J.Landress Brass Takes to Balcony, Paying Homage to Lives Lost to COVID-19
With his store closed since March 18, Josh Landress, owner of J.Landress Brass has taken to his New York City balcony to remember those lost to the COVID-19 virus in a moving rendition of “Taps.”
J.Landress Brass was hit extremely hard during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was forced to close its doors mid-March. As a result, Landress was forced to lay off his repair staff, a group of four extremely talented repairmen. Despite being extremely concerned about the future of his business and the ability for his clients, primarily professional musicians who work in orchestras, in small venues throughout the city, and on Broadway, Landress felt a calling to channel much of his worries and frustrations.
As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Landress had the opportunity to serve his country with a military occupation specialty of 5544: musician, horn, playing the French Horn with the 1st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. After receiving an honorable discharge for his service, Landress relocated to New York City to run the brass repair division at Sam Ash starting his own retail operation in 2012.
After losing a friend to COVID-19, Landress stepped onto his New York City balcony one evening to play “Taps,” the military bugle call played at dusk, during flag ceremonies, and at military funerals by the United States Armed Forces. Receiving an immense amount of support from people all over the United States after his performances went viral, Landress vowed to continue the daily tribute, playing every evening since April 7. Landress remarked, “I was worried at first that my neighbors would be annoyed by the playing, however, I could not have been more wrong. Every day after we clap for healthcare workers and first responders at 7:00 p.m., I play, and there are people waiting outside, below my balcony with their cameras out. I have connected with people in the neighboring buildings who I didn’t know that now send me copies of the performances, send thank you cards, and even dropped off beer.”
At the time of the stay at home order, J.Landress Brass was in the middle of moving locations. Once restrictions are lifted, they will resume the reopening and moving process.
To learn more about J.Landress Brass, please visit them online at https://www.jlandressbrass.com/.