User:Biojared/Diverse (jazz band)

Diverse is an American jazz quintet formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 2008. Founding members include bandleader and trumpeter Hermon Mehari, bassist Ben Leifer, drummer Ryan Lee and saxophonist Will Sanders. In spring of 2008 pianist John Brewer joined the group the release of the band’s first album.

In 2009 the band released their self titled debut album. The recording was one of the prizes awarded to Diverse after they won the 2008 Gene Harris Jazz Festival/Origin Records Jazz Competition. In addition to the contract the band won the opportunity to open for Roy Haynes.

Bobby Watson, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance director, produced the album and performed on track seven.