14 Dec 2025 A Year In Music @GBAM
The year 2025 was a memorable one for Gail Boyd Artist Management, filled with significant milestones.
Tyreek McDole released his debut album, ‘Open Up Your Senses,’ where it landed for five weeks at the number one spot and received strong critical acclaim. He performed at prominent festivals such as Newport and Monterey, and traveled to Europe for three tours as well as Japan, earning widespread admiration for his stage presence and vocal talent.
John Clayton received the highly regarded Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award at Jazz Congress while continuing to shine as a bassist, composer, and teacher. Even after the loss of his home to wildfires, he continued to be a key figure in the jazz world, producing an album featuring his son, Gerald and his dear friend Rene Marie. The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra was nominated for a Grammy for best large jazz ensemble.
Don Braden successfully balanced his roles as a performer, educator, and composer. He toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe, with his ‘Earth Wind and Wonder project’ serving as a defining element of his artistry. He continues his work at Harvard working with big band ensembles, and spearheads other music education initiatives.
With a dynamic combination of experienced artists and new voices, Gail Boyd Artist Management remains dedicated to advancing jazz through education, performances, and creative endeavors that explore fresh ideas.
Special Projects and Initiatives
Gail supervised the production of actor Keith David’s debut jazz album. One single was released to broad critical and public acclaim.
She also supervised the production and release of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra’s album featuring Bobby Broom which was a tribute to Wes Montgomery.
In collaboration with her son, Arif Gursel, the long-anticipated jazz label, ESJR Records became a reality. The first release is vocalist Mz Val, who completed an album entitled “Simply Me” produced by John Clayton with an impressive list of sidemen. The label honors jazz’s rich legacy while embracing modern and progressive jazz efforts.
Vanguard Arts
Partnering with Karen Kennedy, these seasoned artist managers have launched Vanguard Arts which provides consulting services to artists and arts organizations. The partnership has also undertaken artist management of two clients: Soul Science Lab which combines their love of hip hop with jazz and world music and Sounds of April and Randall who focus on modern jazz, but also focused on preserving tradition. April May Webb was the 2024 winner of the Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition. Both groups have toured throughout the United States.