Optimism

Man I love this album!!! I was overseas serving and saw things Jaleel did with Brian Culbertson and picked up the album in 03 and now buying his music in 11. Keep up the good work! I was in the 4th grade and he was still rocking it then!! Spencer G.

While the music of many young New York - based saxophonists is becoming increasingly abstract, emotionally aloof, and far removed from the music's rich tradition, Jaleel bucks that unfortunate trend with both guns (er, chops) blazing. This record documents a young artist at the top of his game who wears his musical heart (and heritage) on his sleeve. Highly recommended. Drummer Johnathan Blake's performance here is not too shabby either. In fact, it's a fine example of why everybody on the face of the Earth wants him on their albums!

This ablum boasts the cream of the new crop of players on the scene today. Each one is a star in the making. Shaw and co. bring it on an album full of hip tunes and soulful sounds. Recommended!!!

Shaw has done it again. His works flow smoothly from on to another, and he has a very pleasent tone throughout. I could listen to this album over and over again and never get tired of it.

Great Musicians, Great Compositions, and overall Great Music!!!! Jaleel, and the rest of the musicians on this CD, create a dialogue that represents the past, present, and future of jazz music. Highly recommended!!!!!!

This cat can play. First heard him in Newport this summer with Roy Haynes. A couple of weeks later he's jammin' at a local Hartford jazz club. The next week he is playing Tanglewood in MA with the Dave Holland Octet. The album is excellent. Jaleel shows off not only is chops on alto, but his considerable abilities as a composer. Robert Glasper and Lage Lund (another player showing up everywhere) do a fine job in Shaw's ensemble as well. Highly recommended.

For those that seek a group of refreshing voices on the Jazz scene...look no further than "Optimism" !! Bravo !