Trying to describe the passion of Delvon “Lamarr” Dumas using words alone is next to impossible.  No words could give this self taught artist any justice.  If you want to know or understand Delvon you need to watch him play; as some things just can’t be put into words.

He was born August 28th 1978 in Seattle, Washington, and by the age of 4 his mothers & grandmother were so conscious of his musical talent that they bought him a drum set.  Of course the set was quickly moved to the garage, as even the most talented 4-year olds drumming can be a little much after a while (Smile).  With the support of his mother he began lessons with Brad Smith.  Brad was so impressed with Delvon’s abilities after his first & only lesson he gave Delvon a trumpet.

Even though Delvon has never had any real training, he found a way to learn on his own.  Delvon plays by ear and can recreate just about anything that is thrown at him with near perfection. Remember that seen in “Good Will Hunting” where Will rattles off all sorts of information he’s picked up with his photographic memory?  Yeah, that’s Delvon, except with Music. 

Delvon’s mind is consumed of music almost 24/7.  So much so that the world around him can’t help but reflect his musical aura.  Just hanging out with him and you feel like you are a part of the music he creates.  It’s a fascinating process to watch him go from a beat in his head to a full composed masterpiece.  His love for music goes way beyond just playing, as daily he is on YouTube looking up artist from the past to current for ideas or inspiration.  His knowledge of past musicians date back as far as the 1900’s to current from the instruments they play to their life story.  

Throughout Delvon’s career he has managed to learn and play multiple instruments including the Drums, Trumpet, Sax, Trombone, and Piano.  One of Delvon’s favorite moments in life was when he landed a gig playing drums with organist Joe Doris.  It was at that point that he became obsessed with playing the Hammond B3.  Delvon began listening to Larry Young and Jimmy Smith records, and as with all previous instruments he quickly began gaining notoriety on the music scene for his unique sound.

Delvon has toured and performed around the world with great artist such as Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Lee Brothers, Juno What?, Budos Band, Karl Denson, ReBirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Spearhead, Garage Mahal, and New Master Sounds.  Delvon has also participated in numerous projects such as: ADD Trio, Big Baron, Megatron, Robert Walters, Olympic Sound Collective, South Side Players and is currently playing with Vaughn Kreestoe and Lucky Brown & the Funk Revolution.

Lucky Brown & the Funk Revolution is a 7pc old school funk group which their Lp’s, 45’s and CD’s can be found on the German record label Tramp Records.  Vaughn Kreestoe is a power soul/funk/jazz Trio with the classic organ trio setup (organ, guitar & drums).  In this project, Delvon writes most of the material as well as arranges covers from time to time.  The Vaughn Kreestoe debut album is scheduled for release in October 2011 which will feature horns and Percussion from Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe & the Polyrhythmics.

One of the busiest and hardest working musicians in Seattle, Delvon is happy to keep producing some of Seattle’s most soulful music.  He’s gaining notoriety and he’s gaining it fast.  He wants to travel the world, and I can guarantee he’ll have a chance soon enough, as Delvon will undoubtedly be world-famous within the next 5 years.

More Info:
delvonlamarr@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/vaughnkreestoe