Local artist cuts sixth record

Mark Kershner.

Local recording artist Mark Kershner describes himself as versatile. He started singing in high school and toured with a rock band in the '80s. He even has his own MTV video.

The six CDs Kershner has recorded also reflect his versatility -- from lullabies (recorded with the help of his children, Lauren and Trenton), to country, to the big band sound, he's crooned his way through a wide variety of musical styles. His latest project, "The Girl From Ipanema," leans more towards jazz and began as a musical tribute to his neighbors.

"I had some friends who wanted me to record some songs for their 50th wedding anniversary," said Kershner, who has lived in the Sisters area for nine years. "They'd heard me sing many times at Sunriver and said I was their favorite singer."

The request from Kershner's neighbors came right after he returned from a visit to Los Angeles. Kershner had flown down at the invitation of Merv Griffin, who was impressed with the talent Kershner displayed on one of his earlier albums.

Kershner performed several of his songs at The Coconut Club, a '40s-style nightclub owned by Griffin. Griffin didn't show, but the trip still proved valuable for Kershner. An apologetic Griffin put him in contact with the famed Mort Lindsey. Kershner immediately phoned Lindsey and asked for his help on his new CD project.

"Lindsey is a conductor, pianist, composer-arranger," said Kershner. "He's best known for being Judy Garland's musical director -- he was the backbone of her career. He also worked with Barbara Streisand."

Lindsey agreed to work with Kershner on his project, offering him a reduced fee. Jim Hughart, who played bass for Frank Sinatra during the last 20 years of his career, also joined in the recording sessions, performing on his 100-year-old upright bass.

The three met and worked at a recording studio near Lindsey's home in Malibu, California. All but one of the 13 tracks are love songs composed between the 1920s and 1960.

"Mort Lindsey is the kindest man I've ever known," said Kershner. "The whole time we were recording, I never heard him say anything bad about anyone. He arranged the CD and played piano for it. We did the songs my neighbors wanted for their anniversary, as well as a few other I liked."

Kershner then brought the recording back to Bend where he added the skills of five local musicians. Long time friend and guitarist, Clay Smith, engineered and mixed the CD at Sound Smith Recording Studio in Bend.

Officially released three weeks ago, "The Girl From Ipanema," is getting good reviews.

"Everybody who's heard it, loves it," said Kershner. "My neighbors used the shorter version we recorded --called 'Through the Years' --as invitations to their anniversary party."

"The Girl From Ipanema" can be purchased at Boomtown Records in Bend and at both Sisters Antiques stores.