Perspective

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