Review of the Brian Landrus Trio's debut album "The Deep Below"

The Brian Landrus Trio’s first album, The Deep Below, which was released on June 16 via BlueLand Records, is helmed by low woodwind instrument aficionado Landrus.

He plays the baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, bass saxophone and the bass flute on the album. Rounding out the trio are acoustic bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Billy Hart. This is Landrus’ sixth album as a leader, but his debut album with Plaxico and Hart.

Landrus is currently working on a PhD in classical composition from Rutgers University as well as wrapping up a concerto for the baritone saxophone and another for the bass clarinet. According to Landrus, this trio album “was a chance to explore something more intimate for awhile, music that’s sparer and freer.” All of the music on The Deep Below was composed by Landrus except for two tracks, which were composed by both Landrus and Plaxico.

The opening track, appropriately titled, “Fly,” has Landrus’ rich sounding baritone sax in its intro accompanied by Hart’s superb drumming. Its low-key rhythm is hypnotic as Landrus illustrates his talent on this instrument. This track is one of the two tracks on the album composed by both Landrus and Plaxico.

“The Beginning,” the third track on the album, starts off with playful bass saxophone play by Landrus. The bass sax is an instrument not often utilized so hearing Landrus’ clear proficiency playing it is a treat. Listeners could possibly imagine hearing this track at the start of the latest ROM COM movie as the lead character’s love for another is shown, but as of yet, the object of their affection is unaware of their feelings. Landrus employs longing notes in the track that denote strains of yearning.

The second track on the album, a version of Duke Ellington’s song “Sophisticated Lady,” has Landrus performing slow, jazzy baritone sax, which could in fact, be the musical equivalent of seeing a refined woman walk by on the street and being struck by her classy, elegant appearance. Hart’s light drumming and Plaxico’s faint acoustic bass can be heard in the background.

“Fields of Zava,” the album’s fourth track, begins with Landrus playing the bass clarinet. The smoky notes he plays could make listeners picture a character in a movie, walking down a dimly lit alley, thinking about life, their past choices and what future they want for themselves. Landrus’ thoughtful bass clarinet work is then complemented by Plaxico’s subtle acoustic bass play.

The 11th track on the album, titled, “Ancient,” is the second track composed by both Landrus and Plaxico. On this track, Landrus displays his expertise playing the bass flute. Accompanying Landrus’ flute play is Hart’s somewhat eerie drumming. The track’s rhythm does have a bygone vibe to it, as if this track could be played during a scene in a historical film about some early civilization long gone, but not forgotten.

In conclusion, The Deep Below from the Brian Landrus Trio makes use of several woodwind instruments with great precision and exactness. The melodies conveyed by these musical tools as well as the acoustic bass and the drums bring forth compositions that will relax listeners as well as possibly transport them to another time, where new emotions are discovered.