MUSIC

Goode's Armadillo Palace is proud to welcome James Lann. 

A fifth generation cowboy, James Lann has traded in a rope and a saddle for a guitar and a song. Now equipped with Honky Tonk Kung Fu, his second album, Lann has completed a transformation from young new artist to esteemed songwriter and performer, a transformation that has been a long hard road.

“This year we are full blast with our new booking agency and management. I will be able to concentrate on our live shows. We just look forward to getting out there and performing, and that’s the fun part. Playing music is something that I love with a passion and I’m not gonna give it up for anything else,” says Lann.

James Lann caught the bug when he was fourteen. All his life he had been riding, roping and herding cattle and buffalo. But the one thing he loved doing more than anything else, was singing. So he tried to sing as often as he could. At 18 he grabbed his guitar and fronted country bands touring out of Houston throughout the west, eventually starting his own band, The James Lann Band.

Brandishing a sweet country croon and the natural ability to write catchy dancehall anthems, Lann made his first break opening for such acts as Darryl Worley, Clay Walker, Chris Ledoux, Wade Bowen, and Pat Green among many others. Lann honed his talent with his band playing dance halls and honky tonks in Texas and across the West.

It wasn’t until the release of the first album F-O-R-D that Lann began to get noticed for his original material. F-O-R-D was released and the title song attracted attention across the southwest. The next single, “You’re From The Country Too” shot to the top of the Texas Music Charts peaking at #6. His third release, “Honky Tonk Two Step Queen,” went to #1 and finished as one of the “ten most spun” songs on Texas radio stations in 2009.

James likes to write “songs that can change your life, songs that can make you think.” As well, he appreciates a good ole honky tonk anthem. So on his latest release you’ll find songs he wrote, songs he co-wrote, and songs that friends wrote. The new record, “Honky Tonk Kung Fu” is a culmination of the last year playing on the road and living the dream. This album is a roller coaster ride filled with the ups and downs of life.

A down home country boy, James Lann is easy going but fired up with determination and some would say a pure stubborn streak. The excitement and energy coming off the stage from his band can be felt as Lann winds up and lets his songs fly out of the shoot. But don’t forget your dancing shoes! This cowboy is keeping it country.