Yardy is the brainchild of alternative/hard rock artist and song writer Rich Smith. Rich has been performing in NYC venues for over 10 yrs. with various bands and also as a project/studio guitarist or gun-for-hire. He started playing piano at age 7 at Henry Street Settlement (NYC) with a full scholarship. However, his parents couldn't afford a piano to practice on so he got a used guitar at age 11 and started trying learn classic rock tunes. First through sheet music then by ear. He found it more interesting to learn by ear becuase you really listen to the music to determine the chords and notes. It was also a great way to understand the dynamics of songs and the arrangments.

Press reviews - "The modern rock style of Yardy has a strong classic rock influence and a great modern appeal...This...demo shows a band that has a lot of potential and a good musical direction..." Michael Allison - THEGLOBALMUSE.COM "...What strikes me most about Yardy is the band's apparent desire to play songs that are obviously written from the heart and that don't necessarily fit into any pigeonhole genre...A very effective, unusual collection of well-written songs with exceptionally thoughtful lyrics..." - R. Scott Bolton - www.roughedge.com. "...EP has fun and possibility stamped all over it...The music is well-put-together and focused. The sound, though somewhat grunge-informed, remains positive and happy-sounding, not dark..." 4 stars - www.clovisrecords.com. "...this is a very solid demo...The strengths lie in the melodies and the strong band surrounding him?" - www.splendidezine.

All songs are copyright protected Copyright 2001,2002, 2003, 2004