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Mark Sherman

After nearly 30 years of recording, composing, and performing with countless orchestras, jazz artists, and vocal artists, vibraphonist /composer Mark Sherman a Yamaha performing artist and a Vic Firth artist, has a beautiful quintet featuring Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Allen Farnham on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, and Tim Horner on drums. Winner of Rising Vibes in 2007 and 2008 by Down Beat magazine, Sherman’s recording in 2005 “One Step Closer” featuring Joe Lovano was in the top ten on jazz radio for 12 weeks in the United States. The recording in 2007 “Family First” was the most spun CD in the United States in it’s opening week on the charts, and his most recent recording done live at the Bird’s Eye Jazz Club in Basel, Switzerland at the close of a 2 week European tour, is entitled Mark Sherman Quartet “Live at The Bird’s Eye” and continues to get rave reviews and big radio response. Tied in with most of Sherman's live performances (clubs, and festivals) is a 2 hour master-class on language skills for improvisation, usually done at the local music school or university music department, and sponsored by Yamaha and Vic Firth Co." These master-classes have been extremely successful at the high school and college level. "I've received countless emails from students telling me how my system for learning the harmonic language needed for playing jazz was the simplest and most user friendly system they've come across, and that it answered many of the confusing questions, and got them improvising on chord changes very quickly." Mark Sherman's background, Juilliard education, and working, performance and recording experience have all contributed to a unique vision, which incorporates elements of jazz, blues, and classical music. Accomplished as a soloist (vibraphone/piano/drums), ensemble player, composer, and educator, Sherman is in love with music and re-harmonization of chords to explore and give expression to his musical vision. The Bronx-born and raised son of a star soprano who performed with the Cleveland and Boston Symphony Orchestras had 5 years of classical piano lessons before he fell in love with jazz through Lester Young, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane LP's. He had been playing drums for a while and practicing with records, emulating Elvin Jones, when he heard that Elvin was teaching at Frank Ippolito's Professional Percussion Center. Mark sought him out as a teacher. What he learned most from Elvin was a feeling of "loose but intense swing" and how to "channel spiritual energy into music." Sherman graduated from the High school of Music and Art and then went on to Juilliard, where he had 5 solid years of percussion training with tympani master Saul Goodman, and percussion master Elden (Buster) Bailey. He played in symphonic situations led by Zubin Mehta, Sir George Solti, and Leonard Bernstein, and many other fine conductors. At Juilliard he met another soul at home in both classical and jazz worlds Wynton Marsalis. They jammed together regularly and years later when Columbia Records' George Butler inquired about Mark, Wynton's endorsement helped pave the way for Sherman's record date A New Balance (1986). The first few years after Juilliard he made a living in freelance studio scene in New York City. But more challenging work soon came his way, He found himself in playing situations with, Kenny Kirkland, Rodney Jones, Joe Beck, Jackie & Roy, the NY Philharmonic, the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, the American Symphony, the NY New Music Ensemble and many other groups. David Chesky wrote a concerto for vibes and orchestra especially for Sherman, which has been performed at Lincoln Center. Mark performed as featured soloist in Darius Milhaud's Concerto For Marimba and Orchestra at Merkin Hall. Sherman went on the road with singers Jackie and Roy(4 years), which led to his recording and working with Peggy Lee (6 years). From her he had lessons in how to "turn a musical phrase" and "subtle time." Working with the special musicians Lee surrounded herself with (Mike Renzi, Jay Leonhart, Grady Tate, and Jon Chiodini) led to gigs with Mel Torme, and recordings with other singers including Maureen McGovern, Liza Minelli, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Ruth Brown, Gloria Lynn, Laverne Butler and many others. He played on records by guitarists Joe Beck and Rodney Jones, and also co- produced Jones' CD "The Unspoken Heart" for Minor Music in Germany. Sherman began touring with R&B pioneer Ruth Brown just at the time when she was being re-appreciated as a jazz singer. But her singing of standards always calls for a heavy dose of blues feeling and blues changes. Mark was exposed to a lot of different blues forms and tempos. In accompanying her he gained a renewed awareness of the blues as the roots of all American popular music. He played vibes and piano on Brown's "Songs Of My Life" (Fantasy records) After recording for small labels, A New Balance (CBS) showcased his skills as a composer, vibraphonist, and pianist. In the last few years Mark has been performing with his group and doing master classes worldwide. Some of his music has been used regularly on TV shows. Mark has toured with guitarist Larry Coryell. He produced two of Coryell's CD’s, I'll Be Over You (CTI records), and Sketches Of Coryell (Shanachie records) and played on “New High”(High Note records). Mark played vibes on Gloria Lynne's "This One's On Me" (High Note records) as well as Lena Horne’s release on (Blue Note records). In addition Mark has eight CD's of his own music “Fulcrum Point”, “A New Balance “(CBS), "Spiral Staircase", "High Rolling", “The Motive Series“, “One Step Closer”, “Family First”, and his latest Quartet recording “Live at The Bird’s Eye” which are available globally, and on the internet at www.markshermanmusic.com or www.mileshighrecords.com.

