It's Friday, and typically I would be on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/vincenthunt ) "tweeting" away, finding new people to follow, and learning all I can from the "public voice". Today is different.
From time to time you have the opportunity to meet those people who are so creative, and so talented that when they are in your space, they consume you. From time to time you meet those people who God Himself, has looked down on, and blessed them with something so powerful, and so blessed, that the only thing you can call it is "Soulful Excellence".
Introducing: Landis Frier
This post is special for me, because I can remember just 3 years ago, bumping into this guy when out on the town, or just passing by in the local mall. And vividly I can remember saying to myself... "There is something very special, very unique about this guy." The son of a good friend of mine, Leslie Hanks, Landis Frier has always been up to some level of mischief, and discord. However; behind all of the symptoms of "growing up", I could sense something so big and so amazing, that at times I would be overwhelmed in his midst. I never knew what this "thing" was, until now...
Landis decided just two short years ago to pursue his passion. I am not 100% sure of what made Landis do it, BUT he DID. Landis picked up a guitar, released what God put in him, and the result is one BAD ASS Country Singer.
NOW, do not be fooled... Landis is 23 years old, so what he brings to the table is a heightened "sense of things". From time to time I hear "Us" (adults) saying.... "This generation is over exposed..." I can agree to some extent, BUT when you hear Landis sing, something soulful happens. He has somehow found a way to take his experiences in life at a young 23, and turn them into "soul ointment". His sound is rich, his gift is amazing and he is definitely one you want to keep your eye on ...
http://beyondprettythings.com/?page=12________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lons McNeil's Article from the Albany Journal on Landis Frier
23 year old, Landis Frier spends a lot of time at
Loco's over in Tifton, and Mulligan's in
Tootsies in
showing up just for the food and
beverage, or even the good company,
although he's appreciative. No, he is embarking on a personal adventure
into
music that has a lot of people taking more than a passing notice.
Frier has been on this
particular traveling circuit through
Georgia
acoustic offering, having only taken up the guitar a little over two
years
ago. You wouldn't know it to hear Frier take on some of the classic southern
rock songs we've all grown up with. He
plays with his own natural and casual
style, but it's clear
that he's focused on getting the best out of himself
If you know his musical history,
it's not surprising. Frier has been playing
and singing since he was eight years old. His first instrument was
drums,
playing all through school. He comes from a musical family which
certainly
gives him a base of support and confidence that he's heading in the
right
direction. "Both my grandfathers played the guitar", said
Frier, "my dad
played bass, my uncle played bass as well, and my mom plays
piano." Said Frier,
"I just happened to inherit it from both sides."
Early on he tried playing in a band a couple times, but found that
it was difficult to keep the groups together enough to really get something
going, saying, "If they want to do it, they are going to do it, and if they
don't, they won't." Frier decided the best way to really get
something going was to go solo, and not look back. "I just love it. This
is what I want to do."
Leslie Hanks, Internet Marketing Manager for WFXL and Landis' mom,
says she
could tell at an early age, that music was going to play an important
role
in his life. "I'm so proud when I hear him play, when I hear what
others say
as he's playing." said Hanks. "When I see the look on his
face as he plays
and sings, I know that he has found where he is supposed to be in this
life."
There's a practical side to Frier as well. He still does some
landscaping
from time to time. But says, "It
would be great, if this turned into my business."
If he does convert his passion into his career, it will no doubt be
attributable to his unique vocal style and laid back approach to performing,
but Frier is already working on the next phase; recording his own songs.
With many songs written, and more in development, Frier is working
hard to
have his first CD ready by the spring. Calling it, "a different
type of
country music", Frier pulls from his own life, "I just
observe and then
whatever I take in I write it in a song." Don't expect a lot of
blues and
sad lyrics. "Most of the personal events are always good
times." said Frier
with a little laugh. And why not? He's young and on a path of his own
choosing. Life is certainly going good for him, and that's something
worth
singing about to be sure.
Lon McNeil
(See more works by Lon at (http://albanyonpoint.blogspot.com/)
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Concert to raise funds for boy with rare illness!
Posted: Oct 20, 2010 11:26 PM EST Updated: Oct 25, 2010 11:35 AM EST
By Wainwright Jeffers - bio
| email
LEE COUNTY, GA (WALB) – You can help a Lee County
boy who has a rare illness that prevents him from spending much time outside.
11-year old Hunter Etheridge suffers from mitochondrial disease.
On Saturday, Landis Frier and the Mac George Band will perform a concert to raise money to pay for a playroom for Hunter.
The sun robs him of his energy so volunteers built a safe play environment that brings a little of the outdoors inside.
"It's going to be a celebration of the room being completed, but we are going to need more funds because there are still materials that we need to pay for. I also want to thank the entire community for their hard work and support they have shown," said Kim Etheridge, Hunter's Mother.
The Hope for Hunter concert and Silent Auction will be Saturday at seven o'clock at Darton College Cavalier Arena.
Tickets are $10.
©2010 WALB News. All rights
reserved.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reporter: Carlton Fletcher, metro editor
Email Address: carlton.fletcher@albanyherald.com
http://www.albanyherald.com/features/headlines/99507164.html?storySection=story
SASSER, Ga. — “America’s
Favorite Party Band” will bring its unique mix of frat-boy fun and
Carolina Beach Music to the Sasser Flea Market here Saturday, as the
Swingin’ Medallions take the stage. Now in their second generation — with sons of
original members taking up their fathers’ musical cause — the Medallions
have maintained the party-band propers that made them fun-time
favorites from their heyday in the ‘60s to today. No less a Southern
luminary than newspaper columnist/author Lewis Grizzard said of the
Medallions in a 1993 article: “Even today when I hear the Swingin’
Medallions sing ‘Double Shot of My Baby’s Love,’ it makes me want to
stand outside in the hot sun with a milkshake cup full of beer in one
hand and a slightly drenched 19-year-old coed in the other.” What better recommendation could any band ask for? “It’s going to be a great time, a fun evening,”
Sasser Flea Market owner/manager Dee West said. “They’re not called
‘America’s Favorite Party Band’ for nothing.” Best remembered for the aforementioned “Double
Shot,” which climbed into the top 20 of the Billboard singles chart in
1966, the Swingin’ Medallions’ nonstop party career has also included
such regional/national hits as “She Drives Me Out of My Mind” and “Hey
Baby.” When original members John McElrath, Jim Doares,
Carroll Bledsoe, Charles Webber, Brent Fortson, Steven Caldwell, James
Perkins, Joe Morris and Irven Hicks decided at various times during the
Medallions’ 50-year career run to step away from the band, approved
replacements kept the music flowing and the party in full swing. Today’s Medallions include second-generation
members Shawn and Shane McElrath, Robby Cox, Josh Snelling, Justin
Gilbert, Jake Bartley, Matt Sprouse and Brad Anderson. Gates at the venue will open at 7 p.m., and
opening act Landis Frier, a rapidly rising country/Southern rock artist,
will kick off the music at 7:30. The Medallions will play three
45-minute sets. Tickets for the show, which are $20 in advance
and $25 the day of, are available at Flint River Harley-Davidson, The
Exchange, the Albany Visitors Center at the Bridge House, Chances R Bait
& Tackle at Lake Chehaw, Leesburg Flowers & Gifts and Cuttin’
Up Salon in Americus. Children 12-under enter free of charge. “I want to remind everyone who brings alcoholic
beverages to the show to drink responsibly,” West said. “I don’t condone
drinking and driving at all. Those who consume alcohol should stay in
the tent area, the RV park or have a designated driver. “We want everyone who comes to our shows to be safe and to avoid being ticketed by law enforcement.” For information about Saturday’s show or about
the Sasser Flea Market, which is located 9 miles west of the Albany Mall
on U.S. Highway 82, call (229) 698-4578, (229) 894-4612. Info is also
available online at www.myspace/sasserfleamarket.com.
'60s Soul/R&B Legends The Tams Are On Their Way To South Georgia
October 20th, 2010 5:33 pm ET
On Saturday evening, The Tams, a criminally underrated soul/r&b quintet during their 1960's heyday, will be making a special appearance in South Georgia at the Sasser Antique Mall, located on Highway 82, nine miles west of Albany.
With hits including "What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am)," "Hey Girl Don't Bother Me," & "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy," the group first burst onto the music scene in late 1962, with their top 15 R&B hit "Untie Me," written by the great Joe South of "Games People Play" fame.
THE TAMS' HIT SINGLES
1.Untie Me [#60 POP: #12 R&B October 1962]
2.What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am) [#9 POP: #1 R&B December 1963]
3.You Lied To Your Daddy [#70 POP: #27 R&B March 1964]
4.It's All Right [You're Just In Love] (#79 POP: B-side of "You Lied To Your Daddy"]
5.Hey Girl Don't Bother Me [#41 POP: #10 R&B July 1964: hit #1 in UK with 1971 re-release!]
6.Find Another Love [#129 POP November 1964]
7.Silly Little Girl [#87 POP November 1964]
8.I've Been Hurt [A-side 1965; considered to be biggest selling & most played in Southeastern US]
9.Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy [#61 POP: #26 R&B: #32 UK June 1968]
10.Trouble Maker [#118 POP September 1968]
Originally on the tiny, independent Arlen Records, The Tams were quickly picked up by ABC-Paramount Records, where they remained throughout the 1960's. It is interesting the singers didn't achieve the level of success afforded to their Motown & Stax peers; perhaps ABC Records didn't know how to market the group, although they have had a devoted following in the Southeastern US for 45+ years.
For one thing, lead singer Joseph Pope (who unfortunately passed away in 1996) had a distinctive, gravelly quality in his singing, wringing every bit of emotion out of a song's lyric, as exemplified in "What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am)" or the insanely catchy "I've Been Hurt."
The songs often had memorable, easy-to-remember choruses, with simple instrumentation of guitar, bass, piano, & drums. The background vocals weren't too shabby, either.
As the 1960s drew to a close, the band had one more hit in "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy," a song that surprisingly barely made the Top 30 on the R&B charts. However, oldies radio has played this song for many years, ensuring its place as one of the best examples of a soulful & fun performance that perfectly captured the swinging '60s.
Amazing, in 1971 the northern soul UK scene was experiencing loads of nostalgia, embracing "Hey Girl Don't Bother Me," seven years after its initial single release. The song hit #1 in the UK, even causing The Tams to perform on the prestigious Top Of The Pops music show. Fans can view the video of that performance below.
Since then, The Tams have continued to tour regularly in various configurations & have been inducted into The Georgia Music Hall of Fame. It is a downright shame The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hasn't recognized these talented soul pioneers, although many fellow musicians, including Jimmy Buffett, have professed genuine admiration for their achievements.
With original member Robert Lee Smith heading this current Tams' configuration (remember, several are deceased, and those still living would be in their mid '70s), it should be a great show with cool, pleasant weather to boot.
Come be a part of the festivities if you can. Venue gates will open promptly at 7:00 PM, with Landis Frier of Albany performing soon after at 7:30 PM.
The Tams will take the stage around 8:30 PM for a 90-minute show full of their hits along with a number of well-chosen crowd favorites.
Stay tuned for a complete review of The Tams' performance in next week's edition.
•Venue: Sasser Flea Market & Antique Mall, Sasser, GA
•Gates open at 7:00 PM; Bring your lawn chairs
•7:30 PM: Opening Act -- Landis Frier (Albany, GA)
•8:30 PM THE TAMS
- Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 day of the show
- Children 12 & under are FREE
- Ticket outlets include The Albany Convention Center, Leesburg Flowers & Gifts, and Odyssey Records
- Call The Sasser Flea Market @ (229) 698-4578 or (229) 894-4612 for more info
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This Frier’s Cookin’!
By: Lon McNeil
One rule of thumb with any successful project is commitment and determination. If you are embarking on a career as a musician/songwriter, you had also better develop along the way, a thick skin and lose any aversion to hard work you may have. Being a performer may look like nothing but a good time, but ask Landis Frier and he will tell you that it requires all of the above, and keeps asking for more, if you want more. He does.
More than one year ago, yours truly interviewed Frier as he was just starting out. His gigs were small, in venues like Mellow Mushroom, playing while folks ate, drank, and socialized. Landis has gone from as simple a beginning as you can have, to becoming one of the area’s busiest performers. It’s been a non-stop train of sweat and creativity that has pulled him along, and he has no plans to disembark anytime soon. He has played at a number of locations here routinely, including One Trick Pony, and Bayou’s. He has opened for acts like, The Swinging Medallions, The Lovin’ Spoonful, and The Tams, at the Sasser Flea Market, which has become renowned in the area for bringing some well-known, nostalgic acts to their outdoor venue.
Each time Frier opened the night in Sasser, as soon as he came off stage, he loaded up and headed back to Albany to play another gig that same night. He may very well be a wordsmith when penning his music, but ask him what it’s like to be dashing all over southwest Georgia to get in front of as many folks as possible in a single evening, and he just sums it up with; “Crazy”, but he’s smiling as he says it.
Frier is not content to only be a very busy local act. He has put his soulful country sound on the road and it has taken him to among other places, Statesboro, Valdosta, Brunswick, Tallahassee, Atlanta, even Nashville; (Tennessee, not Georgia), and as far west as Colorado. I asked the 24 year old, what took him to Nashville, thinking it was a particular event or booking, but again, his one word answer revealed exactly where his head is at theses days; “Ambition.”
His casual, easy-going demeanor and laid back style will fool you. It’s only been a couple of years since Frier made the exciting but risky decision to set aside anything resembling a normal life, and put his efforts into the music. His first CD, a collection of original material simply titled “Landis Frier”, is rich in musical talent and passion. Songs like “Tennessee Woman” and “Dirt Roads”, offer up a sound that is both comfortable and unique. From the beginning, those locals that have known Landis for years, have been surprised by the gritty, older feel of his singing style. It’s clear that he not only puts his all into songwriting, but his performance, as well.
Just when you would think that he had hit a hard-earned stride as a solo act, Frier is just days away from playing live with a full band. “It’s going good.”, Frier said. ” I’ve got a good four piece band put together. I love playing acoustic, but I’m ready for that full band show.”
Soon joining Landis on stage will be Jack Martin on lead guitar, Tom Holloway on bass, and Michael Ladson on drums. Yet, even as this new group gets things put together and fine tuned, Frier is already thinking about making it six, with the addition of keyboard and steel guitar.
Landis has made full use of social networking to get the word out. “I get anywhere from 25 percent to 40 percent of my bookings off the internet”, he said.
You can keep up with him on Facebook, and catch a few songs and videos at his own site, www.landisfrier.com. He stressed though, that it’s still a matter working the phone and hitting the road to get in front of club and venue managers. “It’s a lot of running, a lot of gas money, a lot of holes in my socks because I’ve walked in these boots too far…”, said Frier, “…it’s a lot of beating down doors.”
Keep an ear out for this young man, but you won’t have to strain yourself because his sound is getting louder by the minute. The band is the next thing on the menu, and he is already four or five songs into his next CD. You can always count on Landis Frier to having something good cooking.
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All proceeds to benefit
Bridgewood Academy
for Special Needs Children
Albany Autism Center
Live Auction
50/50 Raffle
We will have a Facebook Pre-Sale on Auction items
along with a SNEAK PEAK BUY NOW
table before the opening act.
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Landis Frier being interviewed by China Sellers on Albany, Ga's local FOX affiliate WFXL. The mic got a little muffled with the guitar pressed up to it........ but you get the idea!
Landis on the local FOX affiliate Morning Show "Good Day" with Ruth Sanders from the Plains Peanut Festival.
