Dean DeMerritt

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.

The Dean DeMerritt Jazz Tribe can encompass a jazz trio up to a full blown five piece jazz ensemble (piano, bass, drums, saxophone, and trumpet)

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,  Bernard Linnette, Jacques Lesure, Seven Day Fool, Thad Wilson, and other Atlanta artists.

The current Jazz Tribe is performing Saturday nights through 2011 at Acoustix Restaurant and Jazz Lounge.  This five piece ensemble includes the vocals of Ms. Sandi Blair with Tavius Elder (guitar), John Miller (piano), Zach Graddy (tenor sax) and Henry Brent (drums)