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11
Interview

Mark Sherman: Truth Of Who I Am

Read "Mark Sherman: Truth Of Who I Am" reviewed by DanMichael Reyes


Vibraphonist Mark Sherman likes using the term consummate to describe musicians and colleagues that he's played with. While it would be difficult to speak to every notable musician that Sherman's played for and ask about their opinion about Juilliard graduate and professor, it is safe to assume that they would also describe Sherman as a consummate musician. Mark Sherman has enjoyed a career as a leader with over a dozen albums under his name. While Sherman's albums as ...

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Album Review

Mark Sherman: L. A. Sessions

Read "L. A. Sessions" reviewed by Larry Taylor


Vibraphonist Mark Sherman has had a longstanding desire to release an album featuring some of his favorite bebop and standard tunes. Now, in L.A. Sessions, this dream comes true, with happy results.These jazz gems from a half-century ago are played in the tradition, but Sherman and his cohorts lovingly add luster. Chief help comes from Bill Cunliffe, on Hammond B-3 organ (rather than his usual piano), and masterful guitarist John Chiodini, a favorite on the Southern California club ...

265
Live Review

Mark Sherman at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles

Read "Mark Sherman at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles" reviewed by Jim Santella


Mark Sherman Jazz Brasserie at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Los Angeles, CA January 29, 2009

The Jazz Brasserie at LA's Crowne Plaza Hotel is perfect for jazz, with its informal seating and focused performance platform. Situated not far from LAX, it's convenient for both Los Angelenos and longer haul travelers.

When vibraphonist Mark Sherman came to town--and hooked up with old friends pianist John Campbell, bassist Tony Dumas and drummer Paul Kreibich--he ...

230
Album Review

Mark Sherman Quartet: Live at the Bird's Eye

Read "Live at the Bird's Eye" reviewed by Eyal Hareuveni


This two-disc live documentation of vibraphonist Mark Sherman's quartet captures a working band at its best. Beautifully recorded before an appreciative audience at the Bird's Eye club in Basel, Switzerland, the quartet delivers a very joyful presentation of their repertoire: Sherman's and pianist Allen Farnham's original compositions coupled with a selection of standards referencing the glorious days of bebop and post-bop, infused with articulate, personal playing and an urgent rhythmic energy. Sherman is accompanied by Farnham who, in this live ...

105
Album Review

Mark Sherman: Family First

Read "Family First" reviewed by Budd Kopman


The eminently swinging Family First is vibraphonist Mark Sherman's second release with this working band, the previous one being One Step Closer (CAP, 2005). Sherman has been a stalwart of the mainstream scene for twenty years, and brings a true enthusiasm and deep love to this style of jazz. There can be no argument about the honesty of this recording. The main quartet--Sherman, Joe Magnarelli (trumpet/flugelhorn), Allen Farnham (piano) and Dean Johnson (bass)--are extremely tight, and together ...

238
Album Review

Mark Sherman: Family First

Read "Family First" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Vibraphonist/composer Mark Sherman records as he has over the past twenty years and, unlike others who specialize on this instrument, continues to show no interest in expanding his sound to avant-garde or world music influences. What Sherman does exhibit is his use of Milt Jackson's blues and Bobby Hutcherson's shimmering vibes-style. Sherman's Family First again demonstrates that he is one of the best of the current vibraphonists on the scene. This album is very similar to One Step Closer (CAP, ...

126
Album Review

Mark Sherman: Family First

Read "Family First" reviewed by Eyal Hareuveni


Family First, by New York-based vibraphonist and educator Mark Sherman, revolves around similar concepts that reflect his spiritual, artistic, and personal priorities to reach, touch and move people. This is his second album with a working band that has developed a distinctive sound which includes the unison playing of Sherman's vibes and Joe Magnarelli's flugelhorn.

Sherman uses the ten pieces on the recording as vehicles for studying harmonic and rhythmic possibilities, mainly within the post-bop legacy. Examples include “Explorations, (a ...

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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Mark Sherman's birthday today!

After nearly 30 years of recording, composing, and performing with countless orchestras, jazz artists, and vocal artists, vibraphonist /composer Mark Sherman a Yamaha performing artist and a Vic Firth artist, has a beautiful quintet featuring Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Allen Farnham on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, and Tim Horner on drums. Winner of Rising Vibes in 2007 and 2008 by Down Beat magazine... Read more.

