CURRENT MISSION

Play jazz music in such a way that we can reach many people through accessibility and a blend of styles.

ABOUT ME

I love traveling, am very easy going, enjoy going to cafes, meeting new people, playing music, and reading books of all types. -Hermon

Diverse is a group made up of like minded musicians who create music with feelings and emotions that connect with many people. They play with a blend of styles and genres to create music that finds wider appeal without sacrificing the integrity of their musicality. The members of Diverse are able to create a contemporary and unique sound while keeping the jazz tradition alive through their Kansas City roots. The group consists of Hermon Mehari (1st Place- 2008 National Trumpet Competition) on trumpet, Ryan Lee on drums, Ben Leifer (Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Participant) on bass, and John Brewer on the piano and Rhodes. Still in their 20s, the members have collectively performed with a number of renown musicians, including Bobby Watson, Jaleel Shaw, Kenny Loggins, Wycliffe Gordon, Keny Burrell, Hubert Laws, Jon Faddis, T. S. Monk, Mike Moreno, Louis Hayes, James Moody, Robin Eubanks, Randy Brecker, Vincent Herring, Justin DiCioccio, Michael Carvin, Logan Richardson, Linda Randle, and Queen Bey as well many others.

Diverse just released a self-titled album on Origin Records (“Jazz Label of the Year” – Jazz Week) that features Bobby Watson as the producer and as a guest artist on one track. This project with Origin Records was a result of Diverse winning the 2008 Gene Harris Jazz Competition held in Boise, Idaho which consisted of 11 competing groups from around the country.

兴趣

Music, Coffee, History, Traveling

• books
• folklore
• coffee
• reading
• traveling
• music
• jazz
• piano
• trumpet
• drums
• track and field
• history

音乐、电影和书籍

Music- Coltrane, Bird, Clifford Brown, Mingus, lots of other jazz; classical, hip-hop, gospel...

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