Home » Jazz Musicians » Dion Parson

Dion Parson

Dion Parson is one of New York's finest young drummers. Born in St. Thomas, Dion's musical foundation ranges from classical, reggae, calypso, jazz, African, and pop music.

Parson's first musical instrument was the trombone, but at the age of 15, he began playing drums, and was awarded a grant from Virgin Islands Council of the Arts to study at Interlochen Music Academy in Michigan. Upon returning home, he was selected to be the VI representative in the McDonald's All-American High School Band. Dion later attended Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he studied percussion with Keith Copeland and William Moersch, receiving his B.M. in Music Education in 1990 and his Master's in 2012.

After graduation Dion moved to New York where he quickly became part of the jazz scene playing with such greats as the late Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander, Jon Faddis, Steve Grossman, Gary Bartz, Terence Blanchard, Geri Allen, Donald Harrison, Don Byron, David Sanchez, Ray Anderson, Stephen Scott, Marc Cary, Lee Konitz, Ernest Ranglin, Ron Blake, Terell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, Wycliffe Gordon, Babatunde Olatunji, Baaba Maal, Joanne Brackeen, Dianne Reeves, Bill Salter, Bill Saxton, and Steve Turre. His association with these musicians has taken him well beyond U.S. borders on tours to such places as Japan, Europe, Canada, the West Indies, Africa, and the Middle East.

Being exposed to these great musicians enabled Dion to record for several major labels, including Columbia, Sony, Gramavision, Arabesque, Blue Note, Verve, Enja, Koch Records and Concord Records. His recording experience and close association with fellow St. Thomas native Ron Blake led to the birth of Tahmun Records, which housed his first recordings as a leader, 21st Century (co-led with Ron Blake), and his first solo effort, People Music, released in 2001. In 2007 Dion started Dion Parson's Unity. Through this band Dion unites different musicians, people, influences and cultures through his music.

In January of 2006, Dion started playing with the Broadway show, The Color Purple. Although a newcomer to the theater world, his extensive experience with various styles of music made him an instant fit in the musically comprehensive show that blends and blurs the lines of gospel, pop, ragtime and blues.

Always interested in giving back, coupled with his desire to ensure a continuous crop of talented musicians, Dion began his teaching career at Rutgers University in 1992 as an adjunct professor. He enjoyed teaching, and this experience opened other doors of opportunity as an educator, including classes and workshops at Cheyney University (PA), VI Council on the Arts Jazz Exchange Workshops (as part of the St. Croix Jazz Festival), Artists in Residence Program of the Arts High School (NJ), Harlem School of the Arts (NY), North Carolina University, and Manna House Workshops (Harlem, NY). Since February of 2005 Dion has been the drum/percussion instructor at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Jazz for Teens program, where he conducts drum workshops, theory classes, and directs student ensembles. In addition, he continues to give private instruction in New York City and around the world while touring.

Read more

Tags

3
Album Review

Samuel Blaser: Routes

Read "Routes" reviewed by Chris May


The Jamaican trombonist Don Drummond (1934-1969), the inspiration for Routes, was in certain respects a mid-twentieth Jamaican parallel of the New Orleans cornetist Buddy Bolden (1877-1931). Bolden pioneered jazz in the US, Drummond in Jamaica. Both achieved mythic proportions during their lifetimes and both their legends endure. Both, tragically, spent their final years in what were then called insane asylums. One difference between the two musicians is that, while no recording of Bolden has survived, if indeed ...

266
Album Review

Dion Parson featuring the 21st Century Band: People Music

Read "People Music" reviewed by Elliott Simon


The most successful efforts at intertwining world/folk music with jazz artfully maintain an “of the people/by the people" feel. The best of these in turn feature a core group of talented musicians who within this structure use the complex improvisational techniques and instrumental voicings of jazz to explore new musical territory. People Music , led by drummer Dion Parson, is just such a session. Parson has surrounded himself with inventive jazz musicians who also continue to maintain a ...

Read more articles
7

Performance / Tour

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band - Returns To Ginny's Supper Club - September 11-12

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band - Returns To Ginny's Supper Club - September 11-12

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

DION PARSON & 21st CENTURY BAND Returns to Ginny's Supper Club Back By Popular Demand! September 11-12 Featuring Their New CD St. Thomas St. Thomas—the exciting new CD by Dion Parson & 21st Century Band hit the streets this summer and has since gained international airplay and critical acclaim. This explosive, rhythmic ensemble returns to Ginny's Supper Club by popular demand on September 11-12! Ginny's Supper Club 310 Lenox Ave. New York, ...

5

Performance / Tour

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band - New CD & Dizzy's Club - June 23

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band - New CD & Dizzy's Club - June 23

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month St. Thomas - the exciting new CD by Dion Parson & 21st Century Band hits the streets on June 23! This explosive, rhythmic ensemble will raise the roof that week at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola (June 23-25), as they make their annual return celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month! Dion Parson & 21st Century Band Dion Parson - Drums/Percussion Ron Blake - Tenor/Soprano/Baritone Saxophone Rashawn Ross - Trumpet Victor Provost ...

1

Performance / Tour

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band at Ginny's (NYC) on January 10

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band at Ginny's  (NYC) on January 10

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

World Premiere Preview of New CD - St. Thomas January 10, 2015 7:30pm & 9:30pm / $15 Dion Parson - drums Ron Blake - saxophone Rashawn Ross - trumpet Carlton Holmes - piano Victor Provost - steel pan Alioune Faye - percussion/ sabar drums Ginny's Supper Club 310 Lenox Avenue New York, NY 10027 phone: 212-421-3821 This January 10th, Dion Parson & ...

"As hot as the temperatures in his native Virgin Islands, Parson leads a group of hardcore jazz men with similar geographic backgrounds and musical ethics. Their jazz is tinged with a touch of island rhythm here and a dash of steel drums there to create a real jazz feel, Caribbean style." - Jazz at Lincoln Center

Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Routes

Enja
2023

buy

People Music

Tahmun Records
2004

buy

Similar

Ron Blake
saxophone
Cliff Lyons
saxophone, alto

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.