Ruth Leon recommends….. Daryl Sherman – Live From the New Jersey Jazz Society
Ruth Leon recommendsDaryl Sherman – Live From the New Jersey Jazz Society
And, from improvisation, the heart of the jazz form, comes this unexpected treat. From the jazz world which is, and always has been, almost exclusively male, a few great female jazz pianists have emerged. Mary Lou Williams, Barbara Carroll, Lil Armstrong, Marian McPartland, all gone now. But one who is still blessedly with us and still performing with huge success is Daryl Sherman, who has been at the top of that exclusionary tree for nearly 50 years.
Born in Rhode Island, she has been a part of the New York City jazz scene since the mid-70s and she is one of the rare singing pianists equally talented in both roles. From her early stints at Sinatra hang-outs like Jilly’s, there’s hardly a jazz joint, supper club or hotel Daryl has missed, including a 14-year stint at the Waldorf Astoria where she played Cole Porter’s legendary white piano. She was Artie Shaw’s chosen singer with his last orchestra.
Other jazz greats compete to perform with her and audiences welcome her all over the world including at my club, The Pheasantry, in London.
On this rare live recording from New Jersey Jazz Society, she plays with the great bass player Jay Leonhart. But be patient, she doesn’t start playing until 38 minutes from the top of the tape. Just scroll through until you get to it. It’s worth waiting for.
Could we add Shirley Horn to the list of great female jazz pianists?