Dean DeMerritt Jazz Tribe

Dean DeMerritt

An absolute musician, Dean’s roots are in jazz, blues, classical, rock, and country and western. Growing up as the son of a jazz pianist in Tulsa, he learned the roots of jazz from performing in his father’s band in high school. Dean’s teen years were spent learning jazz standards from an older generation of venerated artists. Dean went on to study classical and jazz bass at the University of Tulsa, graduating with a degree in music.

While in college, he performed with various local jazz groups and shared the stage with jazz heavyweights including Stanley Clarke, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Billy Cobham, Max Roach, Stan Kenton, and also performed with the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra and the Springfield Symphony. After graduating, Dean went “on the road” with the renowned western swing band “Asleep at the Wheel”. During this 4-year gig, the band recorded several albums when not on major concert tours with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and George Strait among others. Along with winning a Grammy for “Best Country Instrumental Performance”, there were numerous TV and movie appearances including Austin City Limits, The Mike Douglas Show, and the movie "Roadie".

Dean then relocated to Dallas/Ft Worth and played in the Ft Worth Symphony and with a wide variety of local jazz and blues artists. He performed in venues such as Caravan of Dreams, Sardines, Hard Rock Cafe, and Strictly Tabu. He also traveled the Texas blues circuit with the band Panther City Blues Band.

He arrived in the Atlanta/Marietta area in 1996 where he teaches private music lessons, composes, and continues to perform with his own group, “Dean Demerritt Jazz Tribe” and free-lances with other local bands. Their recently completed debut cd, “Authenticity” is a mix of original and jazz standards. The cd also features Mike Ewbank on piano and Ben Taylor on drums. Both are accomplished artists representing the ultimate mastery of their respective instruments.

Having recently completed a nearly year long gig at Simpatico's in Marietta, the Dean Demerritt Jazz Tribe is available for any event. Playing contemporary jazz standards from the likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wynton Marsalis, and some fresh originals. Their jazz style mixes swing, latin, funk, gospel, and blues to satisfy all music lovers. They are the perfect accompaniment to any occasion.

He also performs locally with Kermit Walker and the Jazz Prophets, The Tom Marnell Jazz Band, Bonaventure Jazz String Quarter, Zack Graddy, and other Atlanta artists.

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Dean DeMerritt