In celebration of Black History Month, KEXP’s Alina Santillan interviewed numerous local and national African American artists about what Black History Month and Black Future mean to them. Delvon Lamarr of the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio shared how important John Coltrane was to him growing up as a black musician. And keep an eye out for the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio's new album Close But No Cigar which comes out Friday, March 2nd via Colemine Records.
KEXP: Which artists have been influential to you as a person or in your music?
Oh, John Coltrane, for sure. When I was young I used to listen to a lot of jazz and listen to all the Charlie Parkers. I knew John Coltrane from the Miles Davis era. But when I started listening to the later stuff, even at such an early age like the album A Love Supreme -- it was so spiritually enlightening just to listen to that. Especially when you read the liner notes and listen to it. It was super powerful. It actually changed -- even though it doesn't have words -- it literally changed my thinking and evaluating my life as a youth. You know, I was a little knucklehead back then and that was it for me. And that's when everything changed my life for the better.
For more and a litany of amazing interviews featuring the incredible African-American musical artists that have shaped our lives, click here for all our Black History Month coverage.
Guitarist Jimmy James of the True Loves and Delvon Lamarr Trio talks about his musical influences, and how music breaks through the language barrier and brings people together.
Seattle's own Falon Sierra shares with KEXP the joy she feels during this month, the artists that have inspired her, and offers encouragement for young artists looking to make their own way.
On Thursday, February 1st, KEXP DJ Don Slack kicked off Black History Month with a special episode of Swingin' Doors featuring all-black artists. Listen to the entire three-hour show here.
Seattle artist Damn She Jamaican explains why she doesn't celebrate the day, the importance of identifying your true self, and she shares some of the artists who influenced her music.
Seattle electronic/pop songwriter PSA shares her own reflections on digging deeper into black history, creating generational wealth, and her inspiration from both Janet and Michael Jackson.
Every week, KEXP features a new local artist with an interview and suggested tracks for where to start. Today’s post features the vibrant soul of Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, performing in the KEXP Gathering Space at FolkLife on May 26 at 3 p.m.
On Saturday afternoon, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio debuted three new songs to a capacity crowd at Little London Plane in Pioneer Square. Though the trio finished some of new tunes, including the ironically named "I Don't Want to Play This," as recently as Monday afternoon, there was no way that anyone…
