Diversejazz

About

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.

HERMON MEHARI trumpet

Hermon Mehari has been playing the trumpet since he was in the seventh grade. Originally from Jefferson City, Missouri, he developed an affinity for the instrument and jazz music while in high school. He currently goes to the University of Missouri-Kansas City on a full ride scholarship where he is a senior pursuing his BM degree in Jazz Performance. Hermon recently won the jazz division of the 2008 National Trumpet Competition. He has performed overseas with Bobby Watson at the Blues to Bop Festival in Lugano, Switzerland. Hermon has studied with Terrell Stafford, Paul McKee, Dave Scott, Clay Jenkins, Jaleel Shaw, Michael Carvin and Bobby Watson.
Hermon’s Myspace Page

JOHN BREWER piano and rhodes

In 2007 pianist, organist, and keyboard player John Brewer quickly became one of the busiest and most versatile musicians in the Midwest. Most notably he released his first piano trio album “Free”. Brewer also co-led an organ trio release “The New Orleans Session” with drummer and percussionist Brandon Draper featuring Blue Note recording artist Steve Masakowski on guitar. Brewer recently partnered with Brandon Draper to form a complex cross genre duo called Organic Proof. This group incorporates many world instruments, electronics and effects, and a live looping element that makes an eclectic mix of grooves and sounds. They are currently working on their debut album, and setting up tours for this year. Brewer is a rising star in Kansas City and was nominated for the 2007 and 2008 “best jazz artist” by the Kansas City Pitch. His trio has spent the past year being featured two Saturday’s a month at Jardine’s jazz club’s “Late Night Groove Series”. He was featured on multiple albums in 2007 including rapper Mac Lethal’s internationally acclaimed “11:11”, San Francisco based Pleasuremaker’s “Gather Round that Heavy Sound”, and Brandon Draper’s “New Quintet”. Brewer keeps an active touring schedule, and toured last year with his piano trio, Organic Proof, jazz sax legend Loren Pickford, emerging Hip Hop artist Lyrycyst, and soul singer R.C. Holmes. As a producer in 2007, Brewer designed the sound for a modern dance troupe, paid for by a grant from “The Merce Cunningham Foundation”. Brewer was also hired by Two West to produce the music for a Baker University television commercial. Brewer is a vital part of The Innate Sounds Crew which is a group of musicians, producers, singer’s, and mc’s coming together to promote Kansas City’s underground music to the rest of the world. They can be tracked at www.innatesounds.com. John Brewer has a master’s degree in jazz piano performance from the University of New Orleans, and remains active as a clinician and soloist throughout the United States and beyond. Besides being totally active in music, Brewer continues to serve the community as a fulltime Kansas City, MO firefighter and EMT.
John’s Myspace Page

BEN LEIFER bass

Ben Leifer was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 28th, 1985. He has a family with a musical background with a mother playing clarinet in the symphony, to a father playing trumpet in local jazz ensembles and a brother who plays drumset and percussion in the Kansas City area. Ben is currently studying with composers such as Zhou Long, Chen Yi and James Mobberley. He is a working bassist in Kansas City and has played with great musicians such as Nicholas Payton, Howard Johnson, Michael Carvin, Robin Eubanks, Bobby Watson, Claire Daly, Harold O’Neal, Bill Saxton, Kevin Mahogany, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Ahmad Aladeen, Paul Mckee, and David Gibson. Ben has also shared the stage with notable musicians such as Richie Cole, Stacy Dillard, Javon Jackson and more. He has studied music with Bobby Watson for 5 years and has also been able to study with musicians like John Clayton, Michael Carvin, Curtis Lundy, and Jay Leonhart. He has extensive experience in all types of music: rock, funk, blues, jazz, latin jazz, salsa and more.
Ben’s Myspace Page

RYAN LEE drums

Ryan Lee is a young, talented drummer who was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Paseo Academy School of the Fine and Performing Arts where he found his true love for music. Currently at the age of 20, he has already performed with numerous jazz and gospel artists and is attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he studies jazz with the great saxophonist Bobby Watson. Some of his shared stage appearances were with artists such as Lynda Randle, Debra Lee, Queen Bay, Sir Tez & G.P., Bobby Watson, Randy Brecker and more. He placed first in the 2007 Regional Guitar Center Drum Off. Ryan Lee is not only a great young drummer, but a composer with many ideas and tastes. He writes jazz charts, arranges gospel music, and is now exploring classical music.
Ryan’s Myspace Page

MATT CHALK alto saxophone

Matt Chalk is a senior at Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, Kansas. He has been playing saxophone for seven years. Primarily self-taught, he began playing professionally at age 14. Matt currently leads his own ensembles and plays in several Kansas City big bands and small groups. Notable performances include the 2009 Telluride Jazz Festival, Spaghettini’s in Los Angeles, an opening slot for Jimmy Cobb, and performances with the 2010 Grammy Band. Matt has played with/studied with: Bobby Watson, Louis Hayes, James Moody, Kenny Burrell, Jon Faddis, Vincent Herring, Justin DiCioccio, Bob Montgomery, and TS Monk, among others.

Matt’s Myspace page

*Diverse Supporters* (Donated $75+):

Brenda Dingley, Saba, Letensie Isaac & Bec Francis, Thomas & Kako, Wagaye, Dr. Aaron Tesfai, Turu Negash and Tesfai Tsehaie, James Fallon, Dr. Dale, and Mehari Zehaie & Rigat Ghebre.