Mark Sherman’s Bop Contest: A Triumphant Return to the Vibraphone with Ron Carter and an All-Star Cast

On November 7, 2025, vibraphonist, pianist, and composer Mark Sherman releases his highly anticipated 22nd album as a bandleader, Bop Contest (Miles High Records). The project marks a bold and joyful return to the vibraphone for Sherman, whose recent output showcased his prowess on the piano. With Bop Contest, he reclaims his place among the instrument’s modern masters, in the grand tradition of Milt Jackson and Lionel Hampton.

To make the occasion even more special, Sherman enlisted a dream team of collaborators, including pianist Donald Vega, drummer Carl Allen, guest trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, and—most notably—jazz bass legend Ron Carter. Carter, who holds the Guinness World Record as the most recorded jazz bassist in history, didn’t just join the project—he inspired it.

Sherman recalls the moment:

“One day at Juilliard, Ron asked me, ‘How come you never use me on bass?’ I knew I couldn’t pass that up. Finally, the time arrived.”

Carter’s presence elevated the entire session. The album was recorded at the hallowed Van Gelder Recording Studios in Englewood, NJ—a space that has preserved countless jazz milestones. For Sherman, playing alongside Carter in such a setting was “a miracle” and one of the most memorable moments of his career.

Sherman carefully curated the lineup to match Carter’s artistry. Vega, a longtime member of Carter’s Golden Striker Trio, brings a lyrical sensibility inspired by Kenny Barron and the late Cedar Walton—two pianists close to Sherman’s heart. Allen, a frequent collaborator of Sherman’s, lays down the rhythmic foundation with both precision and swing. Magnarelli, a trusted musical ally, steps in to lend his trumpet and flugelhorn brilliance to two Sherman originals.

The title Bop Contest is both a nod to the bebop tradition and a wink to Sherman and Magnarelli’s shared love for The Honeymooners. In one episode, Ralph Kramden complains about his wife Alice wanting to enter a bop dance contest—a joke that resonated with Sherman while writing his first bebop tune.

The title track launches with Carl Allen’s explosive unaccompanied intro, leading into a tightly woven unison melody and fiery solos from Sherman, Magnarelli, and Vega. It’s a high-energy display of musicianship worthy of the “contest” in the title.

Sherman’s second original, “Love Always Always Love,” offers a gentle contrast. Built on a lyrical melody and imbued with the leader’s personal philosophy, it’s a reminder that music—like life—is best lived with love at its center.

The album’s repertoire is as rich as its performances. Highlights include:

• “111-44” – An Oliver Nelson gem from 1961, full of swinging sophistication.

• “Bremond’s Blues” and “Martha’s Prize” – Two Cedar Walton compositions, the first originally recorded with Ron Carter himself.

• “My One and Only Love” – Reimagined from a tender ballad into a simmering bossa nova.

• “Skylark” – A dreamy closing track where Sherman duets with himself on piano and vibes.

Mark Sherman’s career has spanned collaborations with jazz luminaries like Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Kenny Barron, and Michael Brecker, as well as pop icons Natalie Cole and Michael Bolton. His compositions have reached massive audiences—his song “Changes in My Life” has earned over 150 million YouTube views. As a dedicated educator at Juilliard, Sherman imparts not only technical skill but the professional insight to help students shape their own careers.With Bop Contest, Sherman celebrates both a personal and artistic homecoming. Surrounded by five masters at the top of their game, he proves that his voice on the vibraphone remains as vibrant, eloquent, and full of life as ever.

As Sherman himself says:

“Ron was a joy to work with—a gentle, kind human being and very giving. I’m blessed and grateful to have recorded with this incredible group of musicians.”

When the album drops this November, listeners will discover that there’s no contest—Mark Sherman has delivered a winner.