Mark Sherman

Biography

Mark Sherman (born April 17, 1957, in New York City) is a renowned American jazz vibraphonist, pianist, drummer, composer, and educator, celebrated for his versatility across jazz, classical, and popular music. Raised in a musically rich environment—his mother Edith Gordon was a Juilliard-trained soprano—Sherman began classical piano studies as a child and later expanded to vibraphone and drums. He attended the High School of Music and Art and earned a degree in classical percussion from The Juilliard School, where he studied under legendary percussionists and developed a deep affinity for jazz.

Sherman's professional career began in his teens, performing with pianist Kenny Kirkland and later introducing Kirkland to Wynton Marsalis. By age 21, he was working in New York's vibrant studio and Broadway scenes, quickly becoming an in-demand session musician. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Sherman collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, Kenny Barron, and Larry Coryell, as well as pop icons like Michael Bolton and Natalie Cole. His discography as a bandleader and sideman is extensive, with notable albums including 'Fulcrum Point,' 'A New Balance,' 'The Motive Series,' and 'Live at Sweet Rhythm.'

Sherman is also a dedicated educator, serving on the faculties of The Juilliard School and New Jersey City University, and conducting masterclasses worldwide. He is known for his technical mastery of the vibraphone, innovative improvisational style, and ability to blend jazz with classical and world music influences. Sherman's legacy is further cemented by his work as a producer, author, and founder of Miles High Records, as well as his influence on a new generation of jazz musicians.

Fun Facts

• Sherman's song 'Changes in My Life' became a cult hit in Asia, with YouTube videos surpassing 150 million views.
• He has performed under legendary conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Sir Georg Solti, Zubin Mehta, and Herbert von Karajan.
• Sherman has appeared on more than two dozen film and Broadway soundtracks, including 'The Lion King.'
• He is the founder of Miles High Records and Miles High Music Books, supporting independent jazz releases and educational materials.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Saul Goodman - Juilliard percussion teacher, tympani master (Classical percussion studies) [1970s]
• Elden (Buster) Bailey - Juilliard percussion teacher (Classical percussion studies) [1970s]
• Mike Renzi - Mentor and connector in studio scene; introduced Sherman to top vocalists (Sessions with Peggy Lee and others) [1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Wynton Marsalis - Frequent jazz collaborator; Marsalis endorsed Sherman for Columbia Records (Live performances, 'A New Balance' album) [1980s–present]
• Peggy Lee - Touring and recording; Lee taught Sherman vocal phrasing and subtle time (Tours, studio recordings) [1980s]
• Larry Coryell - Touring, recording, and production (Produced 'I'll Be Over You', 'Sketches of Coryell'; played on 'New High') [1990s–2000s]
• Joe Lovano - Jazz performances and recordings (Various live and studio projects) [1990s–present]
• Michael Brecker - Jazz performances and recordings (Various live and studio projects) [1990s–2000s]
• Kenny Barron - Jazz performances and recordings (Various live and studio projects) [1990s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Numerous students at Juilliard and New York Jazz Workshop - Sherman has taught and mentored many emerging jazz musicians through his faculty positions and masterclasses (Jazz performance, improvisation, and vibraphone instruction) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye (My Other Voice)
2. For EH (Bright Light)
3. Phrases (Explorations in Space and Time)
4. Mar Vista
5. Stank (Explorations in Space and Time)
6. This I Dig for You (Other Side)
7. Afternoon In Paris (Audiophile Piano Collection)
8. Phrases - Binaural (Explorations in Space and Time (Binaural))
9. Fillmore Street
10. Sonora Pass

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia