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With the time consuming task of completing a new album taking priority over the past few months it was a rare treat for country fans when John Landry announced the only full length, full band appearance in Ontario this summer. Being held at Nashville North in Norval Ontario, the concert would feature fan favourites from the award-winning debut CD, “Forever Took Too Long” as well as some new songs that would be making their appearance on the new CD. Most of John’s appearances for the summer would be in the west, with the exceptions being the opening spots in the Ontario Ronnie Milsap shows taking place in Hamilton and Mississauga. So it was with much anticipation that we headed out in the early evening to Norval, looking forward to seeing some friends and hearing the new songs.

We knew that another mutual friend, singer-songwriter Vince Roy, would be attending too (in the audience, just like us) so we weren’t surprised to see him heading in shortly after we’d arrived. What we didn’t expect to see was his guitar case, which he had firmly clamped in his hand as he headed into the Nashville North office. As I had some ‘previously arranged’ business to take care of with Vince I headed off in pursuit, and discovered that he was preparing to ‘open’ for John - quite unexpectedly for Vince but I was delighted. When two of your favourite artists, who also happen to be friends that you’re very fond of, turn up on the same bill it’s a show that you’re glad you hadn’t missed. And I wouldn’t have missed this one for the world!

Vince was introduced and is quite a fan favourite at Nashville North, where his songs have been a regular feature in their CD collection and his videos have also been popular. His first song was the self-penned “I Thank You Girl”, which is quite a unique tune that really grows on you the more you hear it (and I’ve heard it enough now to say I love this song). For the second song there was a good crowd response, as Vince had chosen to do a song written by a friend of his and originally recorded by Mark Wills. “Don’t Laugh At Me” is perfect for his voice and he does a great job of it. A “ladies favourite” was up next, and what would “My Heart Is Stuck On You” be without the scream-inducing Vince Roy hip wiggle? Definitely missing something, that’s what. Following this one fans couldn’t wait any longer and started calling out for “Mr. Fixit”, the single that Vince released last year and had succeeded in getting radio airplay with. Well, you have to give the fans what they want, so that was the next tune...delivered with a large smile that seemed to say he was having the time of his life. “Make The World Go Away” was a song that Vince really wanted to do and he put everything into it, leaving the fans wanting more and getting a large roar of appreciation for his appearance. If the job of the opening performer is to get the crowd riled up for the headliner than Vince more than did his job...and as much as I wanted to see John I was a little sorry to see this spot end. You can bet you’ll be hearing a lot more from Vince Roy and it’ll be worth the wait.

There was a little intermission before John’s group would be making their way up on stage so we occupied ourselves with checking out the merchandise table and saying hi to John’s ‘sound guy’, our friend Bob Picard (and we couldn’t resist taking a few shots of Bob in action). There was quite a crowd gathering and in no time they were getting ready to announce John. We were told that although John now lives in Nashville he’d always call this home and John led right off with “Honky Tonk Hell”, to much screaming from the crowd.

“Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line” was the next song and it’s one I’ve never heard John do before but “There You Were” is always a favourite, the one song John describes as having ‘started everything”. “Love Or Something Like It” is a song that John picked up when he’d opened for Kenny Rogers back a year ago, and he gives it a little ‘John twist’ that makes it more his own and the fans really like it. John shared a little story about the next song. It seems he’d gotten together with Gil Grand to do some writing when they’d heard a knock at the door. When they’d opened it a larger-than-life figure filled the doorway, causing them to back up a step before realizing it was only Julian Austin, stopping in for a visit. So, they all sat down and wrote the next song together, three guitars being better than two. “Everybody Rides” is a wonderful song and one you’ll really like when you hear it, I know it.

Another popular artist who seems to get around is Tim Louis, being spotted most recently backing Diane Chase on keyboards. He’s also one heck of a songwriter, as John demonstrated when he performed the beautiful ballad co-written with Tim, “She Comes To Me”. Count on this one being on the new album.

Next came the portion of the concert described as ‘The Island Portion’ of the show and the crowd response prompted John to remark, “You have to tease’em a little bit” before launching into “Margaritaville”. Showing a playful streak while on stage is nothing new and this was again proven by an accidental ‘disrobing’, which had John letting the dress shirt he had on over a T-shirt fall off of one shoulder during his song and bringing on screams from the ladies. Being distracted by the reaction, it seemed the words didn’t start up again when they were supposed to, which caused John to turn to look at Jason McEwen, back on acoustic. Jason just grinned back at him. Next up was what they’d been waiting for, the popular CMT staple “Fantasy Island”. The distraction continued it’s unwelcome influence when John temporarily blanked on the words to this one, which he laughingly assured the crowd he did write, believe it or not. He couldn’t resist teasing one regular attendee, saying, “Every time you come out this happens.” I know I’d be flattered to be told I make an artist forget the words to his songs (I think). In no time John was back on track and told the crowd he’d be doing two ballads before he’d ‘rock you all out’.

“Forever Took Too Long” was the first ballad, being the title track from John’s first CD and an absolutely beautiful song. Following this could only be one song, a guaranteed crowd pleaser even without the lovely Stacey Lee, his duet partner. “My Heart Says Yes (But The Hurt Says No)” was performed as a solo effort this time and it lost nothing in the translation due to John’s heartfelt delivery. And now for the ‘rockin’…the new song “Who Let You In” had everyone moving and the momentum continued with “The Cowgirl Your Momma Warned You About”. Next was an older tune, “White Lightnin”, proving that everything old can be new again when it’s delivered by someone who can put feeling into it. “Long Gone & Forgotten” proved to be John’s last song and as he thanked everyone and headed offstage the crowd was quick to resist. But wait, there’s more…the band emerged again and John was treated to cries of “Bit By Bit”, the crowd determined not to let him get away without their ‘signature’ John Landry tune. Just to tease them again the guys sent out “C’est La Vie” instead, one of John’s favourite ‘fun’ songs. And last but not least, last out was “Bit By Bit” but not before a lot of intro teasing that had the ladies all screaming. Folks were even dancing up on the balcony for this one. At one point John stopped singing but the band played on and the crowd took over and sang it for him, not missing a beat. The look of absolute delight on John’s face as they sang his song for him was really something to see. I’m sure the years of effort and work are forgotten when you’re shown appreciation and love like that from the people you do it for. That smile said it all.

We’d like to thank the John Landry Band, the staff of Nashville North and Bob Picard for their welcome and it’s always great to see you guys. Special thanks go out to Vince Roy, Sheila Szabo (and Heather), Kristi McKenna and John Landry for being the pros that you are (and for being folks that we’re always proud of). We know country is in good hands with you guys. See you all soon.

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi