Sacramento State Univerity’s Department of Jazz Studies recently welcomed a high profile addition to its teaching staff.

Saxophonist Brian Landrus, who specializes in teaching jazz improvisation and arranging, has been recognized as an essential voice on the low woodwinds. Landrus, who earned his Ph.D. in composition at Rutgers University, has performed and recorded with many of the world’s greatest jazz musicians.

He recently spent some time visiting with CapRadio’s Gary Vercelli. The two discussed Landrus' new album, the challenges of virtual teaching, and his draw to less popular reed instruments like the baritone saxophone and the bass clarinet.

Click play above to hear the whole conversation.