Artist Spotlight - Ben Sher

Ben Sher is a unique jazz guitarist. Fluent in the classic jazz tradition of Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, and George Benson, Ben also draws from the rich Brazilian guitar tradition of Baden Powell ,Raphael Rabello and  Joao Gilberto.   Ben combines standard jazz plectrum technique, with classical fingerstyle, to create a wide range of sounds and textures.

A  fifteen year veteran of the New York music scene, Ben is originally from Pittsburgh where he received his B.A. in Music from Carnegie-Mellon University, while studying with the great Brazilian classical guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima. Ben relocated to Boston in 1984 where he studied with Mick Goodrick, receiving a Master’s degree in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory in 1986. Before leaving Boston, Ben appeared on two recordings, Jumpin’ Into the Future, by Gunther Schuller, and Lookin’ Up From Down Below, by George Schuller, both on the GRM label. Ben also recorded and performed with the Boston Jazz Composer’s Orchestra.

​Ben is also very involved in education.  He is a Full  Professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he has taught for twenty years. Currently Ben performs live with his Mach 3.