Welcome to our new website! We will update this frequently to give you all a reason to come back. There will be videos, bootlegs, media links, news,  our comments about the jazz world, etc

Thanks to Justin Krecker for hooking this site up! You can get in touch with him at justin@gustocreative.com

Thanks to all the radio DJ’s for playing our music! We are currently 79th on the JAZZWEEK radio charts!

Check us out in the Kansas City Star (thank you Joe Klopus for a great article!): http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/music/story/1391486.html

Also, a big thank you to John Bishop at Origin Records! John is an amazing person, and is very great to work with! Check out Origin at www.origin-records.com

-Hermon

In winning the 2008 Origin Records / Gene Harris Jazz Festival Competition, Diverse proved to be a creative and dynamic musical powerhouse. Beating out 10 other very original groups from across the country, the quintet opened for Roy Haynes’ “Birds of a Feather” band at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival and were awarded a deal to record this album of original music. Mentored by the great Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, trumpeter Hermon Mehari, saxophonist William Sanders, pianist John Brewer, bassist Ben Leifer, and drummer Ryan Lee possess a fearless approach to creating and performing and aspire to expand the jazz demographic, garnering increased appreciation from younger audiences for the music.

Buy it now on Itunes

In winning the 2008 Origin Records / Gene Harris Jazz Festival Competition, Diverse proved to be a creative and dynamic musical powerhouse. Beating out 10 other very original groups from across the country, the quintet opened for Roy Haynes’ “Birds of a Feather” band at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival and were awarded a deal to record this album of original music. Mentored by the great Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, trumpeter Hermon Mehari, saxophonist William Sanders, pianist John Brewer, bassist Ben Leifer, and drummer Ryan Lee possess a fearless approach to creating and performing and aspire to expand the jazz demographic, garnering increased appreciation from younger audiences for the music.

Buy it now on Itunes

Track Listing:

1. BUSY SUNDAY 5:43
2. SOJOURNER 4:32
3. TIME WELL SPENT 6:44
4. EVERY NOW AND THEN 5:13
5. BED WRITING 5:03
6. B-DAY SONG 6:15
7. WHERE IT LIVES 5:40
8. FOR KIM 1:30
9. UNTITLED HIT TUNE 5:55
10. VITALITY 5:18
11. LOST IN DARKNESS 5:40
12. BOISE 5:35

Performers:

• HERMON MEHARI trumpet
• WILLIAM SANDERS tenor saxophone
• JOHN BREWER piano and rhodes
• BEN LEIFER bass
• RYAN LEE drums
• BOBBY WATSON saxophone (7)

Production:

• Produced by Bobby Watson
• Bill Crain – Assistant Producer
• Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered at:
• BRC Audio Productions, Kansas City, USA
• www.brcaudio.com (913) 621-2300
• on January 2 & 3, 2009
• Bill Crain – head engineer
• Josh Williams – assistant engineer
• Photography by Philip Koenig
• Cover design by John Bishop

Hermon Mehari: The Plastic Sax Person of the Year

Posted: December 27, 2009

To view the original article, click here.

Hermon Mehari is far more than the trumpet player in Diverse. The energy and exuberance he contributed to Kansas City’s jazz scene in 2009 make him the obvious choice for Plastic Sax’s Person of the Year.

Consider:

*In an environment permeated with cynicism and negativity (guilty as charged), Mehari’s upbeat and optimistic demeanor stands out. While many jazz musicians bemoan their plight, Mehari made his own luck. He demonstrated that hard work and a positive attitude can make great things happen.

*Mehari was interviewed many times in 2009. He never failed to speak highly of UMKC’s jazz program and of Kansas City. He’s also quick to praise his band mates and other locally-based artists.

*Mehari is one of Kansas City’s most visible jazz fans. He doesn’t merely attend shows- he drags other along and regularly uploads video footage. He embraces the new technology that allows him to share his passion for jazz with others. Accordingly, Diverse’s site is excellent.

*And then there’s the music. Mehari probably isn’t the most gifted member of Diverse, but his artistic vision and genial persona make him a terrific front man for the group. Diverse’s self-titled debut album is quite impressive. And their live performances are even better. Mehari also gigs as a member of the trio Tri-Dimensional and frequently sits in with other acts.

There’s no telling what 2010 has in store for Kansas City’s jazz scene. Knowing that Mehari will play a part in it, however, makes the outlook for the new year seem that much brighter.

(Photo courtesy of UMKC.)

Jazz quintet Diverse wins Gene Harris Jazz Festival, Origin Records Competition, truly delivers

February 18, 10:05 AMKansas City Blues & Jazz Music ExaminerBy Skaught Patterson

Kansas City Blues & Jazz Music Examiner rates this: FIVE STAR

To view the Original Article, Click Here.

