Delvon Lamarr Organ trio

Biography

Soul-jazz groove-machine Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio—or as it is sometimes referred to, DLO3—never would have happened without years and years of crummy gigs, and Delvon’s staunchly supportive wife, Amy Novo.

The story goes that Hammond b3 organist Delvon would regularly lug his 400-pound instrument from venue to venue barely breaking even to play other people’s music, and Amy just got tired of it. She fiercely believed in Delvon’s talents, and, eventually, she made an offer he couldn’t refuse: If Delvon picked the musicians, she would take care of all the business surrounding it.

“I was watching an amazing talent being marginalized. He would be getting paid like $75 a gig and be spending $60 in gas to cart around his instrument, sometimes even renting a U-Haul. It wasn’t fair,” says the self-made music mogul who may be the first person to legally own a band. “For years, Amy had been telling me to step out from being a sideman. This was a natural move. Now, I can just play music and not worry—it’s been a welcome relief,” Delvon says.

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio—or as it is sometimes referred to, DLO3—specialize in the lost art of “feel good music.” The ingredients of this intoxicating cocktail include a big helping of the 1960s organ jazz stylings of Jimmy Smith and Baby Face Willette; a pinch of the snappy soul strut of Booker T. & The M.G.’s, The Meters, and sprinkles Motown, Stax Records, blues, and cosmic Jimi Hendrix-style guitar. It’s a soul-jazz concoction that goes straight to your heart and head makes your body break out in a sweat.

The band features organist Delvon Lamarr, a self-taught virtuosic musician, with perfect pitch who taught himself jazz and has effortlessly been able to play a multitude of instruments. On guitar is the dynamo Jimmy James who eases through Steve Cropper-style chanking guitar, volcanic acid-rock freak-out lead playing, and slinky Grant Green style jazz. From Bellingham, Washington is drummer Julian MacDonough who has been in the scene since Delvon first laid his hand on the hammond organ. To say that Julian was destined for this trio is pure explosive chemistry that is sure to have you movin’ and groovin’.

Live, the band is telepathically musical, easing through improvisational ideas, grooves, and extended jams with silken swagger. The exhilarating live experience also showcases the band’s deep personal connection with witty between-song repartee, vignette song stories, and unpredictably dynamic flights of in-the-moment musicality. This live connection carries over into the studio and into the band’s compositional approach. Much of the band’s recorded repertoire is written on the spot, during soundchecks, on the bandstand, and in the studio. The trio’s trusted connection makes for a wellspring of soulful ideas ever present.

The three-piece group started in May, 2015 at Amy’s behest, and since then has issued two Billboard-charting albums and a 45. In the near future, DLO3 will be releasing a bevy of new music come fall and winter 2020.

It’s rare for an instrumental band playing trad jazz-inspired music to make such waves in the post-auto tune era. But the three-piece has quickly made a name for themselves through incendiary live performances, including a feature on Seattle’s KEXP’s “Local Artist Spotlight”; a live performance at Upstream Music Festival broadcast by KEXP that garnered over 13 million views; and numerous national and international tours and performances.

Other select highlights include their debut album, Close but No Cigar, nabbing the Billboard ranks of #1 Contemporary Jazz and #3 Jazz Album, and their Live at KEXP! hitting #10 Jazz Album and #20 Heatseekers Album. Performance highlights include DLO3 appearances on Adult Swim’s “Live on Fish Center,” a Day Trotter Session, and a live recording at Paste Magazine studios. In addition, the group has performed at Montreal Jazz Festival, live on Parisian TV, and at the 71st Monaco Red Cross Ball which featured John Legend. The trio has also earned coverage from Rolling Stone (Italy), Chicago Tribune, and Seattle Times. In addition to these accolades, DLO3 also enjoys the pleasure of being part of the hip Colemine Records family and being booked by the powerhouse Kurland Agency.

Besides prodigious talent and rare chemistry, one secret to DLO3’s success has been manager/den mother Amy Novo who heads up Novo Productions LLC. Amy is affectionally referred to as “Shortcake” by the band, and has been called “mafia” by some industry professionals, resulting in the modified nickname, “Shortcake Mafia.” She lives up to the image with sharp business instincts, fierce determination, almost maternal love of her band, and a charismatic and passionate approach to connecting with fans and industry professionals. Amy was born into a musical and creative family, and she has a deep appreciation and understanding of music and the artist’s way. Prior to DLO3, though, she didn’t have music biz experience, but her instincts and her strong DIY enterprising ethos have made DLO3 a global groove phenomenon.

It’s been a profound journey for DLO3. Years ago, Amy would hear Delvon lament about fearing being the local legend who never went anywhere. Today, through her tireless work ethic, and his bottomless talent, the power couple have taken the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio beyond their wildest dreams. “I used to listen to the old jazz greats and think about their European travels. For years, I thought it would never happen for me, and then Miss Novo made it happen. Without her we would still be in the basement,” Delvon marvels. Amy adds: “I’m not a salesperson—I can only do something I believe in—but Delvon is so talented, and I am passionate about keeping his music alive. I fight for the artists I work with.”