Leon Lee Dorsey (born March 12, 1958) is an American jazz bassist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator known for his well-received debut for Landmark Records.[ Allmusic] He teaches at the Berklee School of Music in Boston.
Raised by a family plugged into Pittsburgh’s jazz lineage, Dorsey began playing instruments at an early age. He picked up the piano and cello first, soon after joining the Pittsburgh Symphony at the famed Center for the Musically Talented.
He began his undergraduate studies at Oberlin College, where he was the first to receive a B.M in classical Double Bass and Jazz Performance. Dorsey also graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory and was one of several jazz luminaries at the opening of their new jazz facility, the Bertram and Judith Kohl building.
He released his debut album The Watcher in 1995 and followed it up with 1999’s Song of Songs. In 2003, he founded Leon Lee Dorsey Studios in New York City.
Dorsey has performed alongside many jazz icons, from Lionel Hampton, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, John Lewis, Kenny Clarke, Jon Hendricks, Gloria Lynn, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Dorothy Donegan, Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, Ellis Marsalis, Nnenna Freelon, Terumasa Hino to GRAMMY-winning vocalist Cassandra Wilson, performing with Frank Sinatra at Carnegie Hall, and with conducting legends Lukas Foss and Robert Fountain.
Education
Classical Double Bass / Jazz Performance - Double Degree in Music (Oberlin College) - 1981 Classical Double Bass - Master's Degree (University of Wisconsin-Madison) - 1983 Artist Diploma Program (Hartt School of Music) - 1984 Music Performance (Double Bass) - Master's Degree (Manhattan School of Music) - 1986 Double Bass Performance - Doctor of Music (DMA) (Stony Brook University Graduate School) - 2016
Discography
As leader
Year recordedTitleLabelNotes1995The WatcherLandmark Recordswith Vincent Herring, Don Braden, Lafayette Harris Jr., Cecil Brooks III, Jimmy Madison1999Song of SongsUmoja Productionswith Bryan Carrott, Carlton Holmes, Vincent Ector2019Monk TimeJazz Avenue 1with Greg Skaff, Mike Clark2020Play Sgt. PepperJazz Avenue 1with Michael Wolff, Mike Clark2021Thank You Mr. MabernJazz Avenue 1with Harold Mabern, Mike Clark2021Freedom Jazz DanceJazz Avenue 1with Manuel Valera, Mike Clark2022Blues on TopJazz Avenue 1with Mike LeDonne, Mike Clark2022Cantaloupe IslandJazz Avenue 1with Russell Malone, Mike Clark2024A Letter to Bill EvansJazz Avenue 1with Michael Wolff, Mike Clark
As sideman
I Get a Kick Out of Bu - Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Feel the Wind - Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers w/ Freddie Hubbard Cookin' in the Kitchen - Lionel Hampton Orchestra Today's Love Songs Tomorrow's Blues - Arthur Prysock (Classical Chamber Music) - Manchester Festival Orchestra From My Heart to Your Heart - Gloria Lynne w/ David "Fathead" Newman Darling Please Save Your Love for Me - Dakota Stanton Gemini - Archie Shepp Quartet w/ John Hicks, Charlie Persip Otherside - Oliver Lake Big Band w/ John Stubblefield, Frank Lacy New York Story - Hilton Ruiz w/ George Coleman, Grady Tate Steppin’ with T.P. - Hilton Ruiz w/ Dave Valentin, Antonio Hart Swing ‘em Gates - Jay Hoggard w/ Billy Taylor, Winard Harper Twilight Blues - Roy Meriwether w/ Houston Person Song for My Sister - Roscoe Mitchell Renewal of the Spirit - Vincent Ector w/ Bobby Watson Lovecentric - Gerry Eastman w/ Joe Ford, Newman Baker Vignettes in the Spirit of Ellington - James 'Jabbo' Ware Something is Coming - James 'Jabbo' Ware Gilly’s Caper - Sue Terry w/ Saul Reuben, Vince Ector The Standard Session - Stephen Zinnato w/ Frank Wess, Charlie Persip The 5 A.M. Strut - Ezra Weiss w/ Billy Hart, Antonio Hart, Mike Mossman Persephone - Ezra Weiss w/ Billy Hart, Antonio Hart, Mike Mossman Miles Away...Wayne in Heavy - Eric Gould Who Sez - Eric Gould Great Spirit - Jim Finn Sax and the Single Girl - Gail Allen What is This Thing Called Jazz - Laura Theodore For Four Orchestras - Anthony Braxton w/ Oberlin Orchestra Head Music - The Daou (Underground Dance-Rock)
External links Dorsey's homepage from University of Pittsburgh Dorsey's personal website
References