Although this is the first "concert" of Gail Kennedy at Jazz at the Church, she has performed at our Jam Sessions in the past, and we're happy to have her as our featured artist at this Valentine Concert. Here's a short musical biography of this gifted singer ...
A native New Yorker, Gail performed for many years at "Sonny's Place" the legendary Long Island Jazz Club. She came to Sedona by way of San Francisco where she performed weekly at Portico's Restaurant/Lounge and was also a soloist with the renowned Glide Ensemble Gospel Choir.
She has also performed in several European venues, most notably in Spain.
Having been heavily influenced by several of the great cabaret artists of her youth Gail has always had a penchant for "The Great American Song Book" featuring many traditional cabaret songs along with standard Jazz and selections from Broadway .
While her repertoire can be interspersed with up tempo and Latin rhythm tunes she is best known for her soulful rendition of torch songs and ballads.
Her laid back, easy-listening style is a perfect compliment to any reception, party, cocktail lounge or restaurant setting.
Since moving to Sedona 15 years ago Gail founded the "Society for the Preservation of Jazz" and has sung in many venues and for a number of events in northern Arizona including the "Uptown Jazz Festival," "Lunch at the Plaza" and the "Tlaquepaque Jazz Festival."
She also produced and starred in"A Harvest Moon Festival" at the Sedona Creative Life Center and wrote, produced and starred in the one-woman show "Salute to Broadway" at the Canyon Moon Theater as well as a memorable "Remembering Cole Porter" concert and her popular "The Aspects of Love" Valentine's Day concerts.
Gail also performed at the Sedona Jewish Community Center in a sold out concert featuring the music of Richard Rogers.
In short, she has performed at virtually every music venue in Sedona and has donated her time and talents to a number of fund-raising benefits over the years.
Some of those venues are: Ken's Creekside..Pizza Picazzo..Casa Rincon..The Hyatt Shoppes.. A Pizza Heaven...Marketplace Cafe... and for five years appeared regularly at the "129-1/2 American Jazz Grille" in downtown Prescott.
Gail performs as either a vocal/piano, or vocal/guitar duo and can also provide top caliber musicians of all disciplines to accompany her in trios, quartets, etc.
She has released two CDs - "Heart Beats" and "Torch Lite" - both of which will be available at the Concert.