Brian Landrus

Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Brian Landrus, “a baritone saxophonist of convincing authority” (New York Times), is one of the world’s leading voices on low woodwinds. In addition to leading his own groups, Landrus has performed with Bob Brookmeyer, Lewis Nash, Fred Hersch, esperanza spalding, Billy Hart, Maria Schneider, Prince, the Temptations, Feist, the Four Tops, George Garzone, James Francies and Rufus Reid, among many others. A prodigious player with a commanding voice on baritone sax, bass clarinet, and bass flute, and a prolific composer, Landrus has made potent statements on 11 albums as a leader, including Forward (2009), Mirage (2013), The Deep Below (2015), Generations (2017), For Now (2020), and Red List (2022), described in a four-and-a-half-star review in DownBeat as “another strong release from a major force on the modern jazz scene.” In two other notable reviews of Red List, New York City Jazz Record said, “The sweep of this music, its complex harmonic colors, its authentic drama, make you think of Gil Evans and Maria Schneider,” and JazzTimes said, “For those who love low woodwinds, Brian Landrus has become a steadfast champion.” Born in 1978 and raised in Nevada, Landrus earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Nevada, Reno; two Master of Music degrees from New England Conservatory; and a Ph.D. in classical composition from Rutgers University. Landrus consistently places in the annual critics and readers polls of DownBeat and JazzTimes.