Sherie Marshall delivers a wide range of repertoire with a warm, personal, and passionate tone that exemplifies her versatility and unique intimate style.

18 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz Vocals, BLUES: Jazzy Blues



Details:
Sherie Marshall has performed professionally in various nightclubs across Toronto for over 20 years. From a young age, Sherie was always captivated with music and the performing arts. Her first professional experience was gained by singing background vocals in venues across Canada for American Gospel, Rhythm & Blues, and jazz vocalist Tobi Lark. She began studying voice with Amanda Ambrose, and Linda Gamble, and studied harmony and theory at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She currently studies with acclaimed vocal instructor Falconer Abraham and pianist Rob Thaller. Sherie founded her own group fusing funk, soul, pop, reggae, and Soca producing the single âSteppinâ Out,â establishing herself as a mainstay in the Toronto music scene. In addition to opening for Harry Belafonte, The Smothers Brothers, and Rich Little, Sherie has sung background for George Oliver, Jack DeKeyser, reggae artist Mojah, and Jacksoul at the Canadian Urban Music Awards. More recently, Sherie Marshall has been the featured vocalist for saxophonist Patricia Wheelerâs jazz octet, âThe Absolute Faith Orchestra,â who released their debut CD in 2001, and has performed at numerous venues including Ontario Place, The âSounds of Torontoâ Jazz Concert Series, and the DuMaurier Downtown Jazz Festival. Sherie Marshall released her solo debut jazz recording âThe Sweetest Soundsâ in 2005 featuring guitarist Mike Cadó, and other jazz luminaries including Guido Basso, Pat Collins, Andy Ballantyne, and Barry Romberg. Sherieâs vocal style fuses influences from Rhythm & Blues, Soul, and Jazz, creating a unique artistic blend that has continually enthralled countless audiences. Her dynamic stage presence, coupled with her infectious smile, is reflected in all her performances.

PRESS RELEASE
The Sweetest Sounds represents the long-awaited debut solo jazz recording of vocalist Sherie Marshall in collaboration with guitarist Mike Cadó. Featuring primarily an ensemble consisting of vocals, guitar, and acoustic bass, the CD presents a unique interpretation of jazz standards and lesser known compositions in a truly intimate setting. Marshall succeeds in tackling technically challenging repertoire while still infusing her extremely personal and inimitable style.

Although bassist Pat Collins graces most of the selections on the CD, several tracks feature Alan Henderson, composer, bassist, and co-founder of the legendary group Time Warp, and Juno Award winning bassist Andrew Downing. In addition to the trio, the group is augmented by guest soloists on various tracks including the world-renowned Guido Basso on flugelhorn and harmonica, alto saxophonist Andy Ballantyne, clarinetist John MacMurchy, and tenor saxophonist and flautist Patricia Wheeler. Drummer Barry Romberg also provides an array of tasteful percussion and drumming throughout the recording.

The eighteen selections on The Sweetest Sounds represent a wide spectrum of styles including a number of sultry ballads, traditional blues, latin-inspired classics, and hard-swinging standards that are sure to please any music enthusiast. The Richard Rodgers classic, and title track âThe Sweetest Soundsâ cleverly modulates between a salsa-groove and straight-ahead swing and emphasizes Marshallâs impeccable ability to float over the rhythm section while continuing to interact musically. Guido Bassoâs always tasteful musicianship is demonstrated on the swinging âPlease Donât Talk About Me When Iâm Goneâ which also features Cadó on guitar and Collins on bass. His flugelhorn solo on the lesser-known classic âBlue Gardeniaâ and harmonica work on Thelonius Monkâs âPannonica (Little Butterfly)â are absolutely brilliant. Marshallâs exceptional phrasing and feel are complimented by Ballantyneâs elegant alto playing which is featured on the bossa-nova inspired âMy Old Flame,â the funky interpretation of âTenderly,â the haunting Ornette Coleman free-jazz composition âLonely Woman,â and the beautiful âYou Donât Know Me,â a ballad associated with the late genius Ray Charles. Demonstrating her ability to adapt to any musical situation, Marshall also delivers heart-felt blues renditions of âBaby Get Lost,â a sassy version of the Dinah Washington jump-blues âGood Daddy Bluesâ and the evocative Screaminâ Jay Hawkins classic âI Put A Spell On You.â The playful Helen Kane (âBoop-Boop-A-Doopâ- girl) classic âDo Somethingâ swings hard after a rubato guitar and vocal intro and features the fiery clarinet of John MacMurchy interacting with the feisty vocalist. Saxophonist Patricia Wheeler contributes her own gentle waltz â(Prayer To A) Child Of Mine,â in addition to exceptionally imaginative arrangements of Henry Manciniâs âDreamsville,â and Cole Porterâs âAll Through the Nightâ that are superbly handled by Marshallâs stunning ability to interpret the lyric and make it her own.

Despite the multitude of styles and instrumental configurations, this recording succeeds in creating a unified mood throughout the recording which in turn, reflects the extremely versatile talents of vocalist Sherie Marshall. This debut CD captures the essence of Marshall as the consummate performer willing to interact and engage with atypical repertoire while still maintaining a unique individual and intimate style. However, the artistry exemplified in the performances never overshadow the sheer enjoyable listening experience presented on The Sweetest Sounds.