Bassist Dezron Douglas has established himself as a Musician’s Musician.
Since moving to New York several year ago, he has performed and recorded with a staggering array of jazz artists, including drummers Louis Hayes, Al Foster and Michael Carvin; pianists George Cables and Cyrus Chestnut; and saxophonists Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Kenny Garrett and Vincent Herring.
Having been groomed by his mentor, the late saxophonist, composer and educator Jackie McLean, Douglas has been recording since 2005, and now has several credits under his belt — including as executive producer of Soul Awakening, the 2019 release by harpist Brandee Younger.
His latest album, Black Lion, explores multiple genres, pulling them into the orbit of what he simply calls “Creative Music.” The project is an honest expression of his musical upbringing. Growing up, his household often played music ranging from reggae to R&B, but didn’t include jazz. But that didn’t stop his curiosity about the music, and the way it enables “emotional expression.”
Tonight Douglas kicks off a new series called Vibe Sessions at Drom NYC. He hopes that the series will bring together a sense of community, welcoming all who would like to take the stage with their instrument, their voice, or another creative ability. The main requirement? According to Douglas: “Positive vibes only!”
