Jazz In Pink

Official Biography (courtesy of Jazz in Pink)

Jazz In Pink is the world-renowned, all-female, all Star band based in Los Angeles, CA. In just six years, Jazz In Pink has emerged as one of the world's most prominent and popular all-female, ensembles. They enjoy a growing social media presence on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks. Jazz In Pink delivers a mixed genre which is primarily Jazz with soul, R&B, symphonic, rock and hip hop undertones. The band's core members are Gail Jhonson, Althea René, Maria Antoinette, and Karen Briggs. Since 2008, Jazz In Pink has not only performed throughout the country and around the world, but has worked to fill learning, social, and cultural gaps through community outreaches and events. The talented band consistently captivates audiences. Collectively and individually, members have performed along with Alex Bugnon; Norman Brown; Eric Bent; Bobby Womack; Sheila E; Peabo Bryson; David Benoit; Kirk Franklin; Donnie McClurkin; Yolanda Adams; The Virginia Symphony; Jonathan Butler; George Duke; Stanley Clarke; Wu Tang Clan; Everett Harp; Brenda Russell; Patti Austin; The Time and Yanni.Their CD, 1st Collection, was released in 2014. It features Gail Jhonson, Karen Briggs, Althea Rene, Robin Bramlett, Cindy Bradley and many other talented, eclectic musicians.

Gail Jhonson

Born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, Gail Jhonson began piano lessons when she was 10-years-old. A gifted student, Gail advanced quickly. She played her first gigs on the organ with numerous Philadelphia Funk and R&B bands when she was only 14. Later, Gail enrolled into Berklee College of Music and earned a B. A., in Composition. In 1985, she auditioned and played keyboard for Morris Day (The TIME) then moved to Los Angeles shortly thereafter. Keep The Music Playing (2004) is the title of Gail Jhonson's highly acclaimed debut contemporary jazz CD (Philly The Kid Records). It brought her into the international recording spotlight with hits such as "Heaven" and "Just For Kicks.” Gail is a recipient of a 2009, Grammy® Award nod. She was also awarded two Black Women In Jazz Awards in 2014 in the categories of Best Black Female Jazz Composer/ Arranger/ Producer, and Best Pianist/Keyboardist. The artist was nominated again for Black Women In Jazz Awards in two categories in 2015. Additionally, Jhonson is the music director, Keyboardist, and vocalist for smooth jazz super star guitarist and vocalist, Norman Brown. Gail has toured with Patti Austin, Alex Bugnon, and Paul Taylor. In 2014, she wrote the musical score for the stage, "Philly" for Dennis Rowe productions and is currently working on her latest CD titled, Beginnings.

Maria Antoinette

Maria  Antoinette's celebrated musical career includes performances with the Southeast Symphony Orchestra. Her solo performance and recording career established her as one of the most exciting and gifted harpist today. She's typically on stage performing with her portable electric harp.  Her repertoire consists of classical, smooth jazz, and R&B music. She has performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Maria earned her B. A., at University of CA, San Diego, and her Masters work in Harp Performance from the University of Arizona. Her solo performances have taken her across the U.S. and abroad. In 2002, she released her first smooth jazz CD, Sexy Paradise. Maria  Antoinette also released a solo classical music CD titled, “Maria Antoinette.” The artist has been the Principal Harpist with Southeast Symphony Orchestra since 2007.

Althea René

Detroit, Michigan's Althea René began her musical career as a classical flautist at age four. Althea says she was influenced by her father, Dezie McCullers, Sr., who performed with many Motown stars. After years under the direction of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Clement Baron, Althea focused her attention on jazz and popular music. In June of 1997, Althea began touring with the all-female, internationally acclaimed jazz band, “Straight Ahead."  She left the group to pursue a solo career.  She has three solo projects to her credit. In the Moment was released February, 2006 and quickly soared up the R&R Indicator Chart and the Smooth Jazz Chart, respectively. In the Moment ranked in the Top 50 of both the Smooth Jazz Chart and R&R Chart for more than 16 weeks. In the Moment is an assortment of urban contemporary tunes with an R&B twist.  A full-time performing artist, Althea René is regarded among musicians and enthusiasts as one of the nation’s most exciting solo improvisational flautists. 

Karen Briggs                                                                                                                                                  

Jazz, soul, gospel, latin, classical, African and mid-eastern music styles are all combined with a unique melismatic, 'vocal-like' soul when Karen Briggs performs. She has been performed with several artists from Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin & Yolanda Adams and The Virginia Symphony, to Stanley Clarke, Hip Hop's Wu Tang Clan. Karen is the first violinist to win “Amateur Night” at the Apollo Theater. Her fiery performances in the multi-platinum selling, "Yanni: Live at the Acropolis PBS Special" have been viewed by millions around the world.