“She sings with a light, swinging feel, a conversational lilt, and a smile in her voice. Her splendid musicians give her an airy cushion. The repertoire is choice. Sue’s CD is reassuring proof that it is never too late to capture a dream.”
About
SUE SHERIFF is a vocal jazz musician who performs in the greater Portland, Maine area. She has been entertaining audiences young and old since she was six. Some of her vocal influences include classics such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Anita O ‘Day. She loves to sing jazz standards from the 1930’s – 1950’s along with more current material. Her rich tones marry the elegance and swing of the classic tunes well, bringing them to life for her captive audiences.
Inspired by her children, Sue previously released a nationally acclaimed CD of original children’s songs in 1998. Following the success of that album, she released a second album in 2005. In 2008, she self-published an illustrated children’s book and accompanying CD with original songs entitled In Harmony and Other Songs of Peace.
Sue recently returned to her passion for jazz and began singing in many New England venues such as Blue, Solo Bistro, Harvest on the Harbor, the Local Buzz, and the Encore Lounge in Boston, as well as multiple private functions. She is a welcome performer on any stage.
Music
The beautiful tones of Sue Sheriff’s lifelong singing voice are upbeat and fun.
You can buy Better Than Anything, her new album, on iTunes, and Amazon Music, or listen to it on Spotify.
Here are two tracks she would love to share with you for free.
Buy Love Buddies / Believe In Yourself on, Amazon Music, or iTunes.
Inspired by her children, Josh and Haley ( now grown) she began to write children’s music in 1995. In the summer of 1996, Sue released her first album of original songs “LOVE BUDDIES,” which won a Parent’s Choice Award. “BELIEVE IN YOURSELF” is the second release for Sue and features 10 original songs which address many of the issues that young children deal with: self-esteem, feelings, friendships, and diversity in a fun and entertaining way. Songs like “Think Positive”, “Believe In Yourself”, “The Most Wonderful Thing In The World”, and “Feel Your Feelings” present powerful messages that parents want their children to embrace.
Sue was the Director of Music Together of Greater Portland, an international music program for children and their parents/caregivers, for 15 years. Over 1500 families have been served by her music, energy, and passion for children and families.
Now a jazz singer, with a new release “Better Than Anything“, in celebration of another chapter in her career, she has decided to revive her children’s music and donate all proceeds to Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine provides retreats combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness. You can help sponsor Camp Sunshine, too, when you buy any of her children’s music albums.
Please enjoy these children’s songs from Love Buddies/Believe In Yourself
About Sue’s Music
Sue Sheriff has been entertaining audiences, young and old for over 40 years. Born in Portland, Maine, music and theater have always been a part of her life. After 12 years in California and a career in video and audio production, she returned to Maine, where she lives with her husband and 2 cats.
Inspired by her children, Josh and Haley ( now grown) she began to write children’s music in 1995. In the summer of 1996, Sue released her first album of original songs “LOVE BUDDIES,” which won a Parent’s Choice Award. “BELIEVE IN YOURSELF” is the second release for Sue and features 10 original songs which address many of the issues that young children deal with: self-esteem, feelings, friendships, and diversity in a fun and entertaining way. Songs like “Think Positive”, “Believe In Yourself”, “The Most Wonderful Thing In The World”, and “Feel Your Feelings” present powerful messages that parents want their children to embrace.
Sue was the Director of Music Together of Greater Portland, an international music program for children and their parents/caregivers, for 15 years. Over 1500 families have been served by her music, energy, and passion for children and families.
Now a jazz singer, with a new release “Better Than Anything“, in celebration of another chapter in her career, she has decided to revive her children’s music and donate all proceeds to Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine provides retreats combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness. You can help sponsor Camp Sunshine, too, when you buy any of her children’s music albums.
Reviews for Sue Sheriff’s Children’s Music
As recently as August 2015, teachers speak about the positive impact of Sue’s songs of harmony and peace for children of all ages. Read the review herespan>Videos
Remembering The Rain
Daydream
Embraceable You
I hear Music
Reviews
Sue Sheriff’s latest jazz album, released on April 18, 2016, has already solicited some great reviews.
You can buy Better Than Anything on iTunes, Amazon Music, and CD Baby, or listen to it on Spotify.
Read this review of Sue’s new album, Better Than Anything, by C. Michael Bailey, Senior Contributor at AllAboutJazz.com
From the article: “As fine as Sheriff’s aptitude for ballads is, her grasp to the upbeat is better. While ballad singing has its own unique challenges, it is equally difficult to master the drama and dynamics to address the swinging pieces. The title piece and “Devil May Care,” provocative vehicles for Bob Dorough. Sheriff captures Dorough’s ebullience, magnifying it a mirthful spotlight. Sheriff slays to instrumental standards-cum-vocalese vehicles, Clifford Brown “Daahoud” and Miles Davis‘ “All Blues.” With those, Sue Sheriff shows she has arrived and is the new sheriff in jazz town.”
A fantastic review from Stacey Zering at The Journal of Roots Music, No Depression, says,
“Sue Sheriff’s melodious voice is so enchanting and fluid that it almost hypnotizes you. Her ability to render slow songs with such emotion and fast cuts with such glee makes her both versatile and unique. Sheriff’s distinct tone is both mellifluous and inviting. Her new album Better than Anythingshowcases her effortless lilts in classic jazz and ballads. It is a well-balanced collection with melancholic songs countered by upbeat ones, making listeners appreciate Sheriff’s ability to shift comfortably without losing her authenticity.
Her ability to render slow songs with such emotion and fast cuts with such glee makes her both versatile and unique. Sheriff’s distinct tone is both mellifluous and inviting.
“Can’t Get Out of This Mood” starts out slow before it turns upbeat à la ’50s jazz. “Can’t Get Out of This Mood” is all about experiencing something so good you know it can’t be real. Sheriff sings, “The thrill should’ve been all gone by today in the usual way,” with such dreaminess that you can almost tell that she’s smiling. But she also knows that these things don’t last so she makes the bold declaration: “heartbreak, here I come.” This song not only highlights Sheriff’s soothing voice but also her flawless low register.”
Read the rest of this review
This review, by legendary music biographer James Gavin, is another glowing approval:
“Sue Sheriff has been in love with jazz singing since childhood, but until recent years, fate had other plans for her. She has spent most of her life in New England, busy with a husband and children, a thriving real-estate practice, and later on, a successful foray into the writing and producing of children’s music. Decades passed, more or less serenely. Then, when she was sixty, breast cancer struck. ‘I decided it was time to follow my heart,’ she says.
She sings with a light, swinging feel, a conversational lilt, and a smile in her voice.
Since then, Sue has devoted much of her time to rediscovering and honing the art of singing jazz. She sought out the best possible guide: fellow New Englander Rebecca Parris, one of the form’s greatest living practitioners. This debut album, produced by Rebecca, makes it clear that Sue has gained a lot of expertise. She sings with a light, swinging feel, a conversational lilt, and a smile in her voice. Her splendid musicians give her an airy cushion. The repertoire is choice. Sue’s CD is reassuring proof that it is never too late to capture a dream.
Another review, by noted jazz historian and journalist, Scott Yanow. Scott has authored 11 books, including: The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film, and Jazz On Record 1917-76.
Read what he has to say about Better Than Anything:
“Sue Sheriff is a fine jazz singer based in the Northeast. Although she first started performing when she was six and had previously recorded a few children’s albums, Better than Anything is her first jazz album. After a lifetime of living and raising a family, she knew that it was time to follow her dream.
Mentored and inspired by Rebecca Parris (who is this CD’s producer), Ms. Sheriff sounds confident and joyful throughout the set. She has a very attractive voice, always sings in-tune, and swings well at every tempo. For this set of some of her favorite tunes, she is assisted by pianist Chris Taylor, bassist Peter Kontrimas, drummer Gene Roma, Bill Vint on tenor sax and flute and, on a couple songs, Mike Turk on harmonica.
All in all, this is an easily recommended debut from an impressive singer.
In addition to the fine singing and her close interplay with Vint (a major asset to the session) on several numbers, the repertoire is inspired. Among the dozen songs are several (“The Face That I Love,” Bill Evans’ “Remembering the Rain,” “Where Did The Summer Go,” “If You Went Away” and the Gerry Mulligan/Judy Holliday collaboration “The Lonely Night”) that are rarely performed. In addition, Ms. Sheriff sings Meredith D’ambrosia’s lyrics to the Clifford Brown classic “Daahoud” which is retitled “Beloved,” effortlessly essaying the intervals.
Among the other highpoints are Sue Sheriff’s heartfelt interpretation to “Turn Out The Stars,” her swinging renditions of “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” and “Devil May Care” and her superior ballad singing on “If You Went Away.”
All in all, this is an easily recommended debut from an impressive singer.”
You can buy Better Than Anything on iTunes, Amazon Music, and CD Baby, or listen to it on Spotify.
