The Sound Merchants, led by drummer, Alvin Atkinson, Jr. is comprised of jazz musicians Ameen Saleem, Lakecia Benjamin and Sean Higgins. Selected to represent the United States State Department for the Jazz Ambassador's Rhythm Road tour in 2007 and 2008, this group toured the Middle East, including the countries of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, and Jerusalem. In sold out concerts all over the region, the group presented its sound of heavy jazz and blues influences with inflections of various rhythms and melodies to the people. Nominated for the Best International Jazz Song by the Toronto Exclusive Magaizine, the 2007 CD release, The Sound Merchants, has received rave reviews.