Jake Sherman on Piano with Walter
Platt on Trumpet. Photo by
Lauren Dewey Platt

BY CAMILLE PLATT
Jake Sherman is a pianist who was featured in The Fenway News back in January, 2008, when he was chosen for the Grammy Awards band while still a junior at Boston Latin School. He is now attending the New School in New York City, but spent some time this summer playing with the Dave Ehle Band at the Tiki Hideaway lounge in the Howard Johnson hotel on Boylston Street in the West Fens. The Fenway News talked with him recently after one of his sets.

Fenway News: What was the first instrument you ever practiced?

Jake Sherman: The cello, but only for a few months.

FN: Who were/are your major influences that led you to become a musician?

JS: Dr. Lonnie Smith, John Medeski, and Joey DeFrancesco

FN: What part of practicing music do you enjoy most?

JS: I enjoy the freedom, especially when playing jazz music and/or instruments. Also the communication between the musicians is very well done.

FN: What school are you currently attending? Is it a music school?

JS.: I’m attending the New School in New York, and yes it is a music college.

FN: Where did you attend high school? Was that a good musical experience?

JS: Boston Latin School, and I did not enjoy it as much, but I did enjoy the music programs offered.

FN: Are/were there any teachers at your current school that either helped you out or influenced you to continue music?

JS: Yes, Sam Yahel, Dave Zoffer, Doug Johnson and Dan Loschen.

FN: What types of music do you listen to or enjoy, mostly?

JS: Gospel, a new type for me, jazz and funk, definitely.

FN: What type of bands would you want to ‘gig’ with in the future?

JS: Definitely professional bands and acts.

FN: What is your main interest/instrument?

JS: Piano.

FN: What concerts have you attended that also influenced your take on music?

JS: The Larry Goldings Trio in New York, whom I saw three times, also DeFrancesco, Medeski, John Scofield, and Martin & Wood.

FN: How did you feel about Michael Brecker’s death, him being a very well known jazz musician?

JS: I was so disappointed; he was one of my biggest idols. I wanted to help him recover, but I couldn’t.

FN: What are some notable things you’ve done during your music career so far?

JS: The most notable thing I would say was that I was in the Grammy band. I also attended and was in the NFAA (National Foundation Advancement of Artists) and a jazz convention I played at, the IAJE.

FN: Do your parents practice music?

JS: My mother plays the flute and is a flute teacher, and my father plays the harpsichord.

FN: When did you start practicing music?

JS: I believe around the age of 5.

FN: Is/was there music in your household?

JS: (laughs) Oh yes, very much.

FN: What are your practice habits with the piano in particular?

JS: As much as possible; especially when I get inspired by someone or something.

FN: Do you write your own music?

JS: Yes, also when I get inspired. (Laughs).

FN: How is New York different from Boston?

JS: Well, I know many more people, and it’s much more competitive, gig wise. I usually have to find clubs with organs, it makes it much easier so I don’t have to lug mine around.

FN: Thanks so much for your time, Mr. Sherman; I’m glad I got to see you perform here.

JS: Thanks for sticking around so long! (Laughs).

Camille Platt, a student at the Boston Latin School, lives in the West Fens.

A version of this article was published in the September 2009 Fenway News.