Saturday June 18, 2011 at 8 pm, $15 at door, $10 advance. The Tribal Gallery presents Higher Ground, an evening of Social Soul, unison harmony rhythm & rhyme, performed by vocalists Gail Berry, Betty Richardson, and Colina Phillips.
Betty Richardson, Gail Berry and Colina Phillips love to sing. Their voices intersected and crisscrossed over the length of their careers so much that they can wrap themselves in each others voices with ease. These distinctive voices come together now in unison, harmony, rhythm and rhyme. Higher Ground is bound to weave music magic for fans of rhythm and blues, gospel and the blues.
HIGHER GROUND – BIOS
GAIL BERRY: Gail Berry is a unique singer whose talent has taken her around the world. Her vocal career as a solo artist began in Toronto, where she currently resides, but soon expanded to touring as a solo artist throughout Europe, the Middle East and Greece. Her music career gave Gail an opportunity to expand professionally and to become fluent in Italian, Spanish and Arabic languages. Gail has performed with a long list of international celebrities including Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder and Jon Anderson of “Yes”. Today Gail continues to sing and act on radio and television, in theatres, resorts and casinos and cruise lines, performing throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.
Gail Berry brings unique talent and a sunny disposition to Higher Ground.
BETTY RICHARDSON: Betty Richardson is a powerhouse blues/R’nB/soul singer. Her professional career started at age 15 with Dr. Music’s Doug Riley and the Silhouettes; she was an original cast member of “Hair” in Toronto and Australia and acted in many television, music and comedy series with top performers Martin Short, Andy Williams, George Kirby and Ray Stevens.
While working with Jon & Lee and the Checkmates at Toronto’s famous Club Blue Note, Betty met keyboardist Kingsley Ettienne and partnered with him to form and headline Formula Five including musicians Reggie Evans, Rodney Appleby and Liberty Silver. With her sister Jackie Richardson and Jackie’s daughter Kim, Betty joined voices to form The Richardsons, a trio that was profiled in a CBC television special. The group fell victim to busy schedules but when the The Richardsons have time to perform together they never disappoint.
Betty recorded “Pulse Beat”, a CD produced by CBC composer Milan Kymlicka, featuring the song “Special Love” which continues to be played on radio stations today. Betty is excited by the success she’s had launching the new phase of her career as a lead vocalist. She performed at a sold out concert at Toronto’s Hugh’s Room, thrilling the audience and receiving rave reviews.
Betty Richardson brings a powerful voice and her shining family tradition to Higher Ground.
COLINA PHILLIPS: 
Colina Phillips always sang so a career in the world of music was inevitable. She honed her vocal skills listening and singing along with Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and all the girl groups – Marvelettes to Supremes. The Tiaras, a four voice group that toured around southern Ontario and opened for The Monkees in Maple Leaf Gardens was the beginning of a professional music career.
Growing up years were filled with the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Errol Garner, Ella, Sarah and Carmen and coming of age with Dave Brubeck her ear completely opened to jazz.
Colina’s professional singing career includes the CBC radio programme Celebration with Tommy Ambrose; television specials with Anne Murray, Celine Dion and Chaka Khan; backing vocals for Bryan Adams, Bruce Cockburn, Jackie Richardson, Murray McLachlan, Alice Cooper, Michael Bolton and Justin Nozuka, singing a myriad of jingles as one of The Girls with Sharon Lee Williams and Shawne Jackson Toronto’s top three sessions singers; background vocal arrangements for Anne Murray; composing Another recorded by Ronnie Prophet. Colina recorded Hands Up Baby with SWAY which received Gold record status; sang with and arranged vocals for JUNO nominee Kaleefah, directed Making Change which debuted worldwide at The Toronto International Film Festival. Colina was both singer and songwriter on the jazz disc SVP Blue Mood, which set jazz as her prime musical direction.
Colina Phillips brings an eclectic ear to Higher Ground.