Diverse, the eponymous album by Kansas City Jazz group Diverse, is a true success story, the rarest kind of success story, the kind that almost never develops to such a fruitful outcome. Most of the elements of it are fairly commonplace—all of the right pieces come together, a group of talented musicians meet at college, they begin working on their own original music, they enter a contest, grand prize is a recording contract—these things happen. But what doesn’t usually happen is full delivery on the part of the band and of the contest sponsors to create a top notch album worthy of national air play. This is that one in a million story where it all came together.

The group formed in 2008, and within six months, leapt into competition in Boise, Idaho at the Gene Harris Jazz Competition, sponsored by Boise State University. First prize was a recording contract with Origin Records and, hopefully, world wide fame. The 2009 release of Diverse is the ticket to earn the quintet just that. 

Diverse features five top notch, young musicians from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Trumpet player Hermon Mehari has laid down a recording that displays the precision of a classically trained musician, with almost none of the squawks that most trumpet players let slide, even in heavily produces recordings, as acceptable quirks of in-the-moment soloing. Mehari’s playing is precise. He is also the composer of one of the best songs on the album, “Lost in Darkness” (track eleven).

Tenor saxophonist William Sanders provides the best composition on the Album, the final track, entitled “Boise.” Here too he displays his most inspiring and eccentric playing. “Boise” is the kind of song that could be spun into the inspiration for a new genre of music or a new style of playing saxophone. He produces an ambient moaning tone, sliding between pitches, which marks this song with true originality of both style and melody.

John Brewer is the newest member of the quintet and does an admirable job of filling the album with traditional jazz structures, adding fluidity to the rhythm section’s grooves with his sturdy presence on the keys. Although Brewer did not compete with Diverse in the competition that yielded the album deal, he has been a great addition for sonic depth.

Ben Liefer may be the most outstanding instrumentalist in the group, quite a feat to accomplish in this talented mix, especially from the bass position. Liefer seems to have a very natural ability to establish a groove, get in the pocket, yet keep the bass end inventive. Many bassists can display either solid rhythmic support or innovative chops, but only a very few can produce both with outstanding quality. Liefer’s bass lines are the lifeblood of most of the songs on the Diverse album, and his nuanced interplay with drummer Ryan Lee is worthy of a listen all by itself, even without the electrifying winds and keys. Liefer is equally adept on the upright bass and the electric, making the best of each instrument by expertly plying the upright for its woody tones and the electric to produce heart grabbing grooves.

Drummer Ryan Lee is also an inspired musician, and a perfect complement for bassist Liefer. His is a sturdily practiced chop that admits a wide range of influences, all flawlessly and seamlessly intermingled. Though his work on the album is solidly “jazz” drumming, Lee seems to musically wander a landscape of styles, stopping here to pick up a reggae rim-shot, there to grab a rock and roll snare and drum combination, and over to a sweet spot to weave a classical music backdrop at a calm moment.

Diverse is expertly produced and even features a track of Kansas City saxophone great Bobby Watson (track seven, “Where it Lives”), a mentor who provides insightful liner notes about the quintet’s formation and growing experience. For those who love modern and avant-garde jazz, this album is truly a winner.

In Lieu of 1000 Words: Diverse at the Record Bar

Originally Posted on January 4, 2010

To view the original article, click here.

Let’s open the year with some photos.

One of my favorite nights of jazz in 2009 was in late August at The Blue Room. The club was standing room only with a line out the door. The group was Diverse, mostly UMKC students with first place in a national competition and an album in the jazz top 50 both on their resume. Bobby Watson joined them at the end of each set. Pop star Kenny Loggins dropped by and sat in on a couple numbers as well. It was one of those nights where you feel magic in the room.

I had the pleasure of hearing Diverse again on Monday, December 14th at the Record Bar. The club was filled. This time, saxophonist Logan Richardson joined the group. Here’s a sampling of what we saw (clicking on a photo should open a larger version of it).

Diverse. Left to right: John Brewer on electric piano, Ryan Lee on drums, William Sanders on tenor saxophone, Ben Leifer on bass, Hermon Mehari on trumpet

Guest saxophonist Logan Richardson

John and Ryan

William and Ben

John, Ryan, Ben and Hermon

Logan Richardson and Diverse

The front line blows

Diverse

Kansas City Swings: Hermon Mehari on Diverse and music

To view the original article, click here.

Originally Posted February 11, 2010

Kansas City boasts a rich heritage in jazz. Both Charlie Parker and Count Basie have roots there, as well as countless musicians who’ve helped define the genre over the years. Diverse, a quintet formed in 2008, is making their mark on the city’s cultural scene. Co-founded by trumpeter Hermon Mehari, 22, Diverse received top honors at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival in 2008.  Their music is hip and young, cool and accessible to not only fans of jazz, but anyone who enjoys listening to a group of talented instrumentalists. Born in Dallas, Texas, Hermon grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri. He picked up trumpet while in middle school, and over the years, has gained a solid reputation for the quality of his playing as well as his dynamic, outgoing personality.  In 2008, Hermon won the National Trumpet Competition, and in 2009 was named Person of the Year by Plastic Sax, a local Kansas City blog for jazz musicians. He is currently a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Jazz program.  In this interview, Hermon discusses Diverse and his music.

