bio

Vocalist Damien Lamar has spent the majority of his life singing! Born in New York City, he was relocated to Jacksonville, Florida at the tender age of 28 days. For all intent and purposes, he remains a Florida native. The last decade has been devoted to carving out a solid reputation as one of the most original and promising interpreters of song on the jazz scene today!

His stage-commanding warmth along with his captivating and expressive style, have had many admirers describe him as a unique musical mix: ‘falling somewhere between neo-soul crooner Maxwell, adult contemporary icon Seal and jazz balladeer, Stevie Wonder. Damien Lamar was introduced to music at an early age. He began performing at the tender age of 4 at his church and then moved on to rhetorical speaking at conventions and family reunions. His family was convinced that he would follow in the footsteps of Bernice Robinson, the singer’s 88-year old maternal grandmother who had had an established reputation as a sought-after orator. While going through the awkward teen years that brought about ever-changing vocal chords, he focused his musical studies as a tenor saxophone player in both jazz and symphonic bands. Although he became especially proficient in jazz, he later realized that his true gift was not an instrument of brass but something that he had had all along … a powerful voice! Shortly after graduating high school, he simultaneously spent a few years writing songs and perfecting his craft while pursuing college studies.

In the spring of 2000 he created and registered his own publishing company, Motipure Music Publishing with ASCAP. Lamar planned a showcase expressing his deep gospel roots at Cypress Recording Studios. He envisioned a vehicle that would show just how much talent Jacksonville, Florida had to offer, by inviting other local artists to participate. Tommy Bridgewater took on the arduous duties of musical director. Complications occurred just weeks before the big showcase jeopardizing the entire project. With only 4 rehearsal days remaining, Howard Green stepped in with his whimsical skill and talent. His ability to blend in seamlessly, proved his brilliance. At that moment Lamar and Bridgewater knew that Green was the keyboardist they needed to realize their musical dreams.

In Spring 2006, Damien Lamar joined forces with Award Winning Video Writer/Producer and marketing professional, Sheryl Ross, to release his debut CD entitled “Convinced”. With the combined talents of Nick Jones on guitar, Tommy Bridgewater on bass and Howard Green on piano, the EP, featuring eight original songs on the independent Motipure Music Publishing label, is currently available at fifty-five music retailers, online worldwide. Shortly after the release of “Convinced”, Lamar began a songwriting collaboration and management relationship with Sheryl Ross for his next CD endeavor. During this creative incubation period he maintained a modest live performance schedule at select festivals, clubs and private engagements in Jacksonville & Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Long Island, New York, including: Jacksonville’s former hot spot - Boomtown Theatre & Cafe; the Jacksonville Landing, the Ritz Theatre, and the Jacksonville Beach Sea Walk Pavilion, to name a few. In 2008 Motipure Music became a division of CIME4enterprises, inc., of which Lamar is co-owner, as well as CIO and VP of Technology.

As Motipure Music & Media, it is the entity that is preparing the release of Lamar’s second jazz CD entitled “:/Waiting. The project features an eclectic mix of musicians with Tommy Bridgewater on bass, Howard Green, Tommy Bridgewater and Jordan Buffaloe ..boards and Felix Chang on violin. :/Waiting is a musical departure from the previous “Convinced”, in that it embraces a wider array of musical genre. The very unique title track is full of symbolism about the growth that Lamar has become to know. He also brings an R&B jam “Change” which was inspired by the recent election of President Barak Obama. And the newly written ballad, “Until You” is Lamar’s anthem to love.