Saxophonist Sherman Irby was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and chose the viola as his first instrument. Encouraged by his mother to explore music, Irby later studied the guitar and piano, which he played in church. Although he was studying classical music in school, playing gospel music in church, and R&B at dances, he was influenced by listening to Charlie Parker to turn to jazz. At Clark-Atlanta University, he played in the school jazz orchestra and performed with Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Rouse and Kenny Burrell. In 1994, he moved to New York and played with the Boys Choir of Harlem and the following year he landed the second alto chair with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He has also toured with Marcus Roberts and worked with Ann Hampton-Callaway, the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra and the New York City Ballet. In 1997 Irby joined Roy Hargrove’s band, performing with the Grammy award winning Crisol project. Irby stayed in Hargrove’s group for the following three years touring. Sherman Irby has recorded three records to date: Full Circle, Big Mama’s Biscuits, and Black Warrior.

www.jalc.org