Delbert Anderson

Delbert Anderson, a Diné jazz trumpet artist, composer, and educator, stands at the forefront of a vibrant Native American jazz scene. His work, deeply rooted in his Diné heritage, seamlessly integrates Navajo "spinning songs" of love, healing, and courtship with jazz and funk, thus marking him as a community-minded Indigenous individualist. Through his Delbert Anderson Quartet, Anderson revives the improvised sounds of the Diné circle, blending them with jazz, funk, and hip-hop. His compositions are inspired by Navajo Nation landscapes, historical events, and the desire to preserve and educate about Diné history.

Anderson's notable projects include "The Long Walk: 1,674 Days," a poignant composition reflecting on a critical period in Navajo history, and "Manitou," which fuses ancient Native American melodies with jazz and funk. The Delbert Anderson Trio (DAT) showcases DAT jazz standards and original tunes, capturing the essence of his musical beginnings.

His commitment to community and education is evident through his "Build A Band" educational program, which teaches jazz improvisation to young students through a Diné and family curriculum, wellness programs, and community outreach initiatives aimed at evoking change for the well-being of all humans.

Anderson's achievements have garnered recognition, including multiple awards from Chamber Music America, the Cultural Capital Fellowship from the First Peoples Fund, and the Jazz Road Program at South Arts. His contributions to music and culture have been featured in prominent outlets like The New York Times, JazzTimes, Grammy.com, and NPR.

Robert Muller is a pianist and keyboardist based in Santa Fe, NM, with experience ranging from smokey local bars to international music festivals. He grew up in Portland, Oregon, where he studied closely with Blue Note jazz great Andrew Hill. After college, he moved to New York City where he performed at venues like the Blue Note and the Knitting Factory with a variety of jazz, neo soul, and underground hip hop artists.

Now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he performs and records with acts like New Mexico Music Hall of Fame inductee Hillary Smith, U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, Diné jazz musician Delbert Anderson, and contemporary jazz trumpetist Ryan Montaño. His own group Kodama Trio won New Mexico Music Awards for Best Jazz Album and Best Jazz Single for their eponymous debut album in 2016.

Khalill Brown, with roots in the Blackfoot and Cherokee tribes, is a dynamic Funk/Fusion drummer based in Denver,  known for his technical prowess and ability to weave rhythms from various cultures and styles. His musical journey began at the tender age of eight, opening for Ziggy Marley. He has seen him share stages with renowned acts like Steel Pulse, KRS-One, Snarky Puppy, and Stephen Marley despite overcoming a career-threatening wrist injury. Raised in a family steeped in Reggae and Rasta culture, and with extensive experience in drumline and backing bands across Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, and Country genres, Khalill’s style is a vibrant testament to his diverse upbringing. He aims to elevate the spirits of his audience, leaving them better than they arrived through music.

Evan Suiter’s musical voyage began at the young age of thirteen. Since then, he has developed into a seasoned bassist with a repertoire spanning jazz, country, Latin, funk, classical, and rock/pop genres. His formal education culminated in a B.A. in Music in 2008, followed by invaluable experiences at Victor Wooten's Center for Music and Nature. This background enabled him to share stages with luminaries like Tito Puente Jr., Bob Dorough, and The Drifters. Residing in Albuquerque, NM, Evan is an integral part of the music scene, currently performing with Chevel Shepherd and the acclaimed Delbert Anderson Quartet. His extensive touring and recording career highlights his versatile talent and commitment to his craft.