Saxophonist Dahi Divine releases second modern jazz album Audessy – Jem Girl at the Piano
Tenor Saxophonist/Composer/Bandleader Dahi Divine To Release His Second Modern Jazz Recording Audessy May 23, 2025.
Audessy, Divine’s second modern jazz album, opens with its title track immediately showcasing the diverse stylistic influences that shape Divine’s songwriting and the dynamic musicianship of his bandmates.
Divine states, “This project reflects my journey of spiritual growth represented through the art form of music.” Featuring all-original material, the self-produced album blends soulful jazz harmonies with the ancestral pulse of diasporic rhythms.
Divine is joined on the album by the core unit of pianist Javier Santiago, bassist Timothy Ragsdale and drummer Khary Abdul-Shaheed. Divine penned the music on Audessy from 2024-2025 while refining the material in performance.
Aether centers around a steady, groove-oriented pulse that draws the listener into its meditative flow. Lush, resonant chords form the harmonic backbone of the piece, evoking a sense of serenity and unity. As the form unfolds, the music gradually builds toward a climactic resolution, symbolizing the alignment of mind, body, and spirit—an embodiment of the universal principle of balance and harmony.
The Law of One centers around a unifying bass line, with a cyclical feel and cadence. The title is inspired by the Egyptian teachings of Ra that all existence is part of one infinite Creator — a musical reflection on the interconnectedness of all things and the spiritual journey toward unity.
No Separation channels the spirit of John Coltrane in its opening harmonies, then flows into a swinging, pocket-driven groove inspired by Kenny Kirkland and Charles Fambrough. The title reflects a deeper meaning drawn from the first name of its composer, Dahi — for “Divine-Allah-He-I”, symbolizing oneness with God.
Native Cyphers is a rhythmically intricate piece built on a 13/8 foundation that shifts fluidly into 7/8, drawing deep inspiration from West African rhythmic traditions. Its layered grooves and dynamic interplay evoke the feeling of an ancient yet evolving code — a cultural language of movement and meaning, translating spirit and story through complex metric dialogue.
Written In Our Infinite Essence is a tender ballad built on lush chord progressions, expressing the idea that the wisdom to live righteously is embedded in our very being — an innate truth woven into our DNA. “The Enlightener” serves as a jazz version of the anthem for the Five Percenters, echoing the modal spirit of mid-1960s modern jazz with influences of John Coltrane woven into its searching, powerful sound.
With You Till the End is a soulful 3/4 modern jazz waltz, rich with lush harmonies and a melodic flow deeply inspired by Black spirituals and gospel. Its title supports a message of enduring self-love and inner aeirmation. Inspired by Los Muñequitos Vale Todo, “Sunfolk (Vale Todo)” is a lively modern jazz composition that blends AfroCuban and West African influences, featuring a vibrant montuno bridge and intricate melodic transitions. The title Sunfolk reflects the deep connection between the rhythms of life, the sun’s energy, and the melanin that binds Afro-descended peoples to their rich cultural and ancestral heritage. Vale Todo — meaning “anything goes” celebrates embracing all parts of oneself and the universe.
What’s remarkable about Audessy and what distinguishes the album from much of today’s jazz landscape is its seamless fusion of tradition and innovation — combining masterful technique with fresh, boundary-pushing creativity.
Though Divine is no longer a young lion, he is still just scratching the surface of what’s to come in his musical journey. While deeply rooted in and showing profound respect for the groundbreaking tenor giants who paved the way, his compositions are far from mere homage. Instead, they boldly push the tradition forward, exploring new directions and fresh possibilities. This rare blend of reverence and innovation is a hallmark of a truly gifted artist.
ABOUT DAHI DIVINE
Philadelphia-born saxophonist and composer Dahi Divine is an emerging force in contemporary jazz, blending tradition with boundary-pushing creativity. A Grammy Award winner, Divine has quickly built a reputation for his expressive tone, technical mastery, and genre-spanning versatility.
He began his musical journey studying under Philadelphia’s most respected jazz mentors and organizations, including the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz. Divine later earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz performance from the New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music in 2015, followed by a master’s in jazz studies from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music in 2019.
Divine has performed at top venues and festivals across the globe. In 2024, he was awarded a prestigious residency at the renowned Jazz Bar in Abu Dhabi. That same year, he earned a Grammy for his horn contributions to Tye Tribbett’s All Things New, a live gospel album that showcased his ability to move fluidly between jazz, gospel, and soul.
His talent and originality have been recognized by Jazz at Lincoln Center, which selected him to debut a premiere at the Museum of Modern Art’s New Music series—an honor reserved for standout emerging artists. Divine has shared the stage with celebrated contemporaries like Benny Bennack III, Alex Claffy, Justin Faulkner, and Brett Williams, as well as jazz icons including James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Charles Fambrough, and Monnette Sudler.
Beyond jazz, Divine’s adaptability has led to performances with artists such as H.E.R., Solange, Rihanna, and the Dave Matthews Band. He also opened the People’s Poetry and Jazz Festival alongside legendary bassist Stanley Clarke.
With a sound rooted in jazz tradition yet unafraid to explore new musical landscapes, Dahi Divine continues to define his place as a bold and innovative voice in modern music.
