The list of notable jazz artists with Philadelphia is extensive. Add to the list tenor saxophonist, composer and bandleader Dahi Divine. What sets Divine apart from other young lions today is that his music moves the music forward in new directions while it demonstrates Divine’s deep respect for the trailblazing work of tenor titans who came before him. He rhythmically respects the tradition of swing while exploring new musical concepts that make you want to dance, groove or reflect. He released The Element, his recording debut as a leader featuring all-original material, on April 7, 2015. The following month he completed his final semester of jazz studies at The New School For Jazz & Contemporary Music and in July celebrated his 23rd birthday. The self-produced album heralds the arrival of an emerging artist whose command of his craft displays a level of virtuosity, eloquence and maturity as both an instrumentalist and writer that belies his age. In July, 2015 Divine was selected by Wynton Marsalis and Jazz At Lincoln Center to perform for the Museum of Modern Art’s “New Music for New York“ series. The program features up-and-coming jazz ensembles whose concerts emphasize original works to performing a world premiere composition. Divine performs at such venues as, Chris’ Jazz Café in Philadelphia and Smalls' in New York. He shared the stage with James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Charles Fambrough, Monnette Sudler, Arturo and Adam O’Farrill, Kenny Burrell, and Ira Sullivan, among others. During the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, he performed in the horn line of the Dave Matthews Band after being selected from a pool of 800 auditions submitted from around the US. Divine’s group headlined the TGIF’s Summer Jazz Series, and performed at The Exit Zero Jazz Festival, The Cape May Jazz Festival, Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Festival, Center City Jazz Festival, and West Oak Lane Jazz Festival. He’s becoming known as a prolific composer and his dynamic live performances take audiences on a funky, soulful and swingin’ musical journey.
Awards
Gold Medal Winner for NAACP ACT-SO Competition for original composition,
"Choices"_July 2010
Grammy Jazz Ensemble, Grammy Week_Los Angeles, January 2010
Dave Matthew's Band Horn Line, 52nd Grammy Awards_LA, January 2010
The list of notable jazz artists who where born, raised or have resided in jny: Philadelphia is extensive and includes such legendary masters as Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Lee Morgan, John Coltrane, Jimmy Smith, Sonny Fortune, Archie Shep, McCoy Tyner and Sun Ra as well as today’s keepers of the flame like Christian McBride, Jaleel Shaw, Terrell Stafford, Tim Warfield and Orrin Evans. One can add to this illustrious lineage a young man at the forefront of the latest generation ... read more
“For whatever reason the city is on a roll with jazz prodigies lately, headlined by drummer Justin Faulkner… Next in line is tenor saxophonist Dahi Divine...”
Shaun Brady, Editor Arts & Entertainment
Philadelphia City Paper
“They’re badass, aren’t they?"
Dave Matthews, Dave Matthews Band
Entertainment Weekly
“It’s difficult not to become a figure in the jazz scene after your first big performance is on the horn line for the Dave Matthews Band at the Grammy Awards.”
Michael Kline, Founder
Exit 0 International Jazz Festival
We sent a confirmation message to . Look for it, then click the link to activate your account. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, check your spam, bulk or promotions folder.
All About Jazz musician pages are maintained by musicians, publicists and trusted members like you.
Interested? Tell us why you would like to improve the Dahi Divine musician page.