Gina Darby
Smyrna, Georgia, United States | MAJOR
Music
Press
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Discography
Gina’s 2006 debut CD, ONE MORE DAY, which featured guests, including Grammy winning jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis and Emmy winning composer/arranger, Bill Jolly, with its hit single, “Yes,” introduced listeners to a refreshing jazzy new presence on Urban AC/Inspirational, Smooth Jazz, Soul Radio and Contemporary Christian/Gospel stations in both the US and Europe. She was well on her way to success when “Yes” began its unorthodox trek up
R & R’s UAC chart and into the hearts of thousands. A buoyant groove, with music provided by Chicago house music king and ASCAP award winner, Marc “MDOC” Williams and Jolly, the track was “mysteriously” leaked from the radio station, onto a “street–made” compilation CD haphazardly titled “Say Yes” and mistakenly credited to Trina Darby! Though initially displeased with this turn of events, Gina made peace with the song that introduced her.
Now, her eagerly anticipated follow-up CHASING RAINBOWS (Jam/Lam Records), reveals her to be even more musically diverse and thematically dynamic. The wind beneath her wings is a stellar assemblage of musicians including Jolly, Sheldon Reynolds (former guitarist/singer of Earth Wind & Fire), David Cochrane (formerly of The Commodores/co-writer, Lionel Richie/producer, Paula Abdul), composer/producer Ced Keyz (So So Def/Ciara), Frederick House, violinist Ken Ford (former concert master for the African American Philharmonic Orchestra), Speech (producer/leader of the Grammy winning group, Arrested Development) and from the famed family of percussionists, Paris Escovedo (Sheila E, Angie Stone). “This album is more groove oriented than the last,” she concedes.
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Bio
Gina is a force of nature – a fetching, five-foot package of honest-to-goodness power! Gina has a 5-octave vocal range and a personality as effervescent as sparkling spring water. She goes from comical to confessional in seconds and shifts gears just as capriciously in her music.
Growing up just outside of Chicago, in Gary, Gina hails from a heritage and social surroundings of strength. Her father was a funeral director and her mother was a schoolteacher. “Clearly, I was not starved for positive role models,” she laughs. At 16, Gina received a scholarship to attend Hampton University, where she held internships, worked for the city’s major local newspaper and in the public affairs department of the ABC television affiliate. Upon graduation, she put her education and experience to work via a move home (on the other side of the border) to Chicago where, with natural gifts and fierce determination, she exploded into community affairs and media relations. She went on to become one of the first and very few, young black lobbyists in the country.
Gina always sang, experimenting with her range. “I had a little vocal coaching and practiced piano off and on between the ages of 6 to 14 years old, but I really wanted to play the drums or bass! Singing just came naturally. I had a voice bigger than my age and I liked to sing Minnie Riperton, Angela Bofill, Oleta Adams, Phyllis Hyman and Sade, whose voice and persona mesmerized me.”
When asked what inspires her, Gina concludes, “I know God leads you on a path so you can reach out and find Him.” In a moment of serene introspection, Gina shares, “my music has a chance of reaching people that might not find Him otherwise. I believe God uses me to spread His word in a way where others can see and relate to my walk with Him and apply it to their own lives.”
On Chasing Rainbows, there is no mistaking the inspiration behind every lyric. Gina’s talent is real and powerful….share in her message and her mission. You’ll enjoy the journey.
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