The Mark Sherman/Mike Clark Quartet

The Mark Sherman/Mike Clark Quartet

Mark Sherman's background, Julliard education, working, performance, and recording experience have all contributed to a unique vision which incorporates elements of jazz, classical, rhythm and blues. Mark is an accomplished soloist (vibraphone and piano), ensemble player, composer and accompanist. 

He is a multiple DownBeat magazine Critics Poll winner whose educational approach is rooted in a post-bop approach to originals and standards that convincingly carry on the art form with a potent level of invigorating musicianship. He has performed for conductors including Leonard Bernstein, Georg Solti, Zubin Mehta, and Herbert Von Karajan. In jazz, he has worked as a sideman and leader with Kenny Barron, Peggy Lee, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, Larry Coryell, and many more. He has worked as a sideman for pop artists Michael Bolton, Natalie Cole, and Michael McDonald. A passionate educator, he teaches not only jazz percussion, but the improvisational thinking and professional savvy that can help his students develop their own storied careers.

Mike Clark gained worldwide recognition as one of America’s foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock in the early seventies. His incisive playing on Hancock’s “Actual Proof” garnered him an international cult following and influenced generations of drummers. While Mike digs the funk, he considers jazz his first love, and playing that music is what he says feeds his soul.

Mike played on Weather Report’s first album (“Weather Report”), and has performed and recorded with such well-known jazz greats as Christian McBride, Chet Baker, John Scofield, Nicholas Payton, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Donald Harrison, Eddie Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Vince Guaraldi, Woody Shaw, Albert King, Larry Coryell, Mike Wolff, Wallace Roney, Billy Childs, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Chris Potter, and Bobby McFerrin. 

Mark Sherman, vibes
Mike Clark, drums
Dave Kikowski, piano
Ugonna Okegwo, bass