Jimmy Landry

Dubbed a “master keyboard player” by Honest Tune magazine, Jimmy Landry grew up in Kinston, North Carolina where he studied classical piano and theory for four and a half years. He earned Superior Plus ratings from the Guild during this time, but classical music was not what he wanted to play. After a several year hiatus from piano, Landry purchased a keyboard while serving in the US Army. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge, Landry attended Georgia Southern University where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree. While at GSU, he played with his first band. This was the start of a brand new experience for him. A year later, he was playing with five different bands and doing solo shows as well.After a move to Asheville, a master’s degree at East Carolina University, a trip to Korea, then back to Asheville, Landry had joined up with the Lefty Williams Band after seeing them play one night and sitting in with them two nights later. A year and a half later, Landry recorded his first album New Day produced by the legendary John Keane in Athens, GA. The cd broke into the top 20 reaching 18 on HomeGrown Music Network’s radio charts and held the 1 spot for an unprecedented two weeks on WildmanSteve Radio.Currently, Landry is on the road with the Lefty Williams Band and sits in with friends when the opportunities arise."Jimmy Landry is one of the most fiery keyboardists out there, one who can write great music and perform it with aplomb. He’s one of those guys who makes any band better!” Wildman Steve, WildmanSteve Radio, program director and DJ"Asheville, North Carolina’s Jimmy Landry grooves with his piano as the main instrument on the scintillating disc, New Day. Working with legendary producer John Keane, Landry has recorded a focused, loose set of songs that are sure to have even the casual listener dancing around the room.” Landry’s pop sensibilities on “Fishin’” and “Coming Back to You” are enhanced by his backing ensemble of Jason “Lefty” Williams on guitar, Ray Dombrowski on bass and Steve Saunders on drums. Landry also utilizes Jeff Eckard, Joel Williams, Rachel Dobbs, and Chris Beem to flesh out “Company of My Tears” and “Just Another Friday.” His laidback approach to keyboard improvisation has lured many to Landry’s performances, and the infectious vibe permeates much of New Day. Keane recorded the project at his studios, tweaking the knobs to add luster to the album’s polished studio sheen. Whether one is new to the Jimmy Landry experience, or a veteran of his ivories-based jam gumbo, with a spin on the stereo, New Day brings a big, warm smile to the face. New Day is out now." Bill Whiting, Honest Tune Magazine"(Landry) is wonderfully funky, spanning the range from Dave Matthews type funk to Dave Brubeck-like jazz." Carol Mallett, Asheville Citizen-Times"Bottle up the enthusiasm that Jimmy Landry brings to a performance, and you could sell it to losing armies and change the outcome of battles. Extreme praise? Go see him before you say that. A warm, comfortable voice; poignant emotionally rich songs; and a great stage presence. Need your heart recharged? Landry’s your man" Brad Evans, Eleventh Hour"Over the years, Jimmy Landry has traveled across the globe garnering experiences that have resulted in a collection of warm, sing-along tunes entitled “New Day.” The tracks on this album were recorded at John Keane Studios, which features a veritable all-star listing of former clients, including Widespread Panic, REM, and other luminaries from the Athens music scene. Joining Landry (who plays keys and sings) on the tracks of this album were two different bands, including the Lefty Williams Band and Diesel Jones. The combination of Landry’s lyrics and vocals with these capable supporting musicians has resulted in an engaging collection of songs that will please the lover of heartfelt lyrics, yet offers enough punch to keep the rockers at bay. The songs contained in this album demonstrate Landry’s keyboard skills and a matter-of-fact wisdom that has been garnered and cultivated by his colorful, varied adventures in life.“New Day” begins with “Baby Just Stopped By,” a sauntering, likable tune that spotlights Landry’s keyboards and vocals over pleasing contributions from the rhythm section. The track is punctuated with Lefty Williams’ clean, precise guitar work as he closes the track with a flourish. “Coming Back To You” features bouncy, interesting keyboard work and a hot guitar solo from Joel Williams (of Diesel Jones). “Fishin’” is a ballad where “fishing” becomes a metaphor for the varied and unsettling paths one may pursue on the way to love. This track is highlighted by Lefty Williams’ clear, yearning guitar which meshes nicely with Landry’s grim, yet determined vocals. “New Day” sounds reminiscent of early Widespread Panic, with strong guitar, pleasing keyboard work, and upbeat vocals. “Sexy Waitress” is an enjoyable song that would be a crowd favorite at any rowdy bar. The album closes on a positive, upbeat note with “What Do I Have to Do,” as Landry tells the story of a man who lacks financial security, but ultimately keeps his love’s interest through the power of ballads, music and song. Such a conclusion seems fitting for Landry’s album.The lover of keyboards, heartfelt lyrics, and clear, crystalline guitar will find lots to like in this collection of 10 songs from Jimmy Landry. “New Day” is especially strong when featuring the guitar work of Lefty Williams and Joel Williams, whose tones and playing mesh nicely with Landry’s voice and keyboard skills. It seems that Landry’s adventures in life have given him an interesting perspective from which to draw from, as these songs reflect that hard-earned wisdom that comes from the joys and tribulations of life. It seems that Landry even embraces some of these tribulations, as they have become the foundation of good songs, and to Landry, that seems to be reason enough to justify the heartache of living, and the joy of the good times too." J. Evan Wade, HomeGrown Music Network