BIOGRAPHY
Landen Vieira is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and producer. He started out performing in Toronto with various groups playing jazz, funk, rock, R&B, and fusion music. At the age of 21 Landen began playing with celebrated bassist Dave Young (of Oscar Peterson's band), performing at popular jazz clubs in Toronto and surrounding areas. He subsequntly formed his own group and has released multiple albums of his music including a self-titled EP as well as his first LP release, "Dream," which recieved critical acclaim as well as radio play at prominent Canadian and international jazz stations.
Landen has toured and performed across Canada, playing at jazz clubs and festivals including the Toronto Jazz Festival, Waterloo Jazz Festival, and Merickville's Jazz Festival.
His music and playing have been described as showing “real depth, emotion, and maturity well beyond his years and his writing has echoes of some of the best composers in jazz, such as Duke Ellington, Bill Strayhorn, and Wayne Shorter.” Landen’s debut album, Dream, was described as "one of the most stunning debut jazz albums in a long time."
The son of a professional pianist and composer, Landen was surrounded by music from a young age and played his first professional gig at the age of 12. He states his influences range from classic jazz icons Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis to Jobim, to elements of electronic music. He also pulls inspiration from nature and can be heard fusing elements of soundscapes within his compositions.
Landen has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz in Canada and worldwide including Dave Young (Order of Canada), Terry Clarke (Order of Canada), Garry Williamson, Robi Botos, David Restivo, Kevin Turcotte, Larnell Louis, Bernie Seninsky, Max Roach and well as alongside David Liebman, Tim Hagans, and Donny McCaslin.
An avid performer, Landen has been a part of and received recognition for hundreds of private concerts including ceremonies for the Governor General of Canada, various diplomats, Mayor Hazel McCallion, and multiple University Presidents. He has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls in Canada and worldwide.
Landen graduated with honors from the University of Toronto jazz program where he studied with saxophonists Mike Murley, Tim Ries, Kelly Jefferson, and Alex Dean, and studied composition with Phil Nimmons.