In the early years of his career, saxophonist Joshua Redman at times seemed burdened by expectations raised by record-label hype he knew was only partly justified. Beyond marks his emergence as a fully mature artist. The album includes some of Redman's strongest playing--the gorgeous ballad"Neverend," the slow-building tenor exchange with longtime friend Mark Turner on"Leap of Faith," the tongue-in-cheek grave dance on"Last Rites of Rock 'n' Roll." It also includes some of his most ambitious writing--the 13/4 time signature on"Courage," the 9/4"Lopsided Lullaby," the 10/4"Suspended Emanations." Redman's quartet with pianist Aaron Goldberg, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson displays the immediate, organic swing of a real touring band. One complaint, however: at 73 minutes, the album is two or three tracks too long. Whatever happened to the idea of saving a few choice outtakes for the inevitable career rediscovery 30 years from now?