Jaleel Shaw: Painter Of The Invisible

For twenty years, Jaleel Shaw has steadily built a robust career that includes a lengthy apprenticeship with Roy Haynes, steady work as an in-demand sideman and mentoring the next generation at the Manhattan School of Music. Painter Of The Invisible caps two years of significant events: Dave Holland enlisted him in his 2024 quartet along with Kris Davis and Nasheet Waits, after which he fronted a band at the 2024 Newport Jazz Festival for the first time. Then, in March 2025, he led a quartet in a sold-out concert celebrating his birthday in his hometown of Philadelphia. (Listen to an excerpt: Jaleel Shaw Recorded Live At Solar Myth).

Now, after a lengthy recording hiatus, he presents us with this rich, inspired, and profoundly personal work, which remembers important people in his life and ruminates on being a Black man in the United States. "Good Morning" peacefully welcomes the listener into the program, followed by the noodling "Contemplation," a catchy introduction to each member of the quartet. The upbeat "Beantown," part of a larger commissioned work, evokes good times studying at Boston's Berklee College of Music.

Four songs celebrate important people on Shaw's journey and are filled with gratitude, grace and love. "Distant Images" honors his beloved grandmother, who looms large over his life. The gentle, wistful "Gina's Ascent" was written for a cousin with whom he reconnected during the pandemic, only to lose in 2020. "Meghan," sung sweetly on soprano, is dedicated to Meghan Stabile, founder of the Revive Music Group. The album concludes with "Until We Meet Again," a lilting, dreamy song in memory of saxophonist Casey Benjamin.

"I don't want people and events to be forgotten," says Shaw. "With everything going on now, I feel like that's where things are being pushed—history being erased, tragedies going unmentioned... and then, on the lighter side, thinking about my grandma or my cousin—such beautiful people who I wish everyone could have experienced and known."

Renowned African American writers inspired two songs. "Baldwin's Blues" highlights the historic importance and continuing relevance of James Baldwin. Ironically, it is not a blues, but likely a reference to the play "Blues for Mister Charlie" and/or the short story "Sonny's Blues." "The Invisible Man" recognizes author Ralph Ellison's major opus.

Finally, "Tamir" is a response to what was essentially a drive-by police shooting of twelve-year-old Tamir Rice. Deep empathy for the family and ruminating on all Tamir would never experience coaxed Shaw to express musically what words sometimes cannot. One might rightfully expect a free jazz screamer, but the song, recorded in a single take, is complex and multilayered. It opens and closes solemnly, but midway there is catharsis as the piece slowly unfolds into an emotional mix of sadness, angst and righteous anger.

The music is masterfully brought to life by his stellar quartet of Lawrence Fields on keyboards, Ben Street on bass and Joe Dyson on drums. Guesting on two tracks are Sasha Berliner on vibraphone and fellow Berklee alumnus, Lage Lund, on guitar. All are in top form and tightly in synch with Shaw's vision and every musical move. Essential to the performances is Shaw's clear, beautiful tone, wide vibrato and artful, emotive phrasing.

Painter Of The Invisible is a deep, rewarding experience that deserves a spot on every best-of-2025 list.

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