Mark Berman, pianist extraordinaire (no I am not biased, and yes he has played SO much more than just that much-requested theme from “Sex and the City”) will return to his roots on Friday, October 9, at 7 pm, when he brings his original jazz suite for voices, “The Genesis Project,” to Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road, Hamden, CT, in honor of their 175th anniversary. Mark, a New Haven native, will launch his international tour in his hometown with a newly arranged Genesis Project, his original jazz/R&B vocal suite based on the Book of Genesis with a joyful and timely message of planetary ecology, for a special FREE concert, open to the public. Berman, on piano, naturally, will be joined by Dan Weiss on guitar and keyboards, Tony Tino on bass, and Warren Odze on drums, along with vocalists Emily Bindiger and Angela Clemmons. For more information and directions, call the synagogue at 203-288-3877 or visit www.cmihamden.org. (UPDATE 9/27: We have been alerted that there is a good chance that harmonica genius William Galison (who appears on “The Genesis Project" recording) will join the band in Hamden.)
Actor Hugh Jackman, who has worked with Berman on several projects, calls Mark “a rock of creativity, laughter and joy.” Berman, a graduate of the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT, is a much sought after pianist, composer (lots of TV including, yes, HBO’s “Sex and the City,” Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie,” USA’s “Royal Pains,” and many more), arranger, orchestrator and music director. He was born in New Haven, into a family of accomplished musicians: his dad, Arnold “Sonny" Berman, was a well known trumpet player and big band leader. His cousin, another Sonny Berman, was a star trumpeter with Woody Herman’s famed Thundering Herd. His great-uncle Harry Berman was the conductor of the New Haven Symphony, who also served as conductor at the historic Shubert Theatre, and his cousin Bill Rhein was the youngest member of the New York Philharmonic. His mother, Rosalind, though not a musician, was a beloved and respected member of the Connecticut state legislature for many years.
The Genesis Project, which Berman wrote (both music and lyrics), arranged and produced, started when, as a teen, he was asked to write a tune for a Friday night service at Mishkan Israel. He did, and now returns with what is an exciting and dynamic blend of elements of rock, R&B, gospel, samba and other fascinating musical idioms in tight vocal harmony. Opening with an eloquent prologue and wrapping with a simmering blues-gospel flavored prayer for “Peace,” Berman explores the beautiful spirituality of the Judeo-Christian tradition while addressing humanity’s urgent need to rethink our sacred connections to the earth and one another. The Genesis Project has been performed live at Birdland Jazz Club in New York City and elsewhere to sold out crowds and rave reviews. Variety calls it “Dazzling.” Modern Drummer magazine says of The Genesis Project: “Berman shines as composer, keyboardist and arranger, bridging jazz, R&B and Gospel.” Mark says “It means a lot to me to be able to bring The Genesis Project back to the very place of its genesis.” Listen to “The Moon, The Stars” from The Genesis Project www.markberman.bandcamp.com/track/bonus-track-moon-stars and more from The Genesis Project www.markberman.bandcamp.com
Mark has written for, played and recorded with the proverbial “who’s who” of jazz, pop and rock. His resume reads like a history of modern music: Illinois Jacquet, Jackie McLean (one of his former teachers), Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Wycliff Gordon, Mark Murphy, Betty Buckley, Hilary Kole, Houston Person, Nana Mouskouri, Petula Clark, Cornelius Bumpus, Lesley Gore, Gladys Knight, Hugh Jackman, Ben E King, Buster Poindexter, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Richie Havens, Phoebe Snow, Helen Reddy, Jennifer Holliday, Morris Pleasure and Phil Ramone, among many others, and he has also been a powerful presence on Broadway, where he has conducted orchestras for Rent, Smokey Joe’s Cafe and Blood Brothers and played lead piano on The Boy From Oz, Hairspray, The Life, 42nd Street, Dreamgirls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair and Bullets Over Broadway. He also served as conductor and music director for several productions at the venerable Westport Country Playhouse under artistic directors Joanne Woodward and Annie Keefe.
*CONCERT DETAILS* The Genesis Project concert is suitable for all ages, is free of charge and open to the public, and will take place during Friday night services on October 9 at 7 pm at Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road, Hamden, CT, in celebration of CMI’s 175th Anniversary. For more information and directions to the venue, call the synagogue office at 203-288-3877, or visit www.cmihamden.org.
Mark Berman official website: www.markbermanmusic.com
















