Meet Lannie
Landin "Lannie" K. Battistini, hails from the vibrant city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, where his musical journey began to flourish at the tender age of 5. Born into a multicultural tapestry, Lannie's heritage includes a 3rd generation Spanish-Italian father and an American-Italian mother from the heart of New Jersey.
From the outset, Lannie's love affair with music ignited a lifelong passion, with the piano quickly emerging as his primary muse. His early years were marked by an innate ability to play anything with keys, from the church organ to his neighbor's accordion. Growing up amidst a diverse musical landscape that ranged from opera classics to pop and jazz tunes, Lannie forged a deep connection with his instrument.
By the age of 15, without formal training, Lannie's prodigious talent garnered recognition. His mother, recognizing his extraordinary gift, began booking him and his band for private events across Puerto Rico, including prestigious venues such as hotels, civic centers, and corporate functions.
At 19, Lannie's musical journey led him to the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he pursued a Bachelor of Music degree in Arranging and Compositions, piano performance, and a minor in Film Scoring. His quest for knowledge continued at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, where he delved into music production in the digital age.
Amidst every experience, Lannie maintains a profound gratitude for his talents, recognizing that his divine Creator his Savior Jesus who has propelled his music journey with the bestowed gift. He humbly acknowledges himself as a vessel, allowing the music to effortlessly flow through his fingertips.
Embracing his rich heritage, Lannie crafted a unique and eclectic style in his arrangements, seamlessly blending jazz improvisations with Latin rhythms and occasionally incorporating other genres. Initially celebrated as a Pop/Jazz performer, he later ascended to prominence as a distinguished arranger, composer, and producer among his musical peers.
During his time in Los Angeles, Lannie collaborated with the legendary bassist Kenny Passarelli, known for his work with Elton John, and assumed the role of band director at Acid Jazz Records. In 1994, he became one of the music arrangers for the label.
Simultaneously, Lannie established his own studio, LKB Music, in Miami, Florida, dedicating the years between 1985 and 1995 to producing independent recording artists, songwriting, and composing/arranging original jingles for major advertising agencies.
Between 1998 and 2000, Lannie served as the pianist and keyboardist for the iconic Latin pop artist Olga Tañon. This collaboration culminated in a Grammy® Award win for "Best Merengue Album" in 2000, and a Latin Grammy® Award Nomination in 2001 for the album "Viva Olga, Olga Viva," which also achieved Platinum status in 2001.
From 2019 to 2023, Lannie received numerous accolades, including a Latin Grammy® Award as a producer for the album "Buenos Diaz" by The Lucky Band (Lucky Diaz). He was also awarded a Silver Medal from the Global Music Awards (GMAs) for his work as a composer/arranger and his album "Moving On," which was recognized as one of the GMA's Top 10 Instrumental Albums of 2019. Additionally, he earned two Silver GLOBAL MUSIC AWARDS for Outstanding Achievement Awards for separate Jazz Compositions, a Silver GLOBAL MUSIC AWARD for a Latin Jazz Live recorded video, a GLOBAL MUSIC AWARD bronze (honors) for Duo Album (piano and bass), an Akademia Award for Best Jazz Song, and an Akademia Award Nomination for Best Jazz Song.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Lannie has proven himself as an astute entrepreneur, founding Hands In Motion Music School and Productions in 2005-till present day in the Tampa Bay Area. This multifaceted company encompasses an independent music label, a recording studio, a music school, and a full-service production department and marketing agency catering to aspiring musicians. Personally overseeing the Production department and music school, Lannie serves as the master producer at the recording studio, where he continues to coach emerging artists, nurturing their creative potential.
Despite the demands of his bustling production schedule, Lannie not only cherishes the stage but actively seeks live engagements to reconnect with the very essence of his performing roots. His Jazz Band, comprised of some of the most exceptional musicians in Florida, graces numerous Music Festivals and Jazz venues, delivering unforgettable performances. Jazz events, in particular, occupy a special place in his heart, and Lannie's musical odyssey has taken him to prestigious stages such as the St. Armand Jazz Fest in Florida, the Sarasota Jazz Fest, the Ventana al Mar Jazz Fest in Puerto Rico, the Varadero Seaside Music Fest in Puerto Rico, the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival, the Busch Gardens Music Fest, the Heineken Jazz Fest in Puerto Rico, the Swan City Jazz Fest in Lakeland, Florida, and the Dali Museum Latin Jazz Exhibition, among other distinguished events.
In 2023, Lannie entered a new phase of his musical journey as an artist-in-residence with several universities and colleges. Finding immense joy in working closely with advanced music students, he offers mentorship, guidance, specialized instruction, and collaborates on projects involving his original arrangements and compositions, as well as Live Jazz Concerts.
Currently calling Brandon, Florida, home, Lannie resides with his wife and co-owner/Manager and Marketing Director, Neysa Rodriguez-Battistini. Despite his bustling production schedule and oversight of the school, Lannie remains deeply connected to his performing roots and dedicated fan base. Alongside music production, arranging, composing, and live performances, he continues to teach master piano classes and provide vocal coaching to those aspiring to pursue careers in music and performance at his music school.