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Cast
Delvon Lamarr — Bandleader, organist
Grant Schroff — Drummer
Jimmy James — Guitarist
Program notes
Originally a drummer and trumpet player, Delvon Lamarr switched to the organ at the age of twenty-two, an instrument he picked up naturally and found a deep affinity with. It was in 2015 that he decided to make it the center-piece of a modern trio. An unlikely look in the 21st Century, Lamarr's Hammond B-3 is accompanied by guitar, drums and, far from seeming anachronistic, the instrument is given a decisive contemporary thrust. Rooted in 60s and 70s soul-jazz, funk and blues, their sound is built around his characterful organ grooves, which form a bed for improvisation over the top.
Joined by Jimmy James on guitar and Grant Schroff on drums, the group creates an energetic and infectious sound, colorized by the organ and guitar and centered by the crisp, funky drums. With interpretations of Curtis Mayfield and J. Williams, the repertoire is modern soul with heavy jazz and blues inflections. Lamarr's charisma carries the audience with him every step of the way and the Paris audience at the Jazz à la Villette festival – a local favorite – are lulled into his groovy world, at once progressive and steeped in history.