Read this review of Sue’s new album, Better Than Anything, by C. Michael Bailey, Senior Contributor at AllAboutJazz.com
From the article: “As fine as Sheriff’s aptitude for ballads is, her grasp to the upbeat is better. While ballad singing has its own unique challenges, it is equally difficult to master the drama and dynamics to address the swinging pieces. The title piece and “Devil May Care,” provocative vehicles for Bob Dorough. Sheriff captures Dorough’s ebullience, magnifying it a mirthful spotlight. Sheriff slays to instrumental standards-cum-vocalese vehicles, Clifford Brown “Daahoud” and Miles Davis‘ “All Blues.” With those, Sue Sheriff shows she has arrived and is the new sheriff in jazz town.”
A fantastic review from Stacey Zering at The Journal of Roots Music, No Depression, says,
“Sue Sheriff’s melodious voice is so enchanting and fluid that it almost hypnotizes you. Her ability to render slow songs with such emotion and fast cuts with such glee makes her both versatile and unique. Sheriff’s distinct tone is both mellifluous and inviting. Her new album Better than Anythingshowcases her effortless lilts in classic jazz and ballads. It is a well-balanced collection with melancholic songs countered by upbeat ones, making listeners appreciate Sheriff’s ability to shift comfortably without losing her authenticity.
Her ability to render slow songs with such emotion and fast cuts with such glee makes her both versatile and unique. Sheriff’s distinct tone is both mellifluous and inviting.
“Can’t Get Out of This Mood” starts out slow before it turns upbeat à la ’50s jazz. “Can’t Get Out of This Mood” is all about experiencing something so good you know it can’t be real. Sheriff sings, “The thrill should’ve been all gone by today in the usual way,” with such dreaminess that you can almost tell that she’s smiling. But she also knows that these things don’t last so she makes the bold declaration: “heartbreak, here I come.” This song not only highlights Sheriff’s soothing voice but also her flawless low register.”
Read the rest of this review
This review, by legendary music biographer James Gavin, is another glowing approval:
“Sue Sheriff has been in love with jazz singing since childhood, but until recent years, fate had other plans for her. She has spent most of her life in New England, busy with a husband and children, a thriving real-estate practice, and later on, a successful foray into the writing and producing of children’s music. Decades passed, more or less serenely. Then, when she was sixty, breast cancer struck. ‘I decided it was time to follow my heart,’ she says.
She sings with a light, swinging feel, a conversational lilt, and a smile in her voice.
Since then, Sue has devoted much of her time to rediscovering and honing the art of singing jazz. She sought out the best possible guide: fellow New Englander Rebecca Parris, one of the form’s greatest living practitioners. This debut album, produced by Rebecca, makes it clear that Sue has gained a lot of expertise. She sings with a light, swinging feel, a conversational lilt, and a smile in her voice. Her splendid musicians give her an airy cushion. The repertoire is choice. Sue’s CD is reassuring proof that it is never too late to capture a dream.
Another review, by noted jazz historian and journalist, Scott Yanow. Scott has authored 11 books, including: The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film, and Jazz On Record 1917-76.
Read what he has to say about Better Than Anything:
“Sue Sheriff is a fine jazz singer based in the Northeast. Although she first started performing when she was six and had previously recorded a few children’s albums, Better than Anything is her first jazz album. After a lifetime of living and raising a family, she knew that it was time to follow her dream.
Mentored and inspired by Rebecca Parris (who is this CD’s producer), Ms. Sheriff sounds confident and joyful throughout the set. She has a very attractive voice, always sings in-tune, and swings well at every tempo. For this set of some of her favorite tunes, she is assisted by pianist Chris Taylor, bassist Peter Kontrimas, drummer Gene Roma, Bill Vint on tenor sax and flute and, on a couple songs, Mike Turk on harmonica.
All in all, this is an easily recommended debut from an impressive singer.
In addition to the fine singing and her close interplay with Vint (a major asset to the session) on several numbers, the repertoire is inspired. Among the dozen songs are several (“The Face That I Love,” Bill Evans’ “Remembering the Rain,” “Where Did The Summer Go,” “If You Went Away” and the Gerry Mulligan/Judy Holliday collaboration “The Lonely Night”) that are rarely performed. In addition, Ms. Sheriff sings Meredith D’ambrosia’s lyrics to the Clifford Brown classic “Daahoud” which is retitled “Beloved,” effortlessly essaying the intervals.
Among the other highpoints are Sue Sheriff’s heartfelt interpretation to “Turn Out The Stars,” her swinging renditions of “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” and “Devil May Care” and her superior ballad singing on “If You Went Away.”
All in all, this is an easily recommended debut from an impressive singer.”
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