations!!
    author: commander lamar b. burno

    when listening to this cd, it takes me back to you starting your own singing group with me, dee and my twin brother lamont. we were in your home singing "black butterfly" by deniece williams. i always knew that you were going to be a sensation to listen to. this cd is played everytime the philadelphia guardian angels have training to ease the mindset from stress!!

  • Keep the Music Playin' is right! The Entire CD is awesome!
    author: Pam Lawrence

    Keep the Music Playin' is right! The Entire CD is awesome! Our favorite is her rendition of Heaven! The bomb! And we've been blessed to experience her music live and in color! Thank you Gail for sharing your gifts! Pam Lawrence

  • You are toooooooo hot to handle :)
    author: Little Sis DeNichole

    Thank you for being my inspiration!!! After listening to your CD it set me back and made me think about the days when I was a little girl and I would watch you practice on your black baby grand in mommy's livingroom. Thank you for the great memories. I always believed in you. Keep up the good work and continue to tickle the ivory. Love you always

  • Outstanding Work
    author: Earnest Walker

    Fantastic CD. I highly recommend it.

  • The music is very "soul" felt.
    author: AMIR

    I have listend to the cd for months and enjoyed all cuts. The "live" performance at La Ve Lee in Studio City, CA was a performance I won't forget. The band had the place rockin. I can't stop hummin "Just For Kicks".

  • The cd is the BOMB!
    author: MJackson

    I have the cd, in fact about 70 of my co-workers have the cd and we're waiting on the next one. It's a cd that you can put on and let it play over and over. The sistah is B-A-D!

  • Wow !!! beautiful heavenly!
    author: NPV

    It does not matter what mood I am in, gail's magnetic sounds energizes my soul. simply, beautiful delicious jazz music to the ears thank u.

  • I just returned from the Capital Jazz Fest where I had the priveledge of hearing Gail for the first. We were treated with live versions of some songs off the Cd and I was so impressed with it I purchased a copy (had it autographed) and listened to it on the ride home. In a word; Impressive! It's strong groove oriented cd loaded with so much feeling and emotion. Ya gotta love it if you love music. In fact by the time I got home, about an hours drive, my neck was really sore from all the bobbing and shaking I put my head through because of the infectious grooves on this cd. :) Gail, I'm most impressed with your music and the way you carried yourself at the show. Kudos and best wishes. Jeff :) In my humble opinion, you should have won. :)

  • I can`t stop playing this CD
    author: Marcus Dau (Germany)

    This CD is really a grower. So many outstanding tracks on it. If you want to relax or just listen to some great music -put this CD in your recorder. It`s definitly one of the finest Smooth Jazz CDs of the last year. Gail, I hope to hear more of you in near future and you get the recognition you deserve. I highly recommend to buy this CD. You won`t be disappointed !!

  • A Breath of Fresh Air!
    author: Sam Ferris from Malaysia

    I've been getting tired of hearing the "same-old same old" in terms of jazz keyboardists. Not to knock them, but I've grown tired of the same Dave Benoit, Bob James, Dave Grusin, bland keyboards. I would say the closest comparison I could make would be Ramsey Lewis or a more main stream Rodney Franklin, yet its more up to date and has that softer woman's touch no male musician could ever make manifest in soul-touching music.

  • A Sexy Touch of Smooth Jazz
    author: Tim Garrison

    After reading about you and hearing the CD I must say that you are one to watch out for. I'm sure we'll be hearing alot fron Gail Johnson...I mean Jhonson (wink)!

  • Outstanding!!!! She hears and she knows the sound of pleasure
    author: Ann

    I bought the CD from the Smooth Jazz link, I have enjoyed it more than I can say I listen at work and it is something the whole staff says WOW!! that sounds so soothing, Ms Jhonson, you are the on the road, just let the top down and roll on!!!

  • I love this CD!
    author: Pat Robinson

    I love this CD! It is all that I hoped it would be and more. Gail Johnson knows how to tickle those keys and make them laugh with soothing smooth jazz. Keep up the good work Gail Johnson!

  • Please keep the music playing
    author: CVT

    I have been enjoying smooth jazz for a long time. This CD has a nice mix of cuts,and all of them are great. Ms. Jhonson, Please keep the beautiful music playing.

  • All things are possible wiith "GOD"
    author: Pastor Michael Lee Thompson

    In a busy world fast moving seems to be the order of the day. This CD mellows the mind and transport the listner to a place where relaxation and easy living go hand in hand. Music for the whole family and world. Keep it coming Gail. God bless and keep you always.

  • It pay's to serve Jesus!
    author: Mr Gift

    This project is a timeless work of art. I had the privillage to work on this project with Gail from beginning to end. A complete honor! This CD totally stands on it own and I'm still blown away by her performance even after hearing it thousands of times in the making! To any an all music lovers, this CD is one that STAYS in the CD CHANGER and one of those you'll never want to get rid of! Stay encouraged Gail! Praise God for what he's done, doing and getting ready to do!

  • author: Vernese Gunter

    Elegant and graceful. Keep the music coming Gail.

  • She has it all! Hopefully she will come to Albuquerque to perform.
    author: Fred
  • keep hitting those keys gail.
    author: AMIR

    i just grooved on the instrumental tracks. can i produce number two cd? peace AMIR

  • What else can be said, the new CD is “AWESOME."
    author: Pastor T. Reeves

    Gail, What else can be said, the new CD is “AWESOME.” I am praying for many new doors of opportunity to open. You have put in the time and have paid your dues. To everything there is a season and I hope and trust that this will be your new season to bless others with your writing as well as be blessed by our God.

