Podcast 745: A Conversation with Brian Landrus

Whether its on baritone sax, alto flute or bass clarinet, Dr. Brian Landrus is among the most exciting players and composers around. Just over forty years old, and a newly minted Ph.D. from Rutgers University, Brian has been made several of the most interesting recording of the past few years. From The Deep Below in 2015, his large ensemble work Generations in 2017 and the new release For Now, Landrus writes, arranges and performs music that marks him as a talent to keep watching and listening to.  For Now is at it's core a quartet recording, featuring topnotch collaborators like Fred Hersch (piano), Drew Gress (bass) and Billy Hart (drums). Trumpeter Mike Rodriguez joins in on a few tracks, as does a string section made up of Sara Caswell (violin), Joyce Hamman (violin), Lois Martin (viola) and Jody Redhage-Ferber (cello).  The music wears its heart on its sleeve, featuring intimate performances of moving, emotional music.  Landrus has now released ten albums as a leader, and recorded with large ensembles like the Gil Evans Project and those led by Ken Schaphorst, Frank Carlberg and NIcholas Urie. Named a "Rising Star" on Baritone Sax and Bass Clarinet by Downbeat, you may have caught him on stage with the Maria Schneider Orchestra or the Darcy James Argue's Secret Society at jazz festivals in the past year or so.  Podcast 745 is my conversation with Brian, as we discuss the making of For Now, and features musical selections including Landrus compositions "The Signs" and "The Night of Change," plus a moving duet with Fred Hersch on Thelonious Monk's "Ruby My Dear."