NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 5, 2007) — Adding to a long line of accomplishments that have taken place during the past year, progressive Christian rock band Leeland now has one more reason to celebrate. Keyboardist and backing vocalist
Jack Mooring, who plays a
Yamaha CP70 and
S90 ES, has joined Yamaha's exclusive artist roster.
"We are thrilled to have an artist of such talent and passion on our roster," comments Chris Gero, Vice President of Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. "Leeland has already surpassed expectations with their debut album, and they are poised for a very promising future."
The past year for Leeland has consisted of a Grammy nomination, five Dove Award nominations, a debut album met with rave reviews and a spot alongside Casting Crowns and John Waller for an upcoming nationwide fall tour.
"I've been a true fan of Yamaha products ever since I began playing piano, so needless to say, it is a great honor to be a part of this team," comments Jack. "Touring with Yamaha gear makes life easier on me and our front of house engineer. He loves the S90 ES as much as I do! Everything from the action to the authenticity of tones … it's quite lovely."
Leeland will embark on a headlining tour in the spring, during which 22-year-old Jack will play a vintage white CP70. This electric grand piano that dates back to the mid-‘70s is also played by a band Leeland is often compared to – Keane.
"Not too long ago I came across a white CP70 that was in beautiful condition," comments Jack. "I had never seen one other than in black tolex, so I had to get it. After I got it, I wanted to control other sounds with it, so I installed a MIDI strip. Now I can play pads and synths behind the direct CP70 sound. It's pretty heavy, but totally worth carrying it around!"
Fronting the enthusiastic five-piece Texas group is Jack's younger brother Leeland Mooring, the band's namesake, lead singer and talented songwriter. Leeland Mooring discovered at the age of 11 that he had songwriting talents. When he was 14, he entered a talent search, was discovered, and by the age of 17 he was recording
Sound of Melodies with a band he put together consisting of his brother and a few close friends from church.
Acclaim has quickly built for their debut album on Essential Records with comparisons having been made to Coldplay, Muse and the Beatles. The band attracted the attention of Christian artist Michael W. Smith, who asked the red-headed frontman to collaborate with him for his own album
Stand.
The fall "Altar and the Door" tour with Casting Crowns and John Waller begins Sept. 27 in San Antonio, Texas and wraps up on Dec. 2 in DeKalb, Ill. The band is currently writing a new album that is set to be released in March 2008.
In 2005, Leeland was practicing in a funeral home and leading worship for a youth group of 70. Two years later, they played to 70,000 fans at Creation East, a music festival outside of Pittsburg, and they are just getting started.