  • author: Tony Love

    From the first time I heard this I was blown away!!!!! You've got to get this CD, it's a breath of fresh air. I'm so proud of her. I'm a big fan of hers she is the greatest!!!!!!

  • I ask my sister ? What did she think of Gail's CD ??????
    author: Pepsi & genie

    I ask my sister "pep" ONE Question??? What do you think of Gail's CD...She gave me ONE word back...BAD !!!!!! We are sister..Born and raised in Phila with Gail..We knew if any one in this world would make it...It would be Gail...She has always told us as kids...she was going to be a 'STAR'.,,,YESssss YOU ARE,,,And her hands were blessed by God....I was there..........Genie & Pepsi

  • Thank's for the smooth tone that relax me at night !!
    author: kiyahan smith

    GOD BLESS AUNT GAIL and her Music....Mommy put it on each and every night for me So i can rest...I just love MY Aunt Gail's CD....I Love you Very Much........Kiyanah

  • Aunt Gail Has done it again !!
    author: Latoya Genean Cohen

    My Aunt Gail,Has done it again,,When i was in "la" with her for the summer,She told me and Arron to pick something,we would like to play,,We just looked at each other and said ok,ok...Aunt Gail told us..EMPTY CAN"S MAKE THE MOST NOISE!!We could not understand what she was talking about...Now i see what hard work will do !!She has always told us to reach,For the stars...As you can see..She has!!!!God Bless..I Love you Aunt Gail...And Keep the Music Playing.. Toya

  • I whole-heartedly recommend Gail Jhonson's debut album and instantly hope it wil
    author: hbh

    I asked Gail if here last name would be Johnson or Jhonson. She told me Johnson would be her real name and Jhonson her stage-name. Unusual like her name is her music. No, she is no newcomer. She already played with Pink, Minako Honda, Norman Brown, Vanessa Williams, Mindy Abair, Jermaine Jackson, Morris Day, Bobby Womack, Ray Parker jr., Vesta, Howard Hewitt, Bobby Lyle, Brian Culbertson, OC Smith, Paul Jackson jr., Pamela Williams, Phil Perry and Milli Vanilli. So you can expect professionalism. Her pun is also remarkable. She released her album under the label "Philly The Kid Music". Born and raised in the city of Philadelphia she found her new home in L.A., where she is currently working as music director with Norman Brown/Warner Brothers Records. She is also pianist, songwriter, author, piano teacher, producer and more. Oh, I forget something important: She is also mother of a lovely child. After this short intro, we should immediately direct our attention on her new child "Keep The Music Playing". This album is to good to be just a tip for insiders. Read further at http://www.smooth-jazz.de/starportrait/Jhonson/KeepTheMusicPlaying.htm

  • author: Debbe Young

    YOU GO GIRL! Keep playing beautiful music

  • author: Harold and Joyce Fulton

    Knowing Gail as a young child who loved music it gives me much pleasure to listen to her first CD. I can see her playing and performing each song which is so smooth and electrifying in other words the Cd is ALL THAT . Continue Success

  • This cd is the best she has ever done.this was from the HEART
    author: Genie

    This is the best CD she has ever done..The others were great but this was from her heart..All the hard work she has done all her life..I ask the question ? Why are you playing so much i would just sit and wait for her to get done,,so we could go and play..Now she has answered my question...And i just need to say how very,very Proud of her i am...She's my Heart...Was then,,and alway's will be...Genie

  • EXCELLENT-VIBRANT- SOOTHING TO THE SPIRIT
    author: SHANNA PORTER

    VERY SOOTHING AND UPLIFTING TO THE SPIRIT. THIS ENTIRE CD IS EXCELLENT. THE SELECTIONS ARE SMOOTH AND VIBRANT. BEST OF LUCK AND MUCH SUCCESS. SHANNA PORTER/NEW ORLEANS, LA.

  • Calming to the mind, soul and body.
    author: Jocelyn Brimmer Akins

    I loved the CD, the music has a mellow peaceful spirit, very calming to the mind, soul and body.

  • hands appear to be blessed by God
    author: al brooks

    simply put, one of the best clips of a cd i have heard. I ordered the dics and can't wait until i recieve the real deal

  • The Philly Kid does it again!
    author: Darroll Lawson

    Gail Johnson has a truly fundamental understanding of the restorative powers of music and brings that knowledge to the piano whenever she plays. Like the three wise men coming from the East bearing gifts, "...Keep the Music Playing" is a wonderful addition to the CD collection of the music connoisseur and laymen alike. By expanding the graceful melodies of Soleh, and Heaven, Gail takes us on a cerebral journey that lights up the pleasure centers of our brains like a Christmas Tree. One never tires of Gail. Luckily she "Keeps The Music Playing". For in whatever context, solo or composer or producer or music director, Gail doesn’t create music as much as she creates a quiet, crystal eloquence for all tired souls to repose in. One Love.

  • Gail is a dream musician.
    author: Ronald Turner

    Gail is an artist that has performed with my band (Ronald Turner And The Fashion Statement) and can play with me anytime. She knows how to make the music sing. You can count on her music being top notch because she is a top notch musician and a great person to know. This CD is a winner. You won't regret putting it in your collection. Get it now!

  • May the "LORD" add a Blessing to the gift and you always.
    author: Pastor Michael Lee Thompson

    This CD adds a mellowness to the mind of the listener. Each song send's it's message so effortlessly conveying the cool softness of the artist's interpetation of each song. Music to open the mind, soul and, body of all who listen. Old school with a new school flow.

  • This CD is Tight. The Sista is smooth as she wanna B.
    author: Dr. Larry D. Manning, Sr.
  • author: Tamina

    Great work Mommie!

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