An internationally acclaimed jazz quartet that blends modern jazz, hip-hop, classical music and electronic sounds, will bring its debut U.S. tour to Allan Hancock College for a free concert, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 in Boyd Hall (bldg. F).
“The French-American quartet NO(w) Beauty has emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz, earning recognition for its innovative sound and genre-defying performances,” organizers said.
Their American tour is also taking them to the Lincoln Center in New York, as well as venues in Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco.
The group features trumpeter Hermon Mehari, pianist Enzo Carniel, bassist Damien Varaillon, and drummer Stéphane Adsuar.
Together, the four musicians create a sound that draws on a wide range of musical influences, combining improvisation, electronic textures and classical elements to push the boundaries of traditional jazz, Hancock College said.
The concert also has a connection to Hancock‚ trumpeter Hermon Mehari was once a student of Hancock Dean Sean Abel, when Abel taught music at Jefferson City High School in Missouri.
Mehari performed in the school’s top jazz ensemble, symphonic band and marching band, where he distinguished himself as a talented young musician.
“Even as a high school student, Hermon was an incredibly talented musician whose improvisation skills were well beyond his years,” Abel said.
“I still use a recording of one of his performances as an example for other students. I’m incredibly proud of what he’s accomplished and excited to see him perform with NO(w) Beauty here at Hancock,” he said.
Mehari will be conducting a master class with Hancock music students earlier in the day.
NO(w) Beauty released its debut album in 2023, earning critical recognition for its fresh approach to contemporary jazz.
“The quartet’s music moves freely between musical traditions, blending the energy of hip-hop and electronic music with the improvisational spirit of jazz and the rich harmonies of European classical music,” organizers said.