Concord Jazz presents the release of Escaping Shadows, the sophomore album from alto saxophonist and bandleader Benny Reid. On his new release, 28-year-old Reid reveals the next vital step in his maturation as an adventurous artist and an ambitious composer. The album features nine originals and one cover song. Produced by Reid and Chris Dunn, Escaping Shadows spotlights Reid and his band as embarking on a passionate, largely upbeat and lyrical journey. The album includes pieces that were written around the time of his debut album Findings, which the saxophonist cites as a highly creative period for him. "Half the songs on Escaping Shadows were written before the first record came out," he says. "For example, I had hopes that the tune ‘Escaping Shadows' would make it on to Findings, but there wasn't enough time in the studio to record it. It turned out for the best because I restructured it, building in new elements and making it stronger." Reid recorded Escaping Shadows with his own group to build upon the rapport the members developed while working on the road together for the past two years. "We are a family. We've developed a way to work on my compositions and grooves." Members of the group include guitarist Richard Padrón, wordless vocalist Jeff Taylor and percussionist Ryan Fitch, all of whom also played on Reid's debut album. In addition, Reid recruited pianist Pablo Vergara, bassist Daniel Loomis and drummer Kenny Grohowski. Even though it leads off the CD, the bright, upbeat "The Final Chapter" was the last tune Reid wrote before the sessions, while the following tune, the lyrical "Five Years Later" was begun five years earlier. "I had the intro and hook, but it didn't feel finished," says Reid. "I knew I would return to it eventually, but I was surprised and excited when I discovered a bridge and coda. Another older piece, "Firelight," has been a band staple onstage and is a favorite with audiences," says Reid. Escaping Shadows ends with the title track, which opens with a slow and extended introduction before buoying with highly textured energy. Reid says the tune represents growth. "I'm trying to come into my own," he says. "So I am escaping the shadows of my influences and finding myself. I'm still evolving as a player and a composer. That's what Escaping Shadows is all about. I'm on the way."