Mark Berman is a renowned pianist, composer and arranger. He has written music, performed and recorded with the proverbial who’s who of jazz, pop and rock: Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Phoebe Snow, Leslie Gore, Gladys Knight, Wycliff Gordon, Hugh Jackman, Burt Bacharach, Chita Rivera, Richie Havens and many others. Mark has also performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City, the Blue Note, Birdland, the Rainbow Room, Merkin Hall and many other notable venues in New York City as well as internationally.
A graduate of the Hartt School of Music, Berman has written and produced music for television and film including; On camera Music Director and pianist for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Sex and the City (where he played piano on the ubiquitous theme), Nurse Jackie, Royal Pains, The Bachelorette, Bates Motel and many others on NBC, CBS, ABC, Showtime, Comedy Central, HBO and OWN. Mark’s original music has also been featured on radio at NPR and CRN International.
Mark has also been a powerful presence on Broadway, where he has conducted orchestras for Rent, Smokey Joes Cafe, Blood Brothers and played lead piano/keyboards on Bullets Over Broadway, The Boy from Oz, Hairspray, 42nd Street, The Life, Radio City Spring Spectacular, Aida, The Color Purple, Dream Girls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair and Spider-Man.
Mark Berman’s The Genesis Project – An Exuberant, Uplifting Jazz Vocal Celebration of Our Small Blue Planet
Berman’s original take on the Creation is an exciting 45-minute nonstop concert for all ages featuring world-class musicians. Modern Drummer magazine says of The Genesis Project, “A meditation on the book of Genesis in today’s eco-battered world, Project features vocalists negotiating daunting jazz harmonies with a kicking band. Mark Berman shines as keyboardist, composer, and arranger, bridging jazz, R&B, and Gospel.”
Smooth Jazz Vibes says, “The veteran NYC pianist and Broadway conductor explores the first chapter of the Bible with a witty, Manhattan Transfer-ish vocal-harmony-driven mix combining elements of rock, soul, samba, gospel and blues. This engaging set celebrates Judeo-Christian traditions while drawing attention to our connection to the earth itself.”
Mark says, “A group of renowned musicians and artists from seemingly dissimilar backgrounds join together to celebrate our beautiful planet. Based on the book of Genesis, the foundation of all monotheistic religions, we bring music and great grooves to inspire peace, unity and change, while rockin’ the stage in an action-packed, joyful hour.”
Mark is a great composer with a wonderful sense of melody and layering.
Grammy-winning engineer Rob Hunter (Branford Marsalis, et al.)
This is GREAT! It will have a huge crossover audience. The choral arrangements and orchestrations were glorious. I thought about what it must have been like to hear some of Gershwin’s compositions performed for the first time at Carnegie Hall
Albert Poland, Broadway Producer
A meditation on Genesis in today’s eco-battered world, “Project” features six vocalists negotiating daunting jazz harmonies with a kicking seven-piece band. Berman shines as keyboardist, composer, and arranger, bridging jazz, R&B, and Gospel, while ace drummers Clint DeGanon and Rocky Bryant both deliver seamless, tight, aggressive drive and commanding pocket.
Jeff Potter (Modern Drummer)
This new recording is a true tour de force. “The Genesis Project” is truly original with an extraordinary instrumental theme. The vocals show an unusual range with the voices blending seamlessly with outstanding musicianship. This is a concept CD sure to evoke repeated listening.
Ron Pell, Director of Media Relations, CRN International
Mark Berman’s The Genesis Project is a deeply moving, heartfelt, and accomplished piece of work. The world needs more music of this sincerity and craftsmanship. Bravo.
Rob Mounsey, producer (Aretha Franklin, et al.)
The veteran NYC pianist and Broadway conductor explores the first chapter of the Bible with a witty, Manhattan Transfer-ish vocal harmony driven mix combining elements of rock, soul, samba, gospel and blues. This engaging set celebrates Judeo-Christian traditions while drawing attention to our connection to the earth itself.
Jazz critic Jonathan Widran, smoothvibes.com
Mark Berman is a rock of creativity, laughter, and joy.
Hugh Jackman
Wonderful performances… exciting. It is great to see people doing “concept” albums again – especially on such a noteworthy topic.
Lesley Gore
COOL jazz with a universal message.
Oscar Hijuelos, Pulitzer-prize-winning novelist
Mark Berman is an amazing talent. Exceptional. He is a genius.
Joey Reynolds, syndicated radio personality
When I first met Mark, he was the pianist for the Broadway show, “The Boy From Oz,” starring Hugh Jackman. I loved his piano throughout the show – Mark’s piano brought Peter back to life every night… . I had no idea how good a jazz pianist Mark was until I heard his playing with The Genesis Project.
Carole Bayer Sager
The CD sounds great! In his “The Genesis Project” recording, Mark Berman calls on the considerable range of both his own and his musicians’ talents to great effect, touching on nearly all of the classic American jazz styles, from stride piano through to modern funk, but living, for the most part in a world reminiscent of THE GENESIS PROJECT.
Chick Corea’s 70’s era “Light as a Feather.” Unafraid to tackle a “big” concept, Berman manages to fuse the story of Genesis and a “save the planet” theme with an adventurous vocal jazz epic.
Jon Herington, Steely Dan’s lead guitarist
Mark Berman on piano… lays down all the right notes and chords with consummate and masterly musicianship.
John Hammel, WNTI Radio
In New York City there are thousands of great musicians, but when it comes to hiring the single best keyboard player with the strongest R&B feel its Mark Berman-bar none! Mark has an incredible talent and feel when playing behind or accompanying singers. In an R&B rhythm section there is NO better keyboard player in New York than Mark. If you want the best keyboard player on both coasts, for a deep groovin soul, R&B, contemporary Gospel, or hard driving Nashville Rock & Pop feel, call Mark Berman.
Michael Carlotta, New York City music producer