In September 1999, Mr. Dorsey performed his first solo recital at Lincoln Center. Bassist/Composer/Arranger Leon Lee Dorsey is indeed a triple-threat, handling bass-playing, composing and arranging tasks with equal aplomb. These talents are more evident than ever on his latest CD, “Song Of Songs”. Bryan Carrott-vibes and Carlton Holmes-piano join Dorsey, Vincent Ector-drums and Vincent Ector, taking the listener on a journey through nine tracks that alternately shimmer, soothe, smolder, burn and sway. Leon Lee Dorsey’s fluid, ubiquitous bass has been a great inspiration for Jazz legends Lionel Hampton and Art Blakey, along with their Jazz Messengers and Grammy-winning Jazz singer Cassandra Wilson. He has also performed under the direction of Robert Fountain and Lukas Foss. He is a composer and arranger and has performed with many jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Wynton Marsalis. He has performed with big bands such as the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (Benny Carter), the Duke Ellington Orchestra (Charlie Persip’s Superband), and the Terumasa Hino Big Band. His career highlights include performing with Joe Williams, Marilyn Horne and Frank Sinatra at Carnegie Hall. He has recorded with Lionel Hampton and Art Blakey, Arthur Prysock and Freddie Hubbard as well as many other jazz musicians. Dorsey received his Doctorate of Classical Double Bass from Ron Carter at the Grad Center of City University of New York. He also holds Masters Degrees in Music from the University of Wisconsin, the Manhattan School of Music, and two Bachelor of Music degrees from Oberlin College. While his musical talents span the whole spectrum, jazz is what this young man fell in love with. According to Dorsey, jazz requires the highest levels of knowledge, study, and training. Dorsey holds firm to his convictions and says that he owes all of it to God. from https://leonleedorsey.com
