Among my current projects is a ground breaking percussion trio featuring Chad Taylor, Joe Chambers and me. Our eponymous debut record, Onilu, is due to release in early 2025 on the Eremite record label. It features compositions by all three multi -instrumentalists. Onilu is a Yoruba word meaning “drummers.”
Another is Justice: The Vocal Works of Oliver Lake. A vocal trio joins my ensemble Sonic Liberation Front in performing the works of this widely acclaimed composer. Below are more present and past projects.
A Live Performance of John Coltrane’s “Kulu Se Mama” in its entirety w/ original choreography Kariamu Welsh.
The Dream Book
Throwback: SLF “The Dream Book”
Interdisciplinary performance “The Dream Book” at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center.
Kevin Diehl’s Bio
Kevin Diehl is a Philadelphia-based drummer, percussionist, composer, electro-acoustic practitioner
Former student/mentee of the late Sunny Murray
Ensemble leader recognized #1 or Top 10 by the Village Voice, All About Jazz, Jazziz
Ensemble leader further recognized by international press including New York Times
Recognized Downbeat Critics’ Poll 2021-2024 A Top 5 Rising Star Percussionist
Priest of the Lucumi (Afro Cuban Yoruba) culture
Ilu Bata (keeper of the sacred drums) in the Lucumi culture
Founder of the Lucumi Youth Choir
Kevin Diehl’s Current projects include:
Onilu with Chad Taylor and Joe Chambers (2024)
Justice – The vocal works of Olvier lake with Sonic Liberation Front
Marshall Allen’s The Omniverse Oriki (2024) recording
Instant Arts Quartet (2024) with Matt Lavelle, Terry Lawson, Pete Dennis
The Ashé Mystics (2024) – with Julius Masri and Joshua Marquez
Ultra Violet – with Keith DeStefano, Joshua Marquez, Elliott Levin
The Instant Arts Duo (2024) – with Terry Lawson
AIRFLT ensemble and performance series
Member of Joshua Marquez’s electro acoustic chamber ensemble Future Ghosts
Kevin Diehl has worked in collaboration with Joe Chambers, Chad Taylor, Oliver Lake, Marshall Allen, Odean Pope, Sunny Murray, Andy González, Khan Jamal, Michelle Rosewoman, Thurman Barker, Badal Roy, Donald HarrisonJr., Kulu Mele Dance and Drum Ensemble, Gene Golden, Skip “Brinquito” Burney, Prometheus Chamber Orchestra, Termite TV collective, Kariamu Welsh, Shaness Kemp
Kevin Diehl composed a commissioned work titled Jetway Confidential which was commissioned by Ars Nova Workshop in 2009 for inclusion in the ICA Philadelphia exhibit performance Pathways to Unknown Worlds: Sun Ra, El Saturn & Chicago’s Afro-Futurist Underground, 1954–1968
Kevin Diehl’s Discography– Various Projects
“Onilu” with Chad Taylor and Joe Chambers (2025 Eremite)
Instant Arts Quartet (2025) with Matt Lavelle, Terry Lawson, Pete Dennis
The Ashé Mystics (2025) – with Julius Masri and Joshua Marquez
The Instant Arts Duo (2025)
Jamaaldeen Tacuma record project (TBD)
Raymond A. King – The Sensations of Tone – with Sonic Sphere (TBD)
Kevin Diehl’s Discography with Sonic Liberation Front Justice (2022) Moon Rust Red Streets (2021) Bombogenic (2016) Jetway Confidential (2012) Sonic Liberation Front Meets Sunny Murray (2011) Change Over Time (2006) Ashé A Go Go (2004) Water and Stone (2000)
Sonic Liberation Front large scale performance works include:
“Kevin Dieh’s Ashé All Stars featuring Donald Harrison, and introducing the Lucumi Youth Choir” at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts
“Kule Se Mama” A live performance at the John Coltrane Festival, Philadelphia Jazz Project and Temple University
“The Dream Book” presented by Bowerbird and the Philadelphia Jazz Project at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center
“The IT Summit” with the Termite TV Collective and the Omimiwa Drum & Dance Ensemble at the Prince Music Theater
