Mark Sherman & Joe Magnarelli / April 25th / The Cellar Restaurant / Jazz Club / Vancouver, Canada
Vibraphonists
appear to be an odd group of musicians to those who possess only scant
knowledge of the instruments that they play. While wielding their mallets the
musicians’ facial expressions often suggest an almost trance like state, due
to the tremendous amount of focus and energy demanded of them. At times, a
vibraphonist’s hands are no more than a blur as they pound out the rhythm on
those aluminum slats, which in turn cause the resonators to emit warm, magical
notes. Vibraphonist Mark Sherman’s performance at Vancouver’s Cellar
Restaurant / Jazz Club, on April 25th and 26th, fits
those descriptions well.
Holding two beaters (mallets) in each hand, Sherman, who was accompanied on this night by New York City trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, opened with the up-tempo, “Tip Top Rhythm,” which appears on disc two of his album, Mark Sherman Quartet Live At The Bird’s Eye. The album was recorded on February 22nd and 23 at the Swiss jazz club located in Basel. There were two wonderful solos during the eleven-minute jazz odyssey, the first by Magnarelli, who proved time and again, to be a very emotive player, and the second solo by my choice as Canada’s best bassist, Vancouver’s own Jodi Proznick. In typical Proznick fashion, the petite musician bent low over her instrument, making the strings dance. As is usually the case, she evoked a strong, favorable response from the audience.
Sherman followed up “Tip Top Rhythm,” with another piece from his current CD, this time he led the jazz ensemble in, “The Winning Life,” a song which possesses a more ethereal melodic line.
Continuing to highlight songs from his two CD set, Sherman relied more heavily on, the vibes’ sustain pedal to elongate the notes. Magnarelli served up a meandering, mid tempo solo, which was both beautiful and brightly colored.
Prior to Mark Sherman’s performance I must confess to being somewhat skeptical, not about his talent, but rather if I would enjoy hearing a vibes man set the tempo and take the lead for an entire set. Previously, I had only heard the vibraphone used in the role of an accompanying instrument. However, very early in his set Sherman dispelled any concerns that I might have had. He is equally comfortable softening the mood, and slowing down the pace, as he is at setting a blistering tempo. He is also the kind of bandleader that other musicians embrace easily, for he creates lots of opportunity for his musicians. Proznick, pianist Tilden Webb, Joe Magnarelli, and drummer Jesse Cahill, all had an opportunity to stand alone in the spotlight, and all of them excelled. The band turned in an sterling performance which is amazing considering Sherman and Magnarelli only met the remaining trio of musicians, merely hours before they took to the stage. Sherman was quick to give credit to this trio of musicians, as well as Big Apple buddy Magnarelli.
During the first set, Guy Wood and Robert Mellin’s romantic, “My One And Only,” seemed to be the crowd favorite. Sherman demonstrated that he is far more than a whirling dervish wielding beaters. His ability to coax a more relaxed, gentle feel from the vibes complimented Magnarelli’s tender, warm and mellow notes. Cahill demonstrated an equally soft touch on the drums, as he played with brushes.
Sherman closed out the set with “Modal Blues.”
All photos by Joe Montague, protected by copyright
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Reviewed April 25th, 2008
Riveting Riffs wishes to thank The Cellar Restaurant / Jazz Club for making it possible for us to review this Gig
