Leon De Vose, II

My career in music began early as both my mother and father were performing artists. My father is a percussionist, and played with a local African Dance ensemble as a lead drummer. My mother had sung, traveled and recorded with a widely known gospel choir.

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.

Over the next few years, I would be blessed to include the late Jesse Morrison, Jesse Anderson and the late Howard "Duke" Anderson as teachers. I would also spend a year or so working with the Louines Louines African Dance group.

From 1980 to about 2006, I performed almost exclusively in the contemporary Christian genre. In 2002 I began composing in earnest, and eventually returned to jazz. Several events brought me to this, but one major milestone was the acquisition of a 1936 vintage Conn 6M alto saxophone.

Eventually I decided to refocus on my first vocational love. I resumed my collegiate studies at Rutgers, and was conferred a Bachelor of Arts in music in May, 2013. I am currently working on my first CD release and seeking to be certified as a New Jersey public schoolteacher.