sheryl cohen ~ award winning ~ brooklyn based songwriter
Sheryl Cohen is in the emergent stages of a second career in music which began after two life changing events occurred:* meeting her hero, the brazilian artist, Carlinhos Brown
* meeting her muse Olivia
Having received a bachelors degree from Berklee College of Music, (1998) relocating to Brooklyn, NY, and successfully thriving as a jazz singer; Sheryl released a full length CD entitled Kick Off Your Shoes, played 15-20 shows a month in NYC and made annual tours to Brazil, Sheryl changed courses and began writing pop music and playing guitar.
"I love jazz music", Sheryl responded when asked why she changed music courses. "I love the downtown jazz scene, in NYC, as well as listening to my vinyl records, at home, in my living room, particularly Carmen McRae and Coltrane's A Love Supreme. I stopped singing Jazz because when I began to write music, pop music is what I naturally gravitated towards. Also, I had the strong desire to sing my own lyrics - words that represented my "face" in art". "I met Carlinhos in 2004, and it changed my life", said Sheryl. "I came to the realization that artistically, everything was possible; I didn't have to limit my creativity to one style. Carlinhos helped me understand that what I had to say, my life experience, was unique and valuable. I began writing with the piano but never fully embraced the instrument. Meeting Oliva (my guitar), in 2008 opened up worlds of possibilities both harmonically and stylistically. Playing guitar, solo, onstage, still scares me", said Sheryl. "I feel a bit naked/exposed onstage without my band, yet, I love the unfiltered accessibility and honest interaction it allows me".In September 2011, ASCAP awarded Sheryl with a 2011ASCAPLUS award for her contribution to American songwriting. This marks the 8th year in row is which Sheryl has received this honor.Sheryl volunteers for Musicians On Call, (MOC) a NY Based nonprofit which brings live music to the bedsides of patients. She plays monthly at Rivington House, a home for those living with HIV/AIDS. Sheryl is a member of the YPC (Young Professionals Committee) of MOC. The committee, made up of young, dedicated, NYC professionals uses their massive networking reach to organize events and fundraisers for MOC.