A jazz and studio performance graduate of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Dean's repertoire hints of influences from a variety of composers and genres. Intrepid drumming, angular bass lines, rich harmonic textures and lyrical melodies nod to the popular works of Miles Davis, Bill Evans and John Mclaughlin. Modern artists including Kenny Garrett, Bela Fleck and Amon Tobin are entitled to Dean's avante respects.