Full Review

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Cold As Weiss Review

The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio has been building an impressive premier funky organ trio catalog and reputation over the last six years. Lamarr founded the trio in 2015 and hit the Seattle Washington music scene with Lamarr (Dumas) on Hammond B-3, guitarist Colin Higgins and drummer David McGraw. Soon after, guitarist Jimmy James (Williams) replaced Higgins and, with the help of Lamarr’s wife, Amy Novo (AKA “Shortcake Mafia”), acting as manager and booking agent, the trio started developing their sound. DLO3 continues to devise the perfect blend of raw, passionate music filled with soul and catchy riffs. Through a firm partnership with label Colemine Records, the trio has garnered Billboard charting albums, sold-out shows, tens of thousands of albums sold, and millions of streams. Proud accomplishments for an instrumental organ trio. Now, with permanent drummer Dan Weiss behind the drum kit, DLO3 is proud to present Cold As Weiss, their third studio album to date that finds them tighter than ever and continuing to push funky instrumental music to a new generation of fans.

Cold As Weiss is nine tracks of soul groove that conjures the soul of Booker T., Brian Auger, Jimmy Smith, John Medeski, and Jack McDuff. The drumming of Weiss fits Lamarr’s style beautifully, and the two create a deep pocket on each riff-based tune. “Pull Your Pants Up” is the opening selection that instantly has the trio locked into a funky groove. Higgins’ steady riff has a beautiful combination of percussion, single notes, and chords. The call and response of the bridge is a nice variation. Lamarr is never in a hurry to show all secrets to the tune, as he builds his solos with patience and focuses on the feel. “Get Da Steppin'” is a fine example of this patience. Lamarr’s lines are so melodic that you can sing along without even knowing the tune. “Keep On Keepin’ On” is a fun call and response selection with interesting rhythmic devices. Weiss has a telepathic connection with Lamarr and the two spin-out feel-good grooves that are organic and flow naturally; just check out “Slip ‘N’ Slide.” Overall, funk/soul/jazz at its best with DLO3 bringing the unique sounds of soul-jazz to today’s listeners. That’s the short of it!