Artist info

One of jazz's best qualities takes place when musicians have one eye on the future while remaining deferential to the past. Similarly, the Jazz Series has always looked to present up-and-coming artists who demonstrate talent and promise but also understand they are part of a lineage. Diverse -- inspired by mentor Bobby Watson who produced their self-titled debut -- is a good example.

Tonight is a CD Release Party for the Diverse -- with two specially priced general admission evening-only seatings available. While Murry's will be a little less formal, appetizers, light fare and bar service will be available.

The band -- trumpeter Hermon Mehari, who also appears as a member of Jim Widner's Big Band on October 16 [See P. 6], saxophonist William Sanders, pianist John Brewer, bassist Ben Leifer and drummer Ryan Lee -- won the 2008 Origin Records/Gene Harris Jazz Festival Competition, which earned them the right to record. They hope their music "expand[s] the jazz demographic [and] garners increased appreciation from younger audiences for the music."