Brandee Younger & Dezron Dougl

Biography

Brandee Younger and Dezron Douglas are a celebrated duo in contemporary jazz, known for their innovative approach to the harp and bass, respectively. Brandee Younger, born in 1983 in Hempstead, New York, began her musical journey with classical training before earning degrees in Harp Performance and Music Management from The Hartt School, and a Master of Music from NYU Steinhardt. She quickly established herself as a boundary-pushing harpist, collaborating with jazz legends like Pharoah Sanders and Ravi Coltrane, as well as artists across hip-hop and R&B. Younger is recognized for redefining the role of the harp in modern jazz and popular music, earning a Grammy nomination and an NAACP Image Award for her genre-blending work[2][3].

Dezron Douglas, raised in Hartford, Connecticut, studied tuba and bass at the Hartford Conservatory before attending The Hartt School, where he was mentored by the legendary Jackie McLean. Douglas is a prolific bassist, composer, and educator, having recorded on over 100 albums and performed with icons such as Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, and George Cables. He is known for his deep, soulful bass playing and his leadership in the contemporary jazz scene, including his tenure with the Trey Anastasio Band and his acclaimed solo and collaborative projects[1][5].

Together, Younger and Douglas have formed a powerful musical partnership, most notably showcased on their 2020 duo album 'Force Majeure,' recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown. Their collaboration is marked by an intimate interplay and a shared vision to expand the expressive possibilities of their instruments, making them influential figures in the evolution of modern jazz[2][4].

Fun Facts

• Brandee Younger's composition 'Hortense' was featured in Beyoncé's Netflix documentary 'Homecoming,' using a 2013 NPR Field recording.
• Dezron Douglas joined the Trey Anastasio Band in 2021, expanding his reach into the jam band scene.
• The duo's album 'Force Majeure' was recorded in their Harlem apartment during the COVID-19 lockdown, capturing the intimacy of their home performances.
• Brandee Younger is the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy in the Best Instrumental Composition category.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jackie McLean - Dezron Douglas's primary mentor at The Hartt School, shaping his approach to jazz and improvisation. (Mentorship, educational guidance) [Early 2000s]
• Dorothy Ashby - Major stylistic influence on Brandee Younger, inspiring her to explore jazz harp. (Tribute album 'Brand New Life' (2023)) [Ongoing influence]
• Alice Coltrane - Inspirational figure for Brandee Younger, influencing her spiritual and jazz harp style. (Participation in Alice Coltrane memorial (2007)) [Ongoing influence]

Key Collaborators

• Ravi Coltrane - Frequent collaborator with both Younger and Douglas; invited Younger for Alice Coltrane memorial, Douglas is a member of his quartet. (Live performances, 'Soul Awakening' album) [2007–present]
• Pharoah Sanders - Both have performed and recorded with the legendary saxophonist. (Live performances, studio sessions) [2010s]
• Makaya McCraven - Douglas has collaborated on several contemporary jazz projects. (Studio recordings) [2010s–present]
• E.J. Strickland - Drummer in Brandee Younger's quartet and on 'Soul Awakening.' ('Soul Awakening' album) [2012–2019]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary jazz harpists - Brandee Younger's pioneering work has inspired a new generation of jazz harpists. (Various recordings and performances) [2010s–present]
• Jazz bass students at NYU - Dezron Douglas as an educator has mentored emerging jazz bassists. (Jazz Studies program at NYU Steinhardt) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. BBL (Gadabout Season)
2. Unswept Corners - Ambient Mix
3. Olivia Benson (Somewhere Different)
4. Taking Flight (feat. Brandee Younger) (Resavoir)
5. Reflection Eternal
6. Dreamful Love Story
7. Taking Flight (Resavoir)
8. You're A Girl For One Man Only (Brand New Life)
9. End Means (feat. Shabaka) (Gadabout Season)
10. Brand New Life (feat. Mumu Fresh) (Brand New Life)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia