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Mary Pearson

Mary Pearson — musically speaking — sprang fully grown onto the jazz scene in 2000, or so it would seem to the world outside of a 30 New York mile radius. She’s been described as singing “under the radar” but since the release of You And I on the Arkadia Jazz label that description no longer holds true.

Ms. Pearson is the first vocalist signed to the four-time Grammy nominated Arkadia Jazz label. “Mary’s distinctive sound sold me,” says label founder Bob Karcy. “There is character in what she sings and character in how she sings it.” That assessment proves to be a continuingly widespread one. Having won several “Best of 2000” honors, You and I still inspires critical acclaim. For You Alone — Mary’s highly anticipated duo CD with bass wizard Harvie S — will be her next release followed closely by a band project which features incomparable tenor man Houston Person.

As a working New York City musician, Mary Pearson is at home in any setting, from fronting a big band to performing as a self-contained vocalist and pianist. Her unique brand of jazz surges with joy whether she’s performing in a cozy concert space, an outdoor festival, or a club, and her televised BET Jazz concert continues to delight with each rebroadcast. Wherever she performs, Pearson engages audiences with her fresh interpretations and insights, making familiar standards sound brand new and making her exquisitely intimate, self-penned compositions feel familiar.

In addition to her widely varied performances, Pearson teaches, whistles on commercials — including a national television jingle for "Cinch" — and, along with her partner/husband, she writes children's musicals. (The couple’s Christmas play scored a production at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, a large equity house in Elmsford, New York.) Also, in the spirit of keeping the jazz flame burning in the boroughs, Mary dons her producer’s hat bringing world class jazz to her adopted Bronx.

Solo to big band, song stylist, writer, piano player, whistler, entertainer, educator, producer and recording artist Mary Pearson's unique style reaches, touches and captivates all within the sound of her voice — an ever expanding radius indeed.

Awards

• Bronx Council on the Arts: BRIO Awards, ‘00 & ‘04 • Community Arts Grants (CAG) ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘03, ‘04, ‘05, ‘06 (artist liaison/Riverbay); CAG ‘98 (artist liaison/Workmen’s Circle Home); CAG ‘07 and ‘08 via own nonprofit organization PeaCanz Productions • ASCAP Special Awards; ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, ‘99, & ‘00 • Meet The Composer grant, ‘95


Tags

140
Album Review

Mary Pearson: You and I

Read "You and I" reviewed by Dave Hughes


Vocalist Mary Pearson's CD You and I is interesting in that each song is a duet in which she is accompanied by a lone instrument. It may be a piano (Lynne Arriale on four tunes, Fred Hersch on two), a guitar, a bass, or on two tunes, drums. While Pearson doesn't delve into scat singing or daring improvizational flights, her interpretations, phrasing, and articulation are excellent. Of the dozen tunes on the program, nine are standards and three are very ...

109
Album Review

Mary Pearson: You and I

Read "You and I" reviewed by Dave Nathan


When Nashville is mentioned, jazz, especially jazz vocalizing, is not the first thing that comes to mind - - in fact, it's likely to come to mind at all for most. Pearson comes from and works out of the country musical capitol of the world, and has been doing so for some time now. With this her first album, she may be driving a small wedge in the monopoly country music enjoys in that city.

There's no ensemble playing on ...

153
Album Review

Mary Pearson: You and I

Read "You and I" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey


You and I is a disc that had to grow on me over several listenings. And grow on me it did. My first spin left me mostly unmoved. The music and approach were interesting, but not novel. The concept of a vocal duet with various instruments is nothing new. It is not really that far out there that this disc had the voice coupled with each of the standard jazz rhythm section instruments. I had heard this all before with ...

189
Album Review

Mary Pearson: You And I

Read "You And I" reviewed by AAJ Staff


As Arkadia slowly but surely builds a label, it now adds its first singer, Mary Pearson Mary Pearson.

“And who is Mary Pearson Mary Pearson?" non-New Yorkers may ask.

Well, Mary Pearson Mary Pearson has been singing below the national radar screen for 20 years or thereabouts, with the likes of Fred Hersch and recently with Diva No-Man's Band. And you've got to give her credit for ingenuity: When she found the going tough as a nightclub singer, she supplemented ...

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"What a gorgeous voice ... luxuriant style, beauty of expression, heartfelt passion and elegance. Her name should become a household word!" Nancy Ann Lee/JazzTimes critic

“Superb storytelling.” Don Heckman / L A Times

“Pearson's rich, cultured voice shines.” Fred Bouchard / Down Beat Magazine

“Top Ten Jazz Album of 2000.” George Kanzler / Newark Star Ledger

“ ... a lush, supple voice ... impressive ...” Joel E. Siegel / JazzTimes Magazine

“She's someone you should really watch.” Dr. Billy Taylor

“A sound and style all her own.” Ira Gitler / jazz author

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Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

You and I

Arkadia Records
2022

buy

It​’​s About...

Arkadia Records
2022

buy

For You Alone

Unknown label
2000

buy

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