Willerm Delisfort Sextet

Pianist, and Composer Willerm Delisfort is a messenger of life using music as his tool. His career extends the continuum of musical styles that ranges from Jazz, Gospel, R&B and many more. Because of this, Willerm's versatility has created a high demand for him with prominent jazz, rap, soul, and fusion artists including 2009 Best World Guitarist Fareed Haque, Grammy Award winning artist T-Pain, Lauryn Hill , Kirk Whalum, Louis Bellson , Lew Soloff, Calvin Newborne, Corey Wilkes, Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Heath, David Sanchez, Jennifer Holiday, George Freeman, Red Holloway, Javon Jackson, Melton Mustafa Sr, Peter Erskine, Public Announcement, Freddie Jackson, and more. He has performed over 20 festivals all around the Globe, branching from the west coast of the United States, all the way to Europe, touring Spain, and the United Kingdom. Even in the lights of main stage theater, you can always expect Willerm in the orchestra pit, either conducting or playing the lead piano book. Headlining shows such as Dreamgirls, Ain't Misbehavin, Crowns, Aida, The Best of Broadway, and Don't Bother Me I Cant Cope. Willerm has been featured on over 7 albums on piano, along with several commercial recordings broadcast all over the world. His most recent, the critically acclaimed Flat Planet by Virtuosity Guitarist Fareed Haque which is available on Owl Studio Records. Next expected release will be Willerm's debut album entitled "Freedom Riders" scheduled to be release in September 2009. Born in Little Haiti Miami Florida to Haitian Parents Pierre Franklin and Antonette Delisfort, his father exposed him to different music from a very early age. Teaching him the rich history of his heritage, while his mom taught him the importance of being able to dance and feel the embracement of the music, Willerm's curiosity grew towards a life in the arts, unknowingly embarking on a journey which would lead him to where he is today. By the age of 11 studying under the tutelage of South Florida legend John McMinn, he had already performed for people such as former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, former president of Haiti Jean-Bertrand Aristide, showing Willerm a bright future ahead of him. With the appreciation of self expression thru music, at the early age 15, Willerm began to explore the realm of composition. By the time of his high school junior year, he had composed over 10 Compositions, arranged over 30 songs for ensembles of all sizes and levels. This would grab the attention of legendary Trumpeter Melton Mustafa, where for the next 5 years he cultivated Willerm's writing. Looking for a tool to play his music, Willerm founded the group "The Delisfort Project". Which later began to perform all over country including a European Tour with the Ladies of Jazz. The 2006- '09 Recipient of the Northern Illinois University Liberace Scholarship, Willerm spent 3 years studying with the Legendary Willie Pickens. Challenging, maturing him to love and submit to the music, his hunger for self expression grew rapidly. Willerm Delisfort is here to stamp his name into the books of history. Till this day he endorses expressions of gratefulness for the knowledge that was passed down to him from all those who had a hand in setting him on the path that he is currently on. It was with their patience and understanding which have taught him how to love his art for more than nickels and dimes, but as a message to the world. He strives to amaze those around him, with his simple yet multifaceted soulful ways of self expression; hoping that someday he will give his parents the honor of having a child that have had major influence in music today. Originally from Dallas, TX and now living in New York City, Tahira Clayton is known for her honest vocal delivery and charismatic stage presence. A strong lyricist and storyteller, Tahira has performed nationally and internationally as a band leader and featured vocalist. In 2022, Tahira headlined IMG Artists “Bessie, Billie, Nina: Pioneering Women in Jazz,” a national tour, alongside Charenee Wade, Vanisha Gould, and music directed by Carmen Staaf. In October 2022, Tahira fronted the Caili O’Doherty Quintet throughout the country of Georgia on an American Music Abroad tour as a cultural diplomatic ambassador for the United States. In Jan 2023, Tahira intermittently joined Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: “Songs We Love,” a national tour, music directed by Riley Mulherkar. In May 2023, Tahira will join Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: “Sing and Swing” for a residency in Saudi Arabia with trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III. In addition to her performing, Tahira currently serves as the vice president and is a founding board member of the Women in Jazz Organization (WIJO), based in NYC. Tahira is also program director for WIJO’s mentorship program, WIJO Mentors. In addition to her work with WIJO, Tahira has traveled internationally to present lectures on her research entitled, “The Dangers of Jazz: Sexism in Society.” A 2015 graduate of the University of North Texas Tahira has performed and participated in master classes of many of the genre’s greats. Tahira’s debut album of all original compositions, “Wait, Till Now” was a fully crowd-sourced project, funded by fans and peers. “Wait, Till Now” is currently available for purchase and streaming. She has led groups and performed in prestigious venues such as Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Sony Music Hall, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, The 55 Bar, Minton’s Playhouse, The Rainbow Room, Cornelia Street Café, the Cell Theater, the Jazz Showcase (Chicago), and in 2021 opened for Alicia Keys in Antibes, France. As well as being an in-demand bandleader and performer, Tahira is a sought after side-woman, lending her voice to numerous original music recording projects, performances, and songwriting collaborations. This artist does not have a bio yet. This artist does not have a bio yet. Ahmed McLemore is a bassist whose approach is rooted in deep musicality and a firm respect for the jazz tradition. Hailed by bassist Gerald Cannon as a musician who “is constantly listening and always aiming to respect and expand the tradition”. Born in Detroit, Michigan, McLemore was immersed in music from an early age, singing in church and growing up in a musical household. He began classical upright bass studies at age eleven. Initially drawn to R&B as a producer and singer, he later discovered jazz, where he found a natural artistic home. McLemore earned his undergraduate degree in Jazz Performance from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and is currently pursuing his master’s degree at The Juilliard School. Viewing jazz as an oral tradition shaped by mentorship, listening, and community, McLemore approaches the music as a lifelong student, drawing inspiration from Oscar Pettiford, Paul Chambers, and the illustrious Israel Crosby while continually seeking ways to contribute to its ongoing evolution. He has performed across the United States and has shared the stage with artists including Steve Davis, Terell Stafford, Winard Harper, Tim Warfield, Carl Allen, Stefano Doglioni, Mark Whitfield, Leon “Foster” Thomas, Pasquale Grasso, Eric Reed, Etienne Charles, Eric Alexander, Ronnie Burrage, Jerome Jennings, Willerm Delisfort, and Stacy Dillard, among others. This artist does not have a bio yet.