One of the most innovative musicians of our time, Henry Gibson is a jazz/synthesis extraordinaire expanding the boundaries of traditional jazz!
Driven by his multi-faceted passion for traditional bebop, orchestral textures and high energy fusion, Henry is redefining the role of the Electronic Keyboard in jazz. His courage to venture into a powerful, new musical realm rewards jazz listeners an unduplicated and mesmerizing experience.
“Playing all over the world to audiences of different preferences and tastes presented me with the challenge of developing a fresh and unique sound with foundations in the traditional. My technique expanded into something that my audience enjoys hearing and I love performing. That’s what jazz is all about … freedom of expression.”

“What led me to further craft a specialized sound and technique was the challenge of sometimes having to play on pianos that were not well maintained or properly amplified and vying with horn players for lead sounds. I focused my expertise on comprising a way to put more presence on the piano when playing with large ensembles where the piano was expected to be the lead instrument. I also devised a way to be particularly expressive with single notes along with the ability to mix elements of different styles without changing instrumentation.”

“Galactic Love” (Polygram, 1992) was Henry’s first experimentation with his Electronic Keyboard jazz concept. Influenced by jazz greats the likes of Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Jan Hammer, Thelonious Monk, Joseph Zawinul and young lions Benny Green and Ed Simon, Henry crafted his own brilliant brand of entrancing jazz.

Henry’s musical roots took hold when he was just five years old. Mrs. Mary Reno helped unleash his natural talent and love for music as he became a force throughout his elementary and high school years on the trumpet, French horn, clarinet and the piano. While in the military, Henry became the proud Director of “Music Unlimited” – a military variety band that toured European military installations. Returning stateside, Henry later graduated from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan with a major music theory and minor in piano performance. After earning his academic credentials, Henry went on to study with Detroit Jazzmasters Stanley Booker, Harold McKinney, Teddy Harris and Matt Michaels.

Henry had the pleasure of performing with band greats such as The Enchantment, Kenny Burrell, Barbara Morrison, Freda Payne, Billy Paul, Bobbi Humphrey, Charles McPherson, Marcus Belgrave, Donald Walden, Roy Brooks, Marian Hayden, Ralphe Armstrong, Rayse Biggs, Rodney Whittiker and Spencer Barefield. Later, Henry became a solo artist and went on to win first place in two different prestigious jazz competitions – Ypsilanti Heritage Jazz and The Hennessey International Jazz competition. Afterwards, Henry signed with PolyGram records producing his critically acclaimed album, Galactic Love. Henry was nominated in the “Best Jazz Artist” category for the 2011 Detroit Black Music Awards.

His highly anticipated follow up album is set to be released in spring 2012. Henry is a local favorite and regularly plays popular local venues. Check the events link for the next opportunity to experience his passion!