Philadelphia
born Gail Jhonson has already performed 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, Milli Vanilli and Proyecto Uno. I had the great privilege to
review her debut album
Keep The
Music Playing (2004). During her time as musical director of
Norman Brown she had the time to record her new album Pearls,
which is scheduled for release April 29, 2008.
“My new CD, Pearls it truly is a gem! It is a collection of songs I’ve
written from my heart, with the help of some very respected artists’
in the business. With the exposure by recording label, nuGroove
Records, it’s sure to gain national attention and please jazz
listeners in a special way,” comments Gail. The first reactions of her
fans are overwhelming and they won't be disappointed.
Since 1985 Gail lives in L.A. and so it's only naturally that the
starting tune is titled Pacific Breeze. Produced by Nelson
Braxton, who also performs bass, guitar and additional keys this tune
is the perfect starter. Nelson and his brother Wayne are the famous
Braxton Brothers. My Soldier is recorded in the best James
Lloyd manner. Build on a shuffle beat the minimal chords have a
sultry appeal. James Lloyd is a founding member of the great Pieces Of
A Dream.
Silky Slide is featuring Paul Brown on
guitar. A piece of relaxation this tune convinces with the mighty
bass. Paul Brown is called “the Babyface of smooth jazz.” He is mainly
known as producer of hits for stars like Boney James, Rick Braun,
Peter White, Kirk Whalum, Euge Groove, Norman Brown, Patti Austin and
Larry Carlton. With the sensible ballade Moments Of Love Gail
highlights her excellent quality as composer, producer and performer.
Donald Tavie’ a musical genius and native of
Texas, now a resident in L.A. has teamed up with such celebrity greats
as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Norman Connors,, Luther Vandross,
Gerald Albright, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire and a lot more. He
delivers the easy Runnin' Around. On Feel Good Groove
Gail develops a nice piano solo out of a simple melody.
Miles Away was written by Travis Milner,
who also performs additional keys and drum programming. Travis has
toured with such popular recording artists as Bill Withers, Ray
Goodman & Brown, Adeva, Cindy Mizelle, the O'Jays, Maysa and Isaac
Hayes. His tune has a romantic twist perfectly set in scene by Gail on
piano. On Whisper Yours and Let's Do This
Gail
shines with superb key strokes on her piano.
Sisters and Pearls are written and
produced by
James Lloyd. Gail has on both songs her hands on the keys. Pearls
is featuring Marion Meadows on sax. Marion is an in-demand saxophonist
and has the right mixture of fire and soul. The bonus track Soleh
was already released on Gail's debut album. One of the best of her
works it certainly deserved a repetition. On this mid-tempo and modest
tune she is accompanied by Norman Brown (guitar) and Sekou Bunch
(bass).
Diamonds are girls' best friends, but Pearls
is a gift which should be given to all lovers of smooth jazz.
