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, Milli Vanilli, 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. Since 1991, Gail served as music director for guitarist, Norman Brown; as his budding career propelled him into the international jazz arena. In 1995 her career took a turn as educator for the next 12 years at the renown Hollywood based college, Musician’s Institute. Her staff position encouraged many upcoming artists in popular commercial music. 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 Series, 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 at various jazz clubs and festivals with her 5 piece band. Studio work included preparation for her anticipated CD and writing & producing for saxophonist(s) Justin Young and Jeanette Harris. 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 Pamela Williams, Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows, Lin Rountree, Karen Briggs & Althea Rene. The Summer Storm 4 includes: Chante Moore, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor. Additionally Gail has performed on the Smooth Music Cruise 2009 (Norman Brown, Boney James, Althea Rene, Shilts, Nic Collione and will be a featured artist on the Summer Storm 5 Tour with Wayman Tisdale, Eric Darius & Norman Brown! The ever busy Ms. Jhonson will top off a recording setting tour season with the Christmas Tour featuring Norman Brown & Mindi Abair!! Also in 2009 Gail received a nod for entry to 51st Grammy Awards for her Pearls CD in the Pop, Instrumental category, and the Pearls CD has continued to explode reaching # 5 on Billboard Magazine’s Smooth Jazz Chart!! Gail and Althea Rene has started a group of female jazz artists called JaZz in P!nk, performing nationally, and is looking forward to more opportunities for that project. Gail is also recording new music & doing lots of interviews! In her spare time she coaches her teen daughter Tamina Khyrah-joi/vocalist & pianist, as well as the Praise & Glory Youth Band. Additionally, she is the Sanctuary Choir director at her home church. Gail has written 2 books published by Hal Leonard: Funk Keyboards & Dictionary of Keyboard Grooves; and presently finishing a new instructional book: Jazzy Keyboards. Gail maintains a Certificate of Service/Post-Secondary education, and is an active member of BMI, NARAS and Musicians Union local 47. This is what others are saying about Gail Jhonson: …”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 “In the male dominated world of smooth jazz musicians, Gail Jhonson not only stands out because she’s a woman, but because of her incredible talent….” Smooth Views "One of the most inventive keyboard players I've heard.. Her music is fresh & exciting!”….. Jeff Lorber “…Her latest project is called Pearls and trust me, it is a beautiful, funky strand of music!” Jazz Monthly “Writer, 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