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Brian Landrus: Forward
ByLandrus plays baritone sax, alto flute, and bass clarinetan unusual and intriguing set of instruments that rarely take lead roles in contemporary jazz but which he plays with such warmth and precision that there is never cause to question their centrality across the album's nine tunes. The baritone is especially successful. On "Ask Me Now" it infuses the tune with a real richness of sound, creating a strong center around which Michael Cain weaves some delightful piano. On "The Stream," a more straight-ahead composition, Landrus' baritone duets beautifully with the tenor of George Garzone. "Interpretations" is a solo baritone piece on which the sax's tone is exceptionally warm, rich, and precise, investing the composition with a real humanity. One minor criticismit's too short.
The alto flute and bass clarinet are featured on two tunes apiece and Landrus produces intriguing work with each of them. The clarinet on "Forward" is particularly effective during interplay with Allan Chase's alto sax and Jason Palmer's trumpet. "Destination" is credited jointly to its five players as an improvised piece. Landrus plays alto flute, while guest musicians Palmer and Chase join drummer Rakalam Bob Moses and percussionist Tupac Mantilla to complete the group. The two alto instruments trade some interesting phrases, but sadly they tend to be overwhelmed by the percussion, which is too high in the mix. However, this is a minor failing given the otherwise very high standard of production across the album.
Forward moves with confidence from free-form to bop to straight-ahead tunes. Landrus' playing and arranging skills are impressive and his core band members are tight and inventive. The album heralds the arrival of a strong new writing and performing talent.
Track Listing
Ask Me Now; The Stream; Shadows; To Love and Grow; Classification; Forward; Beauty of Change; Interpretations; Destination.
Personnel
Brian Landrus
saxophone, baritoneBrian Landrus: baritone sax, bass clarinet, alto flute; Michael Cain: piano; John Lockwood: bass; Rakalam Bob Moses: drums; Tupac Mantilla: percussion; George Garzone: tenor sax (2, 7); Allan Chase: alto sax (6, 9); Jason Palmer: trumpet (5, 6, 9).
Album information
Title: Forward | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Cadence Jazz Records
Comments
About Brian Landrus
Instrument: Saxophone, baritone
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