Sylvain Lansardière
on XK-7D
Born in 1971 in the Paris suburbs, Sylvain Lansardière is a pianist, organist, composer, arranger, producer and music director.
His fascination with the organ began during childhood, when he regularly heard artists using the distinctive Hammond sound on the radio, without yet knowing which instrument was creating it.
After receiving a small toy organ for Christmas, he began taking music lessons.
In 1982, his teacher Guy Léonard, who had played piano with French singer Joe Dassin, introduced him for the first time to a genuine Hammond organ connected to a Leslie speaker.
This encounter would have a lasting influence on his musical direction.
His musical world is deeply rooted in blues, soul music and rhythm and blues. Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Smith, Booker T. and the M.G.'s and The Meters are among his major influences.
His playing has also been shaped by Chester Thompson, particularly through his work with Tower of Power, as well as by Deep Purple and their legendary organist Jon Lord.
The reggae of Bob Marley and the Wailers has also influenced his approach to rhythm and groove.
Throughout his career, Sylvain has contributed to numerous bands and artistic projects, mainly within the worlds of blues, soul and rhythm and blues.
These experiences have enabled him to develop a broad musical approach combining live performance, composition, arranging and production.
He is currently the pianist and organist of Touch Of Groove, a band blending soul, blues, rhythm and blues and groove.
He also plays a major role in the band's artistic direction. Sylvain composed, arranged and produced the group's first album, creating a musical identity rooted in the traditions of African American music while developing a personal and contemporary sound.
He is also the organist of The ROOTS Organ Trio, an instrumental band featuring Hammond organ, guitar and drums.
The trio creates energetic, organic music at the crossroads of soul, blues and funk, with a strong emphasis on groove, improvisation and interaction between the musicians.
The Hammond organ has always held a central place in Sylvain's musical journey. It allows him to bring together his many influences and develop a style that is rhythmic, expressive and powerful.
For more than twenty years, Sylvain has played Hammond instruments, from the XK-1 to the XK-5 System and now the XK-7D.
"I particularly appreciate the XK-7D for its sound quality, which captures the richness and character of a genuine B-3, as well as for the quality of its keyboard-feel and its faithful reproduction of the original instrument's ergonomics.
The XK-7D provides the playing experience, expressiveness and musical possibilities I look for in a Hammond organ, while remaining perfectly suited to touring, live performance and studio work. Its beautifully designed appearance elegantly reflects the visual identity of traditional Hammond organs."
The XK-7D provides the playing experience, expressiveness and musical possibilities I look for in a Hammond organ, while remaining perfectly suited to touring, live performance and studio work. Its beautifully designed appearance elegantly reflects the visual identity of traditional Hammond organs."