Brian Landrus: Plays Ellington & Strayhorn

When gathering material for a new recording, one time-honored rule of thumb is that it is hard to stray too far off course when revisiting the musical handiwork of renowned composer Duke Ellington and/or the Duke's virtuosic alter ego, Billy Strayhorn—even if one chooses to lead with an Ellington theme as relatively unknown as "Agra" from 1967's Far East Suite, which baritone saxophonist Brian Landrus does on Plays Ellington & Strayhorn, a graceful and stylish quartet date that also encompasses several of the epic duo's best-known compositions.

Landrus, a master of every reed instrument from bass sax to piccolo, cleaves for the most part to the baritone here, with no more than brief and occasional sidesteps, as he rumbles atop a superb rhythm section comprised of guitarist Dave Stryker, bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Billy Hart. The mood is for the most part laid-back and mellow, as Landrus has chosen to bypass more sunny and animated tunes as, for example, "Take the 'A' Train" or "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." In their place are such warm and beloved melodies as "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing," "Daydream," "Prelude to a Kiss," "Come Sunday," "Lotus Blossom," "Lush Life," "Star-Crossed Lovers," "Warm Valley" and "Sophisticated Lady" (on which Landrus moves to bass sax).

Ellington is credited as composer on five of the album's fourteen numbers, Strayhorn on four. The other five were co-written. Strayhorn wrote the familiar "Chelsea Bridge," while he and the Duke co-authored "Agra," "Daydream," The Telecasters," "Isfahan" and "Star-Crossed Lovers." Landrum plays them as they should be, with an abundance of warmth and soul, claiming almost every solo for himself as Stryker, Anderson and Hart (with sticks or brushes) lend solid and unwavering support. Which is unremarkable, as they could, if pressed, no doubt play most of these songs while sleeping.

This is lovely music, written by two of the jazz world's leading composers and handsomely performed by Landrus and his teammates. Please be advised, however, that even though well-designed and carried out, it is by and large balladry, which may not satisfy everyone's appetite. To some listeners, fourteen ballads, no matter how exquisitely written and played, may exemplify overkill, while to others, that could be exactly what is needed to gladden their hearts and souls.

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