Results for "Leon De Vose, II"

Leon De Vose, II

Born: July 14, 1960

Born, reared educated in Newark, NJ

My father, master percussionist Leon De Vose, Sr., began teaching me how to play congas when I was tall enough to reach the head. Daddy was the lead drummer for a local African dance ensemble, Whenever he played, I would listen for his distinctive playing style, absorbing his technique. I have yet to meet a drummer with better hands than he.

Saxophone came, almost by accident, at 13. The late Dr. William "Billy" Phipps was my teacher. I had wanted to play sax since I was 10. Because of asthma, playing sax only happened with the reluctant acquiescence of my now late Mom, Delores. I have never had a problem with asthma in any way connected to playing. This would be the last of two "arguments" I would "win" with Mommie.

Take Five With Leon De Vose, II

by AAJ Staff
April 5, 2009

Meet Leon De Vose, II:Hello! Who is Leon? He is an explorer. He is an innovator. He is unconventional. Leon learned congas from his father, Leon, Sr., who was the lead drummer for the Essex County African Dance Society. The traditional African, Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz rhythms and sounds would ...