Henry Gibson Jr

Torn between a love of traditional acoustic bebop, the algorithmic textures of techno, the high energy of fusion and the spirituality of worship, Henry is redefining the role of the electronic keyboard in jazz music. "My musical conception came about as a solution to the problem of playing for audiences of different musical taste and coming up with something that I loved which the audience could appreciate as a fresh modern sound while still retaining the integrity of the tradition of what I believe that jazz is all about... Learning the rules first and then breaking them!"

"I needed to find a way to put more presence to the piano when playing with larger ensembles where the piano was expected to be the lead instrument." I also needed to find a way to be as expressive as possible with melody lines and also gain the ability to mix elements of different genres without changing instrumentation."

"Galactic Love" PolyGram - (1992) is Henry's first experimentation with his new concept.

After a 10 year reclusive absence from the bandstand, Henry has returned and is again promoting his PolyGram release “Galactic Love.” Concurrently, he is working on the follow-up recording while also establishing his on record label. The purpose is to assist deserving artist with musical and social integrity who don’t have the means to record and promote their own music.

Henry obtained a bachelor of music degree from Marygrove College in Detroit, MI., and became prominent as a jazz artist after winning first place in the Ypsilanti Heritage Jazz Festival and then winning the grand price in the 1991 Hennessey Cognac International Jazz Search hosted by Doc Severinsen.

Henry became prominent as a jazz artist after being signed to the PolyGram Jazz record label. Henry had previously won first place in the Ypsilanti, MI., Heritage Jazz Festival Competition and the Hennessey Cognac International Jazz Search.

Henry is a graduate of Marygrove college and received his education in jazz by playing with Detroit jazz masters such as Kenny Burrell, Charles McPherson, Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, Roy Brooks, Ralphe Armstrong, Marion Hayden, Rayse Biggs, and Spencer Barefield.

Henry has also performed with R&B groups such as Cuba Gooding and the Main Ingredient, Billy Paul, and Enchantment.

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