A potent alto saxophonist who previously played with Either/Orchestra and the Mingus Big Band, Jaleel Shaw's second CD as a leader focuses mostly on his own compositions. His top-notch band includes pianist Robert Glasper, guitarist Lage Lund, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Johnathan Blake. Flipside is a strong opener, a turbulent post-bop vehicle that inspires everyone in the group. Almost is a haunting ballad (co-written with Lund), while his loping In 3 has a melancholy air. The leader's two-part suite has a dreamy quality: Muna's Sleeping is a lush ballad featuring his floating, lyrical alto with Glasper playing both piano and Fender Rhodes, then Muna's Dream is a bit more abstract, with spacy electronic effects behind his straight-ahead solo. Shaw works magic with standards as well. If I'm Lucky has been recorded mostly by singers (though it pops up as a jazz instrumental on occasion), Shaw's understated arrangement brings out the song's wistful air; the piano is omitted, and Lund's spacious accompaniment will appeal to fans of Jim Hall and Ed Bickert. Cole Porter's Love for Sale is performed so often that it is a challenge to take a fresh approach, but Shaw's chart alters the accompaniment just a bit and also adds trumpeter Jeremy Pelt as a guest. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi

1		The Flipside
2		Almost
3		In 3
4		Optimism
5		If I'm Lucky
6		Flight
7		Love for Sale
8		Muna's Sleeping
9		Muna's Dream
10		The Struggle
11		Optilude

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