Shanachie

In 1974, before his collaborations with Miles Davis and Pharoah Sanders, the legendary funk/jazz/fusion pioneer, Lonnie Liston Smith recorded the classic jam, “Expansions”, which became an inspiration to generations of musicians to follow.  Half a century later, Jazz In Pink leader/keyboardist Gail Johnson, picks up the torch and blazes a new trail with her inspired re-imagining of that classic.

Presence, shines a light on Kayla’s elegant and feathery touch, judicious use of space and dynamics, thoughtful phrasing and dazzling harmonic subtleties. Virtually all of the producing, programming and production on the album was done by Kayla and her Dad Kim Waters. Presence opens ceremoniously with the soothing and ebullient “Abundance.” Kayla’s sailing piano lines delight and draw you near with her sweet touch and languid melody, setting the tone for an intimate spiritual journey that lies at sea. “The abundance or overflow of blessings I have been experiencing is a direct result of my obedience towards my faith,” shares the pianist, who counts George Duke, Keith Jarrett, and Frederic Chopin among some of her primary piano influences. Presence invites listeners to embark on some astral traveling with Kayla Waters’ luminous and percussive nighttime groove, “Murky Moon.” As she waxes and wanes with her mellifluous flow, she lures us into her orbit to witness the sonic beauty.

Just Doing Me, Marion’s most intimate and heartfelt album to date, takes the listener on a sensuous journey through a soundscape of brilliant original compositions and masterful improvisations. The album is produced by the top producers in smooth jazz: Marion’s long-time collaborator, Chris “Big Dog” Davis (Will Downing, Gerald Albright, Maysa), Wirlie Morris (Norman Brown, Charlie Wilson), and Paul Brown (Boney James, Peter White)! Highlights include the first single, “AI Moonrise”, the deeply sensuous “Pink Glass,” and the funky spirited “Say What,” and much more!