Jaleel Shaw - Painter of the Invisible

[mjzee]

Release date July 11:

After 13 years, internationally acclaimed saxophonist Jaleel Shaw returns with Painter of the Invisible - a deeply personal and emotionally resonant album that honors the heroes, places, and legacies that shaped him. With critical praise from The New York Times, DownBeat, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, Shaw is celebrated as a visionary voice in modern jazz. On this long-anticipated full-length release, he delivers a powerful suite of original compositions that merge expressive storytelling with exquisite musicianship.Backed by an all-star ensemble - Lawrence Fields (piano), Ben Street (bass), Joe Dyson (drums), Lage Lund (guitar), and Sasha Berliner (vibraphone) - Shaw weaves an unforgettable sonic narrative that explores themes of love, loss, ancestry, identity, and social justice. From the uplifting tribute "Good Morning" to the heartbreaking meditation "Tamir (for Tamir Rice)," each track paints a vivid portrait of those who remain invisible in life, yet unforgettable in memory.Shaw's virtuosic playing and soulful compositions reveal a singular jazz artist at the height of his powers - thoughtful, fearless, and uncompromising. Painter of the Invisible is not only a celebration of life and legacy, but a vital contribution to the evolving story of Black American music.

[JSngry]

Is this on a label?

[T.D.]

3 minutes ago, JSngry said:

Is this on a label?

Press release  says "Changu Records".

But the only titles discogs shows on that label are two prior Jaleel Shaw albums.

[JSngry]

 

 

Changu Records is a record label owned and operated by jazz saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. It is known for releasing his own music, as well as other jazz artists. Specifically, Changu Records released Jaleel Shaw's albums "Optimism" and "The Soundtrack of Things to Come". 

 

Here's a more detailed look at Changu Records: 

 

• Founded by: Jaleel Shaw.
• Focus: Primarily jazz music, with a focus on Jaleel Shaw's own releases and those of other jazz musicians.
• Notable Releases: "Optimism" and "The Soundtrack of Things to Come" by Jaleel Shaw.
• Associated Artists: While primarily known for Jaleel Shaw's work, Changu Records also features other jazz musicians.

[T.D.]

Not trying to be a smartass and no disrespect intended to anyone, but does that qualify as "on a label"?

[JSngry]

Hell if I know. The dude's got a press release that provides no contact info about that.

[kh1958]

https://jaleelshaw.bandcamp.com/album/painter-of-the-invisible

[JSngry]

Thanks! Useful!

[Jaleel]

On 6/9/2025 at 10:57 PM, JSngry said:

Hell if I know. The dude's got a press release that provides no contact info about that.

Hey guys, 

Hope you’re all well. Just wanted to chime in and let you all know that the album is on a label. It’s my label - Changu Records. Sorry if that is not mentioned in the press release. And yes, @T.D. an independent label does qualify as being on a label. I just hope me being independent does not deter anyone from checking out the music. 

@JSngry, if you’d like to contact me or need any contact info, I can be reached at jaleel@jaleelshaw.com. Thanks, and I hope you are all well. - Jaleel

[JSngry]

Jaleel - thanks for the update. I know it's a bear when you depend on others and they don't get it right.

Best wishes, and stay strong!

[Stompin at the Savoy]

This is just my opinion - some dude on the internet - but I think this would be better if the bass had more of an acoustic feel.  It sounds like a pickup to me (what do I know?).    I feel that a big acoustic bass has a lot of tonal character if well miked. But this bass sustains a lot and has a sort of fundamental tone, it's hard to hear the woody goodness of the instrument.  To me it seems overwhelming and boomy.  The horn is playing something that could be intimate but the bass is playing to an auditorium.

Edited 2 hours ago by Stompin at the Savoy