Hermon Mehari and his band performed a cutting-edge show at Murry’s on Feb. 19. Their performance was part of a tour advertising Mehari’s new album “Asmara,” The “We Always Swing” Jazz series hosted the event.

Mehari, a Jefferson City native, performed on trumpet while his friend Peter Schlamb — a vibraphone and piano player from Kansas City — joined him. Rick Rosato, the only non-Missourian in the quartet, performed on bass, and the drummer for the evening was the phenomenal St. Louis native, Zach Morrow.

The performance featured a number of songs from Mehari’s new album including “Melsi” and “Soul Chant.” The band also played some standards, namely “You’re My Everything” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face.”

Numerous moments showed the set’s pioneering approach to music. Schlamb switched between playing vibraphone and piano during the performance. Schlamb’s piano playing is unorthodox, specifically his chord voicings and harmony — perhaps a consequence of cross-pollination with vibraphone.

Morrow was given an exuberant solo during the performance of “Anthem for Independence,” which brought the song together single handedly. Morrow is an excellent talent well on his way to being recognized as such.

The music from Mehari’s new album is heavily influenced by Mehari’s roots in Eritrea. The music of Eritrea is very rhythmic and groove-based, allowing the songs to take on a chant-like quality. The individual musicians — Schlamb and Rosato especially — moved outside of this rhythmic pattern and then back into it several times, demonstrating impressive musical control.

Mehari’s song “A Conversation with My Uncle” was especially impactful. While the recording of Mehari’s uncle played, Mehari performed the same notes on trumpet as the tones of his uncle’s speech. Mehari’s uncle was in the audience for the performance and was asked to stand during the show.

The show was a testament to the innovation capacity of Missouri musicians. Mehari was a student at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and Schlamb now teaches at UMKC as an adjunct instructor.

Columbia audiences can look forward to seeing Schlamb and Morrow perform alongside keyboardist Matt Villinger during True/False Film Fest. The three make up a band named All Night Trio. The trio will perform for True/False on March 4 at Cafe Berlin.

Edited by Egan Ward | eward@themaneater.com
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