Jazz Articles about Sherman Irby

Glenn Close & Ted Nash: Transformation

by Paul Rauch
May 19, 2021

Transformation is a multi-disciplinary work from saxophonist/composer Ted Nash, and iconic actress Glenn Close, exploring the multi-faceted and abstract theme of transformation. The works included examine the theme from both universal and individual conceptions. Music and literature at its best is clearly transformative for anyone experiencing it. Transformation is by essence, the highest and most illuminating expression of change. Nash embraced the project by creating a colorful and illustrative collection of pieces, embracing Close's curated literary selections recited by the ...

Glenn Close/Ted Nash: Transformation

by Jack Bowers
April 19, 2021

When confronted by an album whose tracks include the names “Creation" (Parts 1 and 2), “Preludes for Memnon," “Wisdom of the Humanities" and “Reaching the Tropopause," among others, one braces for whatever may transpire, buoyed by the thought that with Glenn Close, Ted Nash and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on board, how displeasing could it be? The verdict: not at all displeasing—but it must be appraised on its own terms, as a series of philosophical and hopefully transformative ...

Sherman Irby, Count Basie, Karl Denson and More

by Joe Dimino
October 4, 2020

The pandemic goes on and jazz musicians keep on finding innovative ways to stay relevant and creative. This week we focus on some of those that are doing so by releasing new material and good thoughts into the world. We start the hour with a veteran of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in Sherman Irby. We also hear new music from London-based Rick Simpson, Sara Serpa and The Radam Schwartz Organ Big Band. Enjoy! Playlist Sherman Irby ...

Sherman Irby Quartet: Live At The Otto Club

by Joshua Weiner
May 8, 2010

Live At The Otto Club is Sherman Irby's first live album with his quartet, and it would be hard to conjure up a more joyful example of seriously swinging jazz that sounds like a great lost classic from the heyday of hard bop. Though the liner notes seem to suggest that this was a bit of a pick-up quartet, it doesn't sound like it: the group, particularly Green on drums and Menci on piano, swing as one with Irby as ...

Sherman Irby: Black Warrior

by Mark Corroto
July 1, 2001

In today’s jazz scene, playing within the tradition can get you both overlooked and out of a major label contract. Alto saxophonist Sherman Irby is familiar with jazz conventions and is also launching his own label Black Warrior Records. Jazz’s present preoccupation with all things beats-and-groove related has cast away its young lions for jazz/rock fusion stars. With history repeating itself, can we now predict a Wynton-esque revival in 10 years?

Irby, now 33 years old, has an impressive resume ...

Sherman Irby: Big Mama's Biscuits

by C. Michael Bailey
January 1, 1999

Redux. AAJ 's John Sharpe opined a brief and sharp-creased assessment of this record in the November issue. I am chiming in to add some observations, not to try and improve on Mr. Sharpe's commentary.

The Heart of the Matter. Irby's performances with Ed Cherry on acoustic guitar reminds me of the Frank Morgan Collaboration Listen to the Dawn. Irby certainly lacks Morgan's “wounded" tone and phrasing, but their approaches with guitar accompaniment are parallel. He transverses the universe of ...

Sherman Irby: Big Mama's Biscuits

by John Sharpe
November 1, 1998

Irby's second Blue Note release serves up eleven tasty, bluesy biscuits----all flavoured with generous helpings of gospel, R&B and funk. For the most part, Irby is accompanied by bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Clifford Barbaro and this trio packs one hell of a rhythmic wallop. The CD also features guitarist Ed Cherry on three tracks and special guests James Hurt (piano) and Roy Hargrove (trumpet) on the funky title cut. Sherman's nine original compositions range from a lithe tribute to ...