How did you start playing jazz, and what is its most appealing aspect?
I started playing jazz when I joined a summer improvisation class while in middle school. The idea of creating new music in the moment really appealed to me, as well as creating music with people who are close to me, and making a connection with the audience.  I guess it can all be summed up as just connecting with people.

Who are your stylistic influences, and why?
My stylistic influences mainly come from the jazz genre, but some hip-hop and R&B as well. The artists that have had the most influence on my playing are  Kenny Garrett,  Logan Richardson,  Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown,  Ambrose Akinmusire, and John Coltrane.

Describe the music scene in Kansas City.
The music scene in Kansas City is great because it is very close and supportive. I have many friends on the scene, especially on the jazz scene. Another cool aspect is that many musicians can make a living just playing music here, because the cost of living is so low. There’s a lot of great musicians who are well established, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City is continuously bringing in a lot of young talent.

Are there other bands you work with?
I work with a trio called Tri-Dimensional, a big band named the New Jazz Order and I’m also in the Brandon Draper Quintet.

Is there a strong jazz community in Kansas City and is there exchange with musicians from other genres?
In my opinion, the jazz community is very strong here. We support each other by going to each other’s gigs, and although there are a lot of established groups, there are all kinds of combinations of musicians thrown together for some gigs. There is exchange with musicians from other genres, and even more so recently. I’ve been trying to get to know people on the hip-hop scene, and Diverse is branching out with some cross-genre shows.

Explain Diverse. How did the band form?
The band formed as an “Independent Combo” at the University of Missouri-Kansas City as a quartet in 2008. It was William Sanders on tenor saxophone, Ben Leifer on bass, Ryan Lee on drums, and I. The director of our jazz program,  Bobby Watson, trusted us and let us do our own thing. We rehearsed on our own and sought out gigs. To me, the special thing about the band is that we had a concept early on. Our mission is to play music that is accessible to a lot of people, and draw people of all demographics towards jazz music without sacrificing our musical integrity. This concept has been maintained and evolved over the past couple of years. Eventually, we got accepted to compete in the Gene Harris Jazz Festival held in Boise, Idaho, in June of 2008. After winning the competition, our great friend and pianist John Brewer joined the band. The prize of that competition was a recording project with jazz label Origin Records and the opportunity to open for legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes.

What was the process of making your record?
The process of making the record went much smoother than we had anticipated. All the music was original music, and we had been playing most of it for a while before the actual recording session. This coupled with the fact that our mentor Bobby Watson was the producer really helped the session sail along. Everything on the record is either a first take or a second take.

How would you describe your music?
The music on the record is half “straight-ahead” swing, and half groove-oriented tunes. We try to make melodies and grooves that people can relate to and are hopefully memorable. We try to have layers of complexity and simplicity working together so that certain people can enjoy one or the other.

How has it been received?
The response to our music has been more than what we could have hoped for. Numerous people have told us something along the lines of “I don’t really listen to jazz, but I really dig what you guys are doing.” The fact that our original goal is still working means a lot to us, and it is always really encouraging to hear. We’ve developed a good following in Kansas City and have been receiving fan e-mails from around the nation.

“Lost in Darkness” is a pensive piece, composed by you.  Can you explain the process of writing it, what inspired it?
This tune was composed when I was sort of at a low point on how I thought about music in my life. Every musician will have their ups and downs, and this was written in an especially down period. This tune has a melancholy sound that reflects it. I started by writing the chords that would reflect this, and then added a melody that would compliment those chords. I also wanted to feature our great bass player, Ben Leifer, and have a song with no horn solos. The end of the song is an upbeat groove with shifting meters that is supposed to represent the musician on their way out of the down period. That’s the thing about being down about music– you have to realize that its a cycle and you will eventually feel fine.

What are some of the things you are excited about regarding the band’s music, what you hope to achieve?
I’m excited about the band continuing to develop a sound that continues to fit our concept, and maybe even push the concept to a higher degree. There is a lot of love in our group, and we are all great friends. It is exciting to be playing with friends like this, and our rehearsals are getting to the point where we anticipate each other’s new ideas. Everyone is constantly contributing to make the band better and expanding our repertoire. The main thing I hope we achieve is just the advancement of our mission, and being able to expose more and more people to the great music of jazz that we are blessed to take part in.

Upcoming Diverse events:

Click here to view the original publication.

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.

The twelve original compositions from Diverse show the band to be as talented as writers as they are as players (which is to say, pretty daggone talented).

Every track has something to recommend, there are no excesses, and the sound is great. Jazz fans should enjoy, and shouldn’t be shy about playing it for the unenlightened, either. I’m guessing that at some point they’ll say, “This is nice, what is it?” It’s Diverse, glad you like it. This should be easy to find on line.

—Roger Atkinson, Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors’ publication “Jam”