Dezron Douglas
Known for his musical versatility, bassist Dezron Douglas is one of the most in demand young bassists in jazz today. Composer, bandleader, sideman and educator, Dezron has established himself as a musician’s musician, respected not only for his talent but also for his dedication to the authenticity of the music.
Born and raised in Hartford, CT, Dezron grew up surrounded by music. His first musical influences weren’t actually jazz, even though he is the nephew of the legendary drummer and composer, Walter Bolden (Nancy Wilson). The sounds that filled his home were of Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Minnie Ripperton, Diana Ross, Gregory Isaacs, Peter Tosh, The Clark Sisters, Mahalia Jackson, Commissioned, and the list goes on. As he explains, “Jazz was always around, but not at my House”. He was influenced by the music, moved by the way sound expressed emotion. At the age of 12, he was determined to harness that ability.
With the encouragement of his mentor, the late saxophonist, composer, and educator Jackie Mclean, he enrolled in the Jackie McLean Institute of African American Music at the Hartt School of Music. Studying at Hartt offered him the opportunity to learn from and work with such notable jazz musicians such as Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, and of course Jackie McLean. Transcribing music into emotion was an effortless process for the young bassist. The years at Hartt helped Dezron to form his own technical approach to the bass, further developing his versatility. Natural talent combined with his ability to swing made Dezron one of the most sought after young bassists. While still in school he routinely performed with: Rene McLean, Steve Davis, Jimmy Greene, Alan Jay Palmer, Abraham Burton and Eric McPherson, Nita Zarif, and Montenia Shider.
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Nita
From: Dezron Douglas: Live at SmallsBy Dezron Douglas