“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!”
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.
- By J. Evan Wade
Review from Leeway’s Home Grown Music Network
The Lefty Williams Band spotlights scorching guitar, soulful lyrics, and wistful keyboard in their second studio release.
I first learned of Atlanta-based Jason “Lefty” Williams when composing a review for Jimmy Landry’s “Brand New Day.” The Lefty Williams Band was recorded for several tracks on Landry’s album, and I praised those tracks in particular due to Lefty Williams’ precise, clean guitar skills. In receiving “Snake Oil” from Home Grown, I was excited to hear more of Williams’ robust guitar. In researching Lefty and his band for this review, I was pointed to an amazing fact: Mr. Williams plays soulful, searching blues guitar without the benefit of a right hand. In reading press clippings on the band’s website, I learned that Lefty began playing guitar at age 4 and was self-taught after practicing chords with his father. His website indicates that he graduated from the Atlanta Institute of Music with honors, and has explored various musical genres over the years (“death metal” to “grunge”) to develop his polished, bluesy style. Joining Lefty Williams in the band are Ray Dombrowski on bass, Jimmy Landry on keyboards, and Steve Saunders on drums. As with the his 2006 debut, “Big Plans,” the band’s second effort was produced, mixed and engineered by John Keane at his studio in Athens, Georgia. The ensuing 13 tracks on “Snake Oil” clock in at just over an hour and present an interesting combination of bluesy guitar, life-affirming wisdom, and roadhouse piano. Read more…
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.
(Landry) is wonderfully funky, spanning the range from Dave Matthews type funk to Dave Brubeck-like jazz.
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.
