Charles Mingus, Steve Coleman, Eric Dolphy, Vijay Iyer, Tom Daniels, Joe Pass, Bjork, Portishead, Morrissey, Jeff Buckley, Holly McNarland, PJ Harvey, Tori Amos, Suede, Sarah Slean, Regina Spektor, R.E.M., Bad Religion, System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tool, and many, many more
From the gentile melody of “Lullaby” to the howling guitar tones on “Cry”, both tracks on Landis Dell's debut recording, Reflections in a Forgotten Language (slated for release in January 2010), a listener can immediately tell that Landis Dell is not what we’ve all come to expect in a jazz guitarist. With melodies and harmonies that are informed by the styles of Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus, and rhythmic structures influenced by Dave Brubeck, Steve Coleman, and Vijay Iyer, Landis’ compositions cover a wide range of emotional, and stylistic territory.
Landis Dell graduated from the Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) program at St. Francis Xavier University with distinction in 2004. There he learned the traditions of jazz, and was also exposed to some of the cutting-edge jazz styles that continue to evolve in New York, Boston, and other centres, but his influences extend beyond jazz. In 2001 his short piece Homecoming was performed by the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. Landis has performed in a variety of mainstream groups ranging in style from hard rock to country, punk, top 40, alternative, and funk. He performed at the East Coast Music Awards with Andrea Curry (a singer-songwriter from Nova Scotia) in 2005. All of these influences show up, sometimes unexpectedly, in his compositions and in his playing.
The biggest lesson that Landis learned from his study of jazz music is that jazz, at it’s core, is an exciting, unpredictable, spontaneous, and immensely expressive art form. This is always at the forefront of his mind whenever he performs. In the last year, Landis has performed with Eric Friedenberg, the Prime Time Big Band, Andrea Curry, and under his own name. He is currently booking gigs in preparation for the release of his debut recording, Reflections in a Forgotten Language.
Thanks a lot Landis! I see you're playing w/ Andrea Curry, does she live in Red Deer now too? Looking forward to checking some more of your tunes out, "A Tempting Exit" is really cool. Who do you play with in Red Deer?
Landis! Thanks for the message and happy new year. Yes, I was in town but in canmore with my girfriend from France + my family. So not a music trip... I popped into L&M very last minute to pick up some things btu you were not there (nor was I organized otherwised I would have written you before coming. That said, next trip back should be playing so I am excited and will keep you posted! Thanks for staying in touch and let me know if your ever in Europe. Things here are great... I am touring with a great oud/singer Dhafer Youssef and also working a lot with guitarist Nguyen Le (especially in his new 4tet with myself, rita marcotulli (pno italy) and Danny Gottlieb (pat metheny's first guitarist) Its a blast! Lots of shedding to be doing :-) Talk soon, Chris
Thanks so much Landis! Thank you for your awesome soundman expertise! Honestly, it was so nice to have some one do sound who knows what they are doing, it doesn't happen often. I will definitely let you know when I have another show again. And wow, these songs of yours are wonderful! Do you play any shows around town at all?
