Diversejazz

In the Media

Diverse has received a large amount of progressive coverage from all corners of the United States. Since the release of their self-titled debut album, the group has continuously been recognized as one of the quickest emerging jazz bands with a cross-genre focus. Current projects the group are involved in include:

• Offering more collaborative performances under their “Diverse Features Series”. Artists thus far include Bobby Watson, Jaleel Shaw and Logan Richardson

• A cross-genre tribute with hip-hop artist Les Izmore to Common’s “Like Water for Chocolate” Album

• Jazz clinics in music stores (Best Buy and Amoeba Records) and universities throughout the nation, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Bowling Green State University

ALBUM REVIEWS

Allmusic.com Review

Examiner.com: Jazz quintet Diverse wins Gene Harris Jazz Festival, Origin Records Competition, truly delivers

“The twelve original compositions from Diverse show the band to be as talented as writers as they are as players…This recording was one of the prizes awarded to Diverse after they won the 2008 Gene Harris Jazz Festival / Origin Records Jazz Competition. Once you listen to this recommended disc, you might think it is you who won the prize.”                - Roger Atkinson, Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors’ publication “Jam”

SELECT INTERVIEWS

Abesha.com: Kansas City Swings: Hermon Mehari on Diverse and music

The Jazz Session with Jason Crane Featuring Diverse

KKFI with Barry Jackson, August 25, 2009

Up to Date with Steve Kraske on KCUR , August 28, 2009

Kansas City Public Radio with David Basse, September 2009

KVLU of Beaumont, Texas with Jason Miller

VARIOUS PRESS

KC Jazz Ambassadors’ “Jam” Magazine Diverse Coverage (starts on page 19, PDF file may be slow to load)

Diverse trumpeter Hermon Mehari Wins KC-based jazz blog annual award

Pitch Magazine: Diverse Named 1 of 5 Kansas City Acts to Watch in 2010

KCjazzlark’s Weekly Review Covers Diverse’s Czar Bar Gig

KCjazzlark Blog Names Diverse’s Record Bar Gig One of Favorite Nights of Jazz in 2009

A MESSAGE FROM BOBBY WATSON

I would like to think that my program at the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance is based on diversity, diversity of expression, diversity of thought, and diversity of musical tastes. How ironic and fortuitous that what started as a need for independence of expression has evolved into the group known as “Diverse”.

Diverse is not only the name of the group but is also their mission. The compositions by all of the members on this recording are exceptional, passionate, and personal, while also appealing to musicians and listeners alike. Is your foot moving yet? Mine was all throughout the date!

Perfection is not attainable in the arts, but this recording has the honesty, the devotion, the spontaneity, the fire, the passion and most of all, the diversity of style. All of which, are the hallmarks of the group and the music we call jazz. So in conclusion, I must say, I am proud to have produced and to be able introduce to the jazz world, Hermon Mehari, William Sanders, Ben Leifer, Ryan Lee, John Brewer, the group known as “Diverse.”