Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Gail Allen at Gillespie Auditorium, NY, tonight!

Help us welcome singer/songwriter Gail Allen when she appears with her ensemble (Cecilia Coleman on piano, Chip White on drums, and Tim Givens on bass) at Jazz Tuesdays tonight, July 22 in the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium at the New York Bahá'í Center (between University Place & Broadway). There will be 2 shows at 8:00 and 9:30 pm.

Singer/Songwriter, Gail Allen from Passaic, New Jersey, brings a hot and cool syncopated approach to jazz in the tradition. Reminiscent of Betty Carter—Nancy Wilson and someone you’re hearing for the first time. In NYC during her formative years, Gail Allen was introduced to bassist Walter Booker and pianist Bertha Hope by pianist Doug Carn. In this rich musical environment Gail Allen penned lyrics to Elmo Hope’s Carving the Rock and Dee Dah, along with other original compositions. Gradually a style of singing evolved that raised the ears of jazz festival producers and band leaders. Soon Gail Allen began to travel as opening act for jazz greats organist Jimmy Smith and the legendary singer Arthur Prysock from whom she learned to take her time with a ballad. Gail later went on to tour with (her cousin Beverly Lee) the Shirelles for a six year stint. The pop circuit introduced Gail to contemporary styles of music as demonstrated on her version of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” recorded on Gail’s “Sax and the Single Girl” released by Airmen records in 1995. Gail has just completed a record date as featured vocalist for drummer/composer and bandleader Chip White “Double Dedication” released on Dark Colors 2008.

Presently Gail is recording at Rudy Van Gelder studios with producer Don Sickler and bandleader/composer Cecilia Coleman. Gail’s style of singing has complemented many recording sessions and her talents have allowed her to work as a radio personality and voice over artist. Gail is presently writing a musical about the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

Tonight Gail will sing songs from the American Songbook as well as original lyrics for jazz instrumentals. She will also perform Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and Willie Nelson’s “Crazy”.

Admission is 15.00, $10.00 for students.
Tickets will be sold at the door, or call 212-222-5159 for reservations and information.

Jazz Tuesdays
in the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium
The New York Baha'i Center
53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway)
Two shows: 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.

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