From hip-hop to jazz to classical, composer deVon Russell Gray has forged a singular voice Whether working in classical, jazz or hip-hop, the composer seeks "beauty and connection." By Rob Hubbard and Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune February 9, 2021 — 8:48am Text size Copy shortlink: Having landed at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, deVon Russell Gray found himself chafing at its unyielding requirements for a composition major. He couldn't study with a jazz composer or play bassoon in an orchestra, as he'd enjoyed doing at St. Paul's Central High School and Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley.