Diverse is a quintet 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 quintet consists of Hermon Mehari (1st Place- 2008 National Trumpet Competition) on trumpet, William Sanders on tenor saxophone, 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, these five have collectively performed with a number of renown musicians, including Bobby Watson, Jaleel Shaw, Wycliffe Gordon, Mike Moreno, Robin Eubanks, Randy Brecker, 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.
Hey guys! Great set at recordBar last night! I really love your Diverse track. It sounds like Gary Sivils' 10am Saturday Morning, which was the theme song used for Dick Wright's longtime show The Jazz Scene on KANU. Am I right?
Hey Hermon, thanks for the add! This is Jesse, the keyboard player from Soul Cycle, but if you want to get in touch with Corey, he's in our top friends.
