After working in a variety of groups (including
the Mingus Big Band, the Count Basie Orchestra, and
the Either/Orchestra) as a sideman, alto saxophonist
Jaleel Shaw makes his impressive recording debut as a leader with
Perspective. The powerful opener is
Shaw's turbulent post-bop vehicle "The Heavyweight Champion," a piece for which he was honored with the ASCAP Young Composer Award. "Conflicts of Interest" is a rapid-fire cooker with a constantly shifting focus. The leader's mournful ballad "Binky's Lament," co-written with guitarist
Lage Lund, shows the influence of
John Coltrane, while his percolating arrangement of
Coltrane's infrequently recorded "Grand Central" adds guest
Mark Turner on tenor sax. Pianist
Robert Glasper, bassist
Vicente Archer, and drummer
Jonathan Blake provide a potent rhythm section throughout these enjoyable sessions. ~ Ken Dryden