Dr. Gail Jhonson
New Beginnings with Fostina Dixon by Dr. Gail Jhonson
After many years, Fostina and I rediscovered each other, since the college days at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. I admired her, then, and knew she was a heavyweight musician, always coming and going to rehearsals. Our collaboration did not start until much later, for I was still learning the cycle of fifths and she was already working with Jazz greats Buddy Collette, Frank Foster, and Andy McGhee. Later, she embarked on a world tour with the Prince of Soul, Marvin Gaye. It gave me great pleasure to meet up with this lady composer, educator, vocalist, entrepreneur, and woodwind player of the soprano, alto, and baritone saxes. Additionally, she plays flute and clarinet, and was a guest soloist with late legends Abbey Lincoln and pianist Barry Harris. Collaborating with a female artist with such drive and passion for music gave me a sense of pride. I realized that her tenacity brought her this far. In a male-dominated musical environment, women have to find their place, and keep pushing forward. While reflecting on my interactions with various talented female artists and musicians, Fostina Dixon is a notable collaborator. I seized the opportunity to reconnect with Fostina for her musical project New Beginnings (2015). The collaborative process involved listening, talking, laughter, track bouncing, patience, and a shared commitment to capturing the essence of the musical message. Asked if it was a unique experience in sharing musical ideas with a woman, Fostina shared, “It was easy sharing with Gail because of her experience and musicianship. However, I do believe that her maturity as a woman made it even better!” Although Fostina has not had many experiences collaborating with women songwriters and producers, she considered it a privilege. As an entrepreneur, Fostina stressed the importance of collaboration and recommended that more women collaborate. She said, “For me, in my heart of hearts, that CD was a new beginning for me to just be who I am, and to be the best that I can be.” Dixon said. “My inspiration for putting out this CD was my passion for music. I like playing music. It is important to stay visible to your fans, and when you have written enough music, you should document it. Ten years from now, I will have something to show where my heart and mind were at that time in my life.” New Beginnings was produced by Fostina Dixon, Dr. Gail Jhonson, Bill Jolly, and Dennis Fortune. It showcased her beautiful musical mind at work. The moods and grooves range from the bouncy opener, A Better Way, by Dixon and Jhonson, to Dixon’s cool cover of Leave the Door Open, the Bruno Mars/Anderson Paak/Silk Sonic soul ballad. The quiet storm track For Your Love features Causey’s caressing vocals, also featured on the anthemic Momentum. Sketched and Creek Lane showcase Dr. Gail Jhonson’s piano solos. Other standout tracks include the mellow-toned Sunburst and Latin-tinged Nevertheless. Our collaboration resulted in a successful musical project and fostered a lasting sisterhood. Fostina emphasized the significance of nurturing relationships to aid others in becoming their true selves. She contended that, “Life is about developing good relationships to help someone else become the human God intended them to be, and to help make you complete and whole as well.” Fostina expressed a desire for continued collaboration, extending an open invitation to collaborate with both men and women. See more at her website www.fostinadixon.com, fossiebear@comcast.net, and digital and social media platforms. ~ -Dr. Gail Jhonson, Contributor - Musicwoman Magazine
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