Castella

Absolutely not! Gail is a well-respected musician. She is very collaborative. She listened to my ideas for the tune. My mentor and producer, Darryl Swann, thought it was cool that a woman had arranged and engineered the song. I did, too!

Have you ever collaborated with women in critical positions in your business?

Yes, indeed, I have! On my music journey, my daughter Cailyn Thompson is my manager, photographer, stage manager, and overall assistant. As a result, she has learned the music business. She speaks for me, when I am preparing for a show to assure that I have everything I needed, during photo shoots and performances. It has been beautiful growing my business with Cailyn on my team.

Are you an entrepreneur?

Yes. Five years ago, I launched Castella Music, my record label and production company. I manage all aspects of recording, distribution, radio promotion, and shows. Collaboration is the key to success. I work closely with my producer, radio promoter, and venue owners. I discovered that I am driven. I played it safe in my career, until music came. I have grown in ways I never thought I could because music is my passion!

Would you recommend women collaborate more or less?

Women should collaborate more! Ultimately, it’s about positive energy and relationships, regardless of gender. A mutual friend introduced me to Gail, and we connected, instantly. The positive energy was there, and we have a great friendship, now! I respect her gift, and I am in awe of her talent. The opportunity to be with her onstage is amazing. It’s a gift! I met many women in the music industry and am elated every time I get a call to work. I am always thinking of ways to collaborate with my sisters.

Did the collaboration initiate or enhance a sisterhood?

Oh yes, Gail is my sister! I was so excited when I got my first call to join Jazz in Pink for a performance! I felt like I was invited into a special sisterhood. It was a rite of passage. Dr. Gail Jhonson is so respected in the industry. If she invites you in, that means there is something special about you that she likes. I have a badge of honor, being a lead vocalist in Jazz in Pink.

How important is it for women to collaborate?

It is crucial for women to collaborate. We need one another! We all have something unique to bring to the table. Collaboration is a sign to the world. We know how to lean on one another and work as a team.

Castella is on the move, making a name for herself in the Adult Contemporary and Smooth Jazz circles. She is quite at home onstage, so look out for a performance in your city. I am sure we will be hearing more from Castella. Find her music and videos on YouTube and other digital platforms.

-Dr. Gail Jhonson, Contributor -Musicwoman Magazine

Jazz in Pink at the Berks Jazz Festival, 2024

Dr. Gail Jhonson (Musical Director)

Jessie Laine Powell (Vocals)

Brooke Alford (Violin)

Keyanna Hutchinson (Guitar)

Diane Dayton (Journalist)

Tiffany Worldwide Walker (Drums)

Paula Atherton, (Sax, Flute, Vocals)

Pamela Hart by Dr. Gail Jhonson

This dynamic lady in Austin, Texas, has been contributing to the jazz scene for 30 years, with her company Hartbeat Productions for the Women in Jazz Association, Inc. I had the opportunity to collaborate with Pamela and her team ten years ago. She hosted a workshop, by The Women in Jazz Concert Series, for local students, and invited Jazz in Pink to be a part of the afternoon event, before our evening performance. It was a rewarding experience for our me and my band members, violinist Karen Briggs, flautist Althea Rene, bassist Robin Bramlett, drummer Pockett Brown, and guitarist Darlene Moreno.

Pamela Hart’s powerhouse vocals and stage confidence has earned her the recognition she deserves in traditional and smooth jazz. In November 2023, we enjoyed collaborating in Austin, again, to celebrate women in jazz. It was an impressive experience for me, Jazz in Pink, and saxophonist Grace Kelley. Our finale, I’m Every Woman, the Chaka Khan classic, was a fitting closure for Pamela and her special guests.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Pamela to discuss the collaboration of women in music and the impact jazz is having on young women artists, and to thank her for her dedication to the genre, particularly, supporting women in jazz.

What is the collaborative project between you and Dr. Gail Jhonson?

Dr. Gail Jhonson and I collaborated on the Women in Jazz Concert Series featuring Jazz in Pink.

What was the process?

I knew that Gail Johnson was the musical director for Jazz in Pink. They are an outstanding and rare all-female jazz group. This formation supports our organization’s mission to keep jazz alive and increase the presence of female musicians in the jazz genre.

