Mark Sherman has a unique musical vision that incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and rhythm & blues. He is an accomplished soloist (vibraphone and piano), ensemble player, composer, and accompanist. "I am striving for happiness and love through the continuous organization and exploration of sound and harmony."
Sherman graduated from New York's High School of Music and Art and went on to Julliard, where he had five solid years of percussion training with tympani master Saul Goodman. He played in symphonic situations led by Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, and Sir George Solti.
While at Julliard, he met a kindred soul who was also at home in both the classical and jazz worlds--Wynton Marsalis. They jammed together regularly and in 1986, Wynton's endorsement helped Mark record "A New Balance," an album that showcases Mark's skills as a composer, vibist, and synthesiser specialist.
The first few years after Julliard, Sherman performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, the American Symphony, the New York New Music Ensemble, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, and many other orchestras and ensembles. David Chesky wrote a concerto for vibes and orchestra especially for Sherman. He was also the featured soloist in Darious Milhaud's Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra at Lincoln Center.
Sherman's performing experiences include a stint with singers Jackie and Roy and six years with Peggy Lee. From Peggy Lee, he learned "subtle time" and how to "turn a musical phrase." Sherman's bandmates while working with Lee included Grady Tate, Mike Renzi, and Jay Leonhart. This led to gigs with Mel Torme, Liza Minelli, Ruth Brown, and Maureen McGovern. Sherman also started gaining recognization as a fine studio musician, recording with guitarists Joe Beck and Rodney Jones and producing Jones' CD, "the Unbroken Heart for Minor Music."
Sherman began touring with R&B pioneer Ruth Brown just as she was being reappreciated as a jazz singer. But, of course, anyone familiar with Ruth Brown knows her singing combines many genres of music. So while working with Ruth, Mark renewed his interest in the Blues and R&B. He can be heard playing both vibes and piano on her "Song Of My Life" on Fantasy Records.
Recently, Sherman launched his own label, Miles High Productions. He's released three CDs: "Spiral Staircase," "High Rollin'" and "Daylight Calling." Besides being a regular member of Larry Coryell's band for the past five years, he produced Coryell's CD, "I'll Be Over You" for CTI. The following year, he produced "Sketches of Coryell" for Shanachie, as well as contributing tunes for both records.
In the last few years, Sherman has taught at Julliard and the Manahattan School of Music, when his busy schedules allows. He is also a synthesizer clinician for the Roland Corporation, and his music is used regularly on TV shows and jingles.
