CD Review: Mark Sherman, "Bop Contest"

Today’s review is on a CD that I somehow missed a couple of months ago. Since this new release from Mark Sherman came out in early October of 2025, I normally would have just moved on to the more recent recordings. But this CD is so good that it simply wouldn’t let me pass it by.

Mark Sherman is a multi-talented musician and a noted jazz pianist. But he is also a world-class vibraphonist, performing with the likes of Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Larry Coryell, and collaborating with Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, and Joe Lovano, among many other greats. I don’t remember doing a review led by a vibraphonist before, but now I can proudly do a review on one of the very best.

Sherman put together a powerful group of musicians to support him on "Bop Contest." First, you really have to be “best in class” on your instrument to get a jazz giant like Ron Carter to join your group. That alone tells you something. Next to join was pianist Donald Vega, who has long been one of Sherman’s favorites. The rhythm section was completed with the addition of drummer Carl Allen. Allen and Carter have worked together multiple times over the years, and their chemistry is undeniable. Rounding out the quintet is the brilliant horn player and close friend of Sherman’s, Joe Magnarelli.

I have attached two YouTube videos that clearly indicate the amazing musical talents of these five players. If you are a straight-ahead jazz lover, this recording is essential listening. The first one, an Oliver Nelson composition is delivered in true up-tempo bop fashion — tight, energetic, and executed with breathtaking precision. The interplay between Sherman and Magnarelli is especially strong, trading ideas with both fire and finesse. And then comes Hoagy Carmichael’s “Skylark”. This version is so beautiful and so tastefully performed that you will replay it for years. Sherman’s touch on the vibes is warm and lyrical, floating effortlessly above a masterful rhythm section.

Playlist 

1. 111-44

2. Love Always Always Love

3. Bremond's Blues

4. My One and Only Love

5. Bop Contest

6. Martha's Prize

7. Skylark

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Personnel

• Mark Sherman – Vibraphone

• Joe Magnarelli – Trumpet

• Donald Vega – Piano

• Ron Carter – Bass

• Carl Allen – Drums

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                                                                              111-44

                                                                               Skylark

                                                        

CD Review: Noah Haidu, "Standards"

 

Today's review is for a CD that was released a while ago.  I never got to listen to it until recently, and once I heard it I knew I had to get the word out.   The CD, "Standards" is by Pianist/Composer Noah Haidu who is joined by Bassists Buster Williams and Peter Washington, Drummer Lewis Nash and guest Sax player Steve Wilson.  The CD was inspired and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the remarkable Jarrett, Peacock and DeJohnette's first "Standards" album.  Noah Haidu says, "There's something so vulnerable about playing in this context, when you're completely exposed.  Of course, I love composing because you can create an entire world, your own language of sound.  But with these old standards all you've got is your own musicality and the connection you have with the music and the players.  That requires a willingness to let go and see where the song takes you, something that can't be taught or practiced." The theme of lost love is the emotional center of so many of the standards on this CD like "Skylark", "All The Way" and "I Thought About You".  Haidu says "There've been a few painful breakups in recent years and I lost my father with whom I was very close. That universal feeling of lost love comes into play on so many standards, especially the ballads."   It's wonderful that we have another highly-talented young Pianist willing to continue the Keith Jarrett tradition of spot-lightning a new look at standards for Jazz fans today!

I have attached two "YouTube" videos.  The first is a beautiful presentation of . "Skylark".  The second is the classic ballad, "Beautiful Friendship".  

                                                                       " Skylark"

                                                                "Beautiful Friendship"

PLAYERS:

Noah Haidu- Piano, Composing

Buster Williams-Bass (Tracks 1-4)

Lewis Nash- Drums

Peter Washington- Bass (Tracks 5-7, 9-11)

Steve Wilson- Drums

PLAYLIST:

1. Old Folks

2. Just In Time

3. Beautiful Friendship

4. All The Way

5. Someday My Prince Will Come

6. You and the Night and the Music

7. Ana Maria

8. Skylark

9. I Thought About You

10. Last Dance I

11. Last Dance II