Jazz Articles about Mark Sherman

Mark Sherman: One Step Closer

by AAJ Staff
September 14, 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.

The album starts with the crackling Sherman original “Modal Blues," a burner with knotty changes that never ...

Mark Sherman: One Step Closer

by Michael P. Gladstone
September 2, 2005

Mark Sherman's sixth album will hopefully do something to spread the word about this talented vibraphonist's work. Sherman is a New Yorker who has a has a degree from Julliard and has worked in a classical music environment. He's been recording since 1986, but he's largely worked as a sideman for other recording artists, including long stints with Peggy Lee and Larry Coryell.

Sherman has assembled a fine group consisting of Joe Magnarelli (trumpet and flugelhorn), Allen Farnham ...

Mark Sherman: One Step Closer

by Dan McClenaghan
August 22, 2005

The vibraphone shines up any ensemble you slip it into, giving the music a lustre and bounce. Just ask Dave Holland, who uses Steve Nelson's mallet expertise in his bands, both large and small.Mark Sherman, Julliard-educated, is a versatile musician who--in addition to his jazz outings--has played in symphonic situations with Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, and Sir George Soite; and if you want to talk about jazz, he has been a member of guitarist Larry Coryell's ensemble for ...

Mark Sherman: The Motive Series

by Dennis Hollingsworth
April 25, 2005

The Motive Series highlights a compositional philosophy that strives “for happiness and love through the continuous organization and exploration of sound and harmony." In addition, Mark Sherman describes his thought process as beginning with a simple melodic or rhythmic “motive," which he then builds and transforms into a complete song. This disc exhibits these tenets and more. The music is a cheerful combination of engaging ideas with a substantial dose of swing in evidence.Sherman's varied musical experiences include ...

Mark Sherman: The Motive Series

by Jim Santella
December 5, 2004

New York vibraphonist Mark Sherman leads a stellar quartet on The Motive Series, which includes two straight-ahead standards and a number of original themes. His percussive cascades emphasize the spontaneous character of his ensemble, as well as the artists' fluid interplay. Cohesive and enriched by the vibraphone's overlaying harmonies, the quartet strolls confidently through visions of Latin lightheartedness, soulful blues passions, and dramatic fire.

Tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker guests on two arrangements which stretch the session's capacity for ...

Mark Sherman: The Motive Series

by John Kelman
November 10, 2004

The vibraphone is surely the most difficult instrument to introduce to a jam session, if for no other reason than its sheer lack of portability. Sure, pianos and drums are tough to cart around, but many clubs have a house piano. And if a group is playing in a club, you can be fairly certain there'll be a kit on stage. On the other hand, try schlepping a vibraphone into a crowded club; mosey on up to the stage and ...

Mark Sherman: The Motive Series

by Dr. Judith Schlesinger
August 11, 2004

Mark Sherman is a fresh, clear, bright voice on the vibes. This is apparent from the first track of The Motive Series , where the often-lugubrious “Nature Boy" bolts out of the tepid jungle into daylight: in this arrangement, it snaps, crackles, and swings. His unique sound is also obvious on the material that follows, mostly original pieces that are varied and tuneful, spanning the gamut from burners (the dynamic “Motive #10 Judaican," with a blistering Brecker) to lovely ballads ...