Dezron Douglas, a bassist in jazz today, is well-known for his musical versatility. Dezron Douglas is a composer, musician, bandleader, sideman, educator and musician. He is well-known for his ability to play authentic music, as well as his talent. Dezron was born and raised in Hartford CT. Although he is the nephew to the great composer and drummer Walter Bolden (Nancy Wilson), his first musical influences were not jazz. His home was filled with the sounds of Stevie Wonder and George Benson as well as Minnie Ripperton and Diana Ross. He explained that jazz was always present, but not in my House. He was always influenced by music and moved by how it expressed emotion. He was 12 years old when he decided to use that talent. He enrolled at the Jackie McLean Institute of African American Music, Hartt School of Music, with the support of Jackie Mclean, his mentor and composer. He was able to work alongside jazz legends like Steve Davis, Nat Reeves and Jackie McLean while studying at Hartt. The young bassist was able to translate music into emotions with ease. Dezron developed his technical approach to bass playing through his years at Hartt. Dezron is a young bassist who was admired for his natural talent and ability to swing. He performed regularly while still in school with: Rene McLean and Steve Davis, Jimmy Greene and Alan Jay Palmer, Eric McPherson and Eric McPherson. Nita Zarif and Montenia Shider were also among his many friends. He co-founded The New Jazz Workshop in Hartford while still in college. This group was composed of young musicians who share a passion for Jazz. He was able to show his abilities as a bandleader and composer through the group. The group was still in college when they received The Evelyn Preston Grant. They also had the honor of opening for Slide Hampton. They performed together in the Tri-State area, as well as with a select group of jazz musicians from around the globe. Their debut album, “Underground”, was released in July 2012. Dezron started recording “Marsalis Music Honors Michael Carvin” in 2005. The CD was produced by Branford Marsalis and featured master drummer Michael Carvin. This experience opened the door to many other opportunities. He has recorded and performed with Michael Carvin and Cyrus Chestnut, Pharoah Sands, Louis Hayes and George Cables, Abraham Burton/Eric McPherson and Rene McLean. His musical talent is not restricted to the recording studio. He encourages his students, as a teacher to live the music. Although technique can be improved with practice, it is essential that students understand the emotions behind the music and are able to reproduce that emotion in song. Dezron has been a teacher at Martocchio Music, Simsbury, and The Artist collective in Hartford. Dezron also holds workshops at various institutions. Dezron is currently part of Louis Hayes Jazz Communicators and Ravi Coltrane Quartet. He is also a member of Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates. He is also a long-standing member of The Cyrus Chestnut Trio, among many other music associations. As a leader, he has recorded four albums: two on the VENUS label, one on SMALLSLIVE and one independently. from http://dezrondouglas.com
