Diverse is a jazz band that heavily influences other genres but still retains a strong grasp of the traditions. This Kansas City-based band is composed of Hermon Mehari (trumpet), Ryan Lee and Ben Leifer (drums). Tony Tixier, a pianist, has just joined the group. Diverse’s second album, “Our Journey”, was released in 2014. It features Tony Tixier and Logan Richardson as alto saxophonists. Diverse’s self-titled debut album was released on Origin Records in 2009 after they won the 2008 Gene Harris Jazz Competition, Boise, Idaho. The album, which included twelve original compositions, reached the Top 50 on the JazzWeek charts. It remained in the Top 120 for over six months. From www.diversejazz.com
