Label: BlueLand Records, 2020

Personnel - Brian Landrus: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, flutes; Fred Hersch: piano; Drew Gress: double bass; Billy Hart: drums + Mike Rodriguez: trumpet; Sara Caswell: violin;

Low woodwinds virtuoso Brian Landrus explores his romantic side on From Now, his 10th album as a leader, which features him in a stellar core quartet with pianist Fred Hersch, bassist Drew Gress and drummer Billy Hart. The album comprises ten sharp originals from Landrus and three fresh renditions of jazz standards, including two from Monk. On selected numbers, there’s a quartet of strings coping with arrangements provided by Landrus and opera composer Robert Aldridge.

My favorite track of the album happens to be the opener, “The Signs”, a post-bop spectacle with a luxurious sound. Guest trumpeter Mike Rodriguez divides the melodic chores with Landrus, being the first to forge ahead into improvisation. He is immediately followed by the highly emotional drive of Hersch’s melodies. The pianist’s far-sighted comping involves us all deeply and Landrus' sinuous baritone promenade is not excluded from this blessing.

“The Second Time” offers a feel-good experience with strings, gorgeous modulations, and stimulating baritone-trumpet interplay over a vamp, whereas “JJ” is a more evocative piece with a stark finale.

Hart adds occasional rapid hi-hat tickling and in-time ride cymbal pulsation to “The Wait”, a waltzing tune where Grass also has his individual moment to shine. 3/4 is also the time reference on “The Miss”, which flows gently at a moderate pace, and “The Night of Change”, a melodious flute-driven piece.

Polished from major protuberances, both “Clarity in Time” and the title cut are ballads enriched by the strong symphonic presence of violins, viola and cello. And then comes the standards: a solo bass clarinet reading of Monk’s “Round Midnight” is poured out with an extensive range and earthy tone; also penned by Monk, “Ruby My Dear” becomes tremendously velvety during this singular sax-piano version; and “Invitation”, which acquires a swinging propulsion and dramatic saturated colors whenever the melody stands out from the lower registers.

Leaning on straight-ahead jazz but handled with an authentic new feel and inner instinct, Landrus proves that low reeds, besides groovy, can also be melodically intense.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - The Signs ► 05 - For Now ► 07 - Invitation