This month, alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw releases his 2nd CD as bandleader – Optimism.  This fiery and expressive horn man will be performing many of the new tunes on his trip to the AQ.  Jaleel was among the burning young players in Roy Haynes’ Fountain of Youth Band (who recorded the live disc Whereas at the AQ in 2006).  Jaleel has performed with artists including the Charles Mingus Big Band, Haynes’ group, Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval, and many others.  This Philadelphia native counts Grover Washington, Jr. among his early mentors, and continues the creative and adventurous spirit of influences such as Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Jackie McLean.  His 2005 CD release Perspective includes his composition “Heavyweight Champion,” a tribute to Coltrane and winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award.  Jaleel is joined by Chris Lomheim (piano), Billy Peterson (bass) and Kenny Horst (drums).

 Check out Pamela Espeland's MinnPost article on Jaleel at MinnPost. Also read Andrea Cante's preview of the show on Jazz Police.