Place our Musician of the ...

1

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Mark Sherman's birthday today! After nearly 30 years of recording, composing, and performing with countless orchestras, jazz artists, and vocal artists, vibraphonist /composer Mark Sherman a Yamaha performing artist and a Vic Firth artist, has a beautiful quintet featuring Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Allen Farnham on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, and Tim Horner on drums. Winner of Rising Vibes in 2007 and 2008 by Down Beat magazine... Read more. Place our Musician of the ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Mark Sherman's birthday today!

After nearly 30 years of recording, composing, and performing with countless orchestras, jazz artists, and vocal artists, vibraphonist /composer Mark Sherman a Yamaha performing artist and a Vic Firth artist, has a beautiful quintet featuring Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Allen Farnham on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, and Tim Horner on drums. Winner of Rising Vibes in 2007 and 2008 by Down Beat magazine... Read more.

Place our Musician of the ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Mark Sherman's birthday today!

After nearly 30 years of recording, composing, and performing with countless orchestras, jazz artists, and vocal artists, vibraphonist /composer Mark Sherman a Yamaha performing artist and a Vic Firth artist, has a beautiful quintet featuring Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Allen Farnham on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, and Tim Horner on drums. Winner of Rising Vibes in 2007 and 2008 by Down Beat magazine... Read more.

Place our Musician of the ...

37

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Source:

All About Jazz is celebrating Mark Sherman's birthday today!

After nearly 30 years of recording, composing, and performing with countless orchestras, jazz artists, and vocal artists, vibraphonist /composer Mark Sherman a Yamaha performing artist and a Vic Firth artist, has a beautiful quintet featuring Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Allen Farnham on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, and Tim Horner on drums. Winner of Rising Vibes in 2007 and 2008 by Down Beat magazine...After nearly 30 years of recording, composing, and ...

68

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Source:


103

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Source: Michael Ricci


120

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Jazz Musician of the Day: Mark Sherman

Source: Michael Ricci


234

Performance / Tour

Seattle Times: Mark Sherman Brings His Vibraphone (and Quartet) to Tula's

Seattle Times: Mark Sherman Brings His Vibraphone (and Quartet) to Tula's

Source: Seattle Jazz Scene

from The Seattle Times: Vibraphone players are something of a rare breed in jazz music, sometimes a happy accident, Mark Sherman being one of them. Serendipity is known to take its time, so perhaps it is no surprise that Sherman, 51, was well into middle age before he really hit his stride. Named the “Rising Star” among vibraphonists for the past two years in the Downbeat magazine critics poll, Sherman is quickly catching attention for his muscular and deeply melodic ...

113

Performance / Tour

Mark Sherman QNT-Monday Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe, Piermont, NY

Mark Sherman QNT-Monday Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe, Piermont, NY

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services


Mark Sherman “One Step Closer”

Let’s praise journeymen: Unsung -veterans are��"to steal an Aretha Franklin lyric-doing it for themselves. Vibist Mark Sherman is a case in point. This band sounds like the kind of unit you’d love to spend an evening with in a club. —James Hale, Downbeat Magazine December 2005

Mark Sherman plays vibes with a brash, sprinting edge and a declamatory, ringing sound. He's also a gifted composer who can place swirling, complex harmonies into a swinging format under catchy, even memorable melodies. He deserves a lot more exposure, and now, with One Step Closer, he's got a terrific record that will widen his audience considerably, if there's any justice. There isn't a weak track on this album. Sherman is consistently inventive. His use of boppish grace notes adds unpredictability to his lines. Mark Sherman has delivered a winner. —Marc Myers, All About Jazz

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Primary Instrument

Vibraphone

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

On the faculty of New Jersey City University Jazz Dept, Workshops/ Concerts at The Juilliard School of Music, Manhattan School Of Music, Peabody Conservatory,USSBA and Youth Education Association,EJMA Jazz School(Laussane Switzerland), University Of Souther Mississippi Jazz Dept., Monterey Pennisula College, Occidental College, The Jazz School(Berkeley CA)

Clinic/Workshop Information

Master-class/Concert summary: I do a master class primarily on language skills for improvisation (applicable on all instruments)

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Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

My Other Voice

Miles High Records
2019

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L. A. Sessions

Miles High Records
2012

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Dedicated to Bill...

Splasc(H) Records
2010

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Family First

City Hall Records
2008

buy

Live at the Bird's Eye

Miles High Records
2008

buy

Ale

From: My Other Voice
By Mark Sherman

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