New York-based Composer, bandleader, sideman and educator, bassist Dezron Douglas 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. Known for his musical versatility, 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 for his talent, virtuosity and dedication to the authenticity of the music.

Nephew of the legendary drummer and composer, Walter Bolden (Nancy Wilson), and mentored by the late saxophonist, composer, and educator Jackie Mclean, Dezron attended 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 the great Jackie McLean.

Dezron has performed and recorded with Michael Carvin, Pharaoh Sanders, Cyrus Chestnut, Louis Hayes, George Cables, Abraham Burton/Eric McPherson, Rene McLean, Al Foster, Ravi Coltrane, Billy Drummond, Steve Davis, Victor Lewis, Winard Harper, Mulgrew Miller, Lewis Nash, Kevin Mahogany, Carla Cook, Kenny Garrett, Steve Coleman, Willie Jones III, Duane Eubanks, Eric Reed, Tomasz Stanko, Vincent Herring, Papo Vazquez and The Marsalis Family.

Dezron’s debut recording in 2005, “Marsalis Music Honors Michael Carvin”, produced by Branford Marsalis, featured Master drummer Michael Carvin, an experience that opened a flood gate of other recording and performing opportunities.   Currently a member of Louis Hayes’ “Jazz Communicators”, the Ravi Coltrane Quartet and Enrico Rava Quintet, Dezron was also a long-standing member of The Cyrus Chestnut Trio, among many other international ensembles.

His January 11, 2019 release, “Black Lion” a six-track EP is presented by a collection of like-minded – both musically and spiritually – friends and associates, who work to display the visions and perspectives of the acclaimed bassist.  Featuring Stacy Dillard and Lummie Spann on saxophones, Josh Evans on trumpet, David Bryant and Willerm Delisfort on piano and organ and Jeremy “BEAN” Clemons on drums, “Black Lion” was created to give Dezron the opportunity to lead a band with a personal story — Dezron’s vision — no frills attached.

Dezron’s talent for music is not limited to the stage, or the recording studio. Acknowledging the importance of technique, as a teacher, he encourages his students to embody the music, “understanding the emotion behind the music and being able to replicate that in the song”.  Dezron has taught at The Artist collective in Hartford, is currently on the faculty for NJPAC Jazz Department. He also gives workshops at various institutions in North America and abroad and was recently a Special Guest Faculty Member at JazzWorks Camp 2019 in at the CAMMAC Music Centre in Harrington Quebec.

In August, Dezron Douglas was chosen Rising Star Bassist 2019 by the DownBeat Critics Poll.

From the moment Dezron walks into a room, you feel his strong energy… without a word you feel it… from the very first note.

For more information see www.dezrondouglas.com

“Whether I’m on the road in Europe performing in concert Halls in Pescara and Bergamot, performance spaces like The BIMHUIS or NEW MORNING, or big and small clubs like The VILLAGE VANGUARD and JAZZ SHOWCASE I heavily rely on my MARKBASS Little Mark TUBE 800 to give me the sound I so desire. I have played through the gambit of bass amps available on the scene today and because I am confident in my sound on the instrument I don’t need much from an AMP. The sound of the bass is and always will be in your fingers, but the engineers at MARKBASS have given me something I have been looking for in a bass amp for a decade now…..consistency and clarity. No matter what bass you encounter on the road or sound system you encounter if you have a MARKBASS Amp on the stage then it is gonna be a good NIGHT!”

photo: Peter Wallace