Was it a different experience, sharing musical ideas with a woman?

It was different working with a woman leader. Women are surer of what they want, so the conversation is more direct, and solutions occurs faster. In the case of Dr. Gail Jhonson, she comes with a total package as a producer, music director, pianist extraordinaire with great leadership skills. I respect for her work and never question whether she will deliver an outstanding show with professionalism and grace.

Have you ever worked with women in critical positions in your business?

I worked with other producers, with the Board of Directors of the Women in Jazz Association, Inc., and with other female musicians. The best experiences are when the sisterhood is real, and everyone is free to share their talents and experiences.

Would you recommend women to collaborate more or less?

Women should collaborate more. Through collaboration, women are stronger to build better products and provide better services.

They bring a range of perspectives based on their unique experiences. The benefits include:

• Improved Communication: Women excel in communication skills, making teamwork and collaboration more effective. They use inclusive language and are attuned to the nuances of team dynamics that foster a collaborative environment where all voices are heard.

• Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Women have high emotional intelligence. They can read emotions and navigate interpersonal relationships. This creates better conflict resolution and a more harmonious work environment.

• Greater Empathy allows team members to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a supportive and positive working environment with higher levels of morale and job satisfaction, and less turnover.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Collaboration among women creates opportunities for leadership and mentorship, empowering women to take on new challenges and advance their careers. This benefits the individuals involved, while breaking the glass ceiling.

• Increased Productivity and Performance: Research showed that genderdiverse teams outperform less diverse groups. The combination of business skills, marketing perspectives, and problem-solving creates higher productivity and better performance.

• Networking and Support Systems: Collaboration provides opportunities for women to build strong networks and support systems that offer resources, advice, and opportunities not accessible, otherwise.

• Enhanced Problem-Solving: Diversity in collaboration brings together varied approaches to problem-solving, affecting more effective solutions. Women introduce alternative methods and strategies, leading to more innovative outcomes.

• Positive Social Impact: When women collaborate, they address issues impacting women, leading to social change. This includes promoting gender equality, improving policies affecting work-life balance, and supporting women’s rights.

• Inspiration for Future Generations: Successful collaboration among women sets a powerful example for future generations, showing that gender should not be a barrier to achievement. It inspires girls to pursue their dreams and work to overcome obstacles.

Did the collaboration initiate or enhance a sisterhood?

The relationship with Dr. Gail Jhonson and Jazz in Pink fostered an ongoing presence for Jazz in Pink in Austin. I love to watch and learn from Gail as she directs the band and conducts business.

How important is it for women to collaborate?

Collaboration extends across multiple dimensions, impacting individuals, organizations, communities, and society-at-large. Other benefits of collaboration are:

• Breaking Down Gender Barriers: Collaboration among women challenges and dismantles systemic barriers that women face. By working together, women amplify their voices, advocate for gender equality, and create more inclusive spaces.

• Empowerment and Confidence-Building: Collaboration empowers women, increasing their confidence, particularly, in environments where they are marginalized. Collaborating with peers inspires women to pursue leadership roles and engage in decision-making processes.

• Innovation and Creativity: Diversity drives innovation. Collaboration brings diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table, leading to creative solutions and innovation. Diversity is crucial for tackling complex problems in a rapidly changing world.

• Personal Growth and Learning: Collaboration enables women to learn from each other’s experiences, skills, and knowledge, contributing to their personal and professional development.

• Economic Growth: There are significant economic benefits to women collaborating. Greater gender diversity within organizations and businesses improves economic wealth.

• Global Development: Collaboration contributes to the global development of gender equality. By working together, women address global challenges to create an equitable and sustainable world. The importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. It is a powerful catalyst for change, driving social, economic, and cultural progress, while fostering personal growth and empowerment.

Pamela Hart and The Women in Jazz Association, Inc. provide these benefits to the world of jazz in Austin, Texas, while fostering environments that support and encourage collaboration among women. Pamela Hart recognizes the unique strengths and contributions of her team. It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with Pamela. I am happy to be on this journey alongside her, as we building a legacy for the next generation of women in jazz.

-Dr. Gail Jhonson, Contributor - Musicwoman Magazine