Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs Live
Tucson Jazz Festival
Tucson, AZ
January 22, 2022
by Mary Andrews
The Tucson Jazz Festival featured Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs to Tucson on the final day of the festival to perform at Hotel Congress. It’s been two years since the previous Tucson Jazz Festival has taken place with Covid-19 being the culprit of the festival’s absence. Allen brought New Orleans to the welcoming landscape of the ‘Old Pueblo.’
Allen mentioned that he started playing trumpet at the age of 14. It’s safe to say that he has been playing nonstop since then. He has played in the most prestigious clubs in the crescent city as well as the rest of the world. He has performed with artists like Willie Nelson, Harry Connick Jr., Lenny Kravitz, Patti LaBelle and Branford Marsalis to name a few. As a result, Allen has evolved into a well-seasoned performance artist.
It was apparent from the first notes of the music in the show that Allen was not going to be satisfied with the crowd sitting in their chairs. Allen’s exuberance was infectious and fans were up dancing and doing their own jig in front of their chairs. The songs performed were a mix of original tunes from their 2018 album, True Orleans, and familiar cover songs. The music was a mix of rap, hip-hop, blues and jazz. Highlight songs included Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back,” “I Love You,” “Weekend Dance (I Just Wanna Have Fun)” and “Come Together.”
Allen’s trumpet solos were effortless yet intricate and delicate. The rest of the Undergawgs were nothing less than spectacular musicians. Matt “MG” Galloway’s guitar solos were nothing short of astounding. Kyle “Corndog” Chervamik and Clarence King on drums were equally impressive during the show.
Allen is passionate about removing illegal guns from the streets of New Orleans. He has initiated a program to raise funds based on his “The Trumpet is My Weapon” gun exchange for guns brought in by New Orleans youth which is turned in to the New Orleans Police Department and dismantled. Allen’s soul is embedded in the Crescent City.
This is a short tour for Allen and his gents, but he can always be found performing at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival and this year will be no exception. Allen mentioned that he will have a new album released in May during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. That alone is worth the trip and the food aren’t bad either.
You must be logged in to post a comment.