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: Shirley Crabbe, "Bridges"

Vocalist Shirley Crabbe is a marvelous Jazz singer who makes singing seem effortless.  Her interpretation of Lyric and her beautiful Voice produce a sound as smooth as silk!  Her CD is called "Bridges" and it's all about connections through our lives.  It contains an eclectic list of songs, including some Jazz standards, a Pop tune, a couple of originals and a hip, updated version of "Blessed Assurance" which is a well-known Christian hymn that is one of her mother's favorite songs.  The first cut on the CD is the Irving Berlin classic "Isn't It A Lovely Day" that is closely associated with Ella Fitzgerald who was an important influence on Shirley Crabbe.  Whenever I listen to a singer for the first time, I really like to hear them sing a classic standard song.  Singing a song that has been covered by all of the greatest Jazz vocalists in history usually tells me up front the level of talent the vocalists has.  Most singers simply copy the style of the performer who had the hit and most times the results are less than satisfying.  However, even though Ella was one of Shirley's influences, she takes on the classic song and brings some of herself to it, adding something new but retaining the integrity of the original recording.  Few singers can accomplish this feat and Shirley is one of them.  It was a pleasure to experience her talents on this CD and I highly recommend that this CD would make a terrific Christmas present for any lover of the "Great American Songbook". 

Shirley has gathered two brilliant Jazz Pianists to join her on this CD, David Budway and Donald Vega who also was the musical director for the CD.  In addition, the fine list of musicians below helped make this CD an outstanding musical presentation.

        Players:  

Shirley Crabbe-Vocals

Donald Vega-Piano & Musical Director

David "The Budman" Budway (1,8,9)

Clovis Nicolas-Bass

Ulysses Owens Jr-Drums

Alvester Garnett-Drums- (2,10)

Brandon Lee-Trumpet

Chris Cardona-Violin

Sean Carney-Violin

Todd Low-Viola

Stephanie Cummins-Cello

         Playlist:

1. "Isn't It A Lovely Day"

2. "Taking A Chance On Love"

3.  "Bridges"

4. "The Bridge"

5. "I Didn't Know What Time It Was"

6. "Promise Me"

7. "The Windmills Of Your Mind"

8. "And So It Goes"

9. "Thief In The Night"

10. "Blessed Assurance"

   

I found two "YouTube" videos showcasing the great Jazz vocal singing by Shirley Crabbe.  I am sure you will enjoy the wonderful arrangements also!  The first one is an Irving Berlin classic, "Isn't This A Lovely Day" and the second is the Evergreen "Taking A Chance on Love".