Locals Night: Gale Terminello CD Release Show w the Mike Greensill Trio

Gale Terminello was born and raised in San Francisco and as a child was always singing. In her late teens she became a professional vocalist appearing as Gale Fletcher, and worked in many famous San Francisco nightclubs, from The Hungry “I” to Charlie’s Penthouse. As a teenager in 1950s San Francisco, she had been on the brink of a singing career — just like Johnny Mathis, who was two years ahead of her at George Washington High School. People compared her voice to Judy Garland’s and told her, “You have to be singing.” By 17, she was a regular performer on “The Don Sherwood Show,” hosted by the legendary San Francisco radio personality. Hollywood scouts noticed, offering her a seven-year movie contract, but her father insisted she finish high school.

After appearing regularly on Don Sherwood’s TV show, she was asked to join George Shearing at the Embers in NY but, admirably, decided to raise her son instead. Fast forward many, many years and she decided she needs to sing again.

Enter Mike Greensill, a veteran accompanist known for his partnership with his late wife Wesla Whitfield. He happened to live a few doors away from Gale and a partnership, both musical and romantic, was formed.

After doing some concerts in Napa Valley, where both live, it was decided to record Gale for posterity. A collection of the best of the American Songbook, that is the melding of great melody, harmony and literate lyrics that both adore. The CD title is “I’m Old Fashioned”, these songs may seem old fashioned to some, but to them they are wonderful art, never to be forgotten.

The amazing part of this story is Gale’s age. She is 87 years young. It is wondered if anyone else has made a recording debut at such a mature juncture in her life. So, watch out Marilyn Maye…Gale’s on her way.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/napa/terminello-greensill-napa-music-jazz-love-pianist-singer-great-american-son/?artslide=1

After graduating in 1972 from Leeds College of Music in England, Mike toured Europe and the Far East and lived in Hong Kong for 4 years before finally settling into his adopted home, San Francisco, in 1977.
 Well known in his role as musical director to acclaimed vocalist Wesla Whitfield with whom he has recorded twenty albums, Mike is also resident piano player on Sedge Thomson's weekly Public Radio show to the world, "West Coast Live" - more info at wcl.org. As an arranger Mike, in addition to his work with Wesla, has had the opportunity to write for big bands and symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops and the San Francisco Symphony.
Mike has also had the pleasure of accompanying such diverse talents as Rita Moreno, Margaret Whiting, Broadway stars Lillias White and Franc D'Ambrosio and jazz singers Madeline Eastman, Ann Hampton Callaway and Opie Bellas.

"Greensill is an accompanist in the great tradition of Jimmy Rowles and Ellis Larkins.

It's worth twice the price of admission just to hear him!" - Terry Teachout - NY Daily News

Phillip Elwood, jazz writer for the San Francisco Examiner states -
"Greensill is a wonderful jazz pianist."