Jazz Articles about Paul Shapiro

Paul Shapiro: Shofarot Verses

by Eyal Hareuveni
September 7, 2014

Saxophonist Paul Shapiro is one of the few who succeeded in blending organic soul and R&B with the Jewish tradition--the musical one and the liturgical texts--in a highly original, convincing manner. His fourth album for John Zorn's Tzadik label Radical Jewish Culture series enriches his unique and personal art. Shofarot Verses is part of the service recited on the Jewish New Year, referring to the biblical story of a conversation between “the eternal" and Moses, when ...

Paul Shapiro: Swinging the Mundane with the Holy

by Eyal Hareuveni
September 23, 2008

Reed man Paul Shapiro is one of the most resourceful and versatile musicians in the vibrant New York scene. In addition to his work in the jazz world, with Phillip Johnston's Microscopic Septet and forward-thinking improvisers such as Julius Hemphill and Elliot Sharp, Shapiro is a founding member of the international musicians' cooperative, Brooklyn Funk Essentials. He has played and recorded with a wide range of artists, including pop icons such as Michael and Janet Jackson and Mariah ...

Paul Shapiro's Ribs and Brisket Revue: Essen

by Eyal Hareuveni
July 17, 2008

Reed man Paul Shapiro is one of the most resourceful and versatile musicians in the vibrant New York scene. In addition to his work in the jazz world, with Phillip Johnston's Microscopic Septet and forward-thinking improvisers such as Julius Hemphill and Elliot Sharp, Shapiro is a founding member of the international musicians' cooperative, Brooklyn Funk Essentials. He has played and recorded with a wide range of artists, including pop icons such as Michael and Janet Jackson and Mariah ...

Paul Shapiro: It's in the Twilight

by Sean Patrick Fitzell
May 8, 2006

Day's slide into night, the work week's conclusion, and prayers of the Jewish Shabbat inspired saxophonist Paul Shapiro's compositions and arrangements for It's in the Twilight. It is celebratory music, imbued with optimism for change arising at these temporal transformations, a musical salve for these troubled times.

Inviting melodic heads develop from Shapiro, combining with fellow tenor saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum and trumpeter Steven Bernstein. The three play tight unison lines and punchy horn pops, exploring the Jewish scales. The catchy ...

Paul Shapiro: It's In The Twilight

by Nic Jones
March 14, 2006

If this is an example of radical Jewish culture, as Tzadik bills it, then a whole lot of Gentiles would be doing themselves an enormous favour if they tapped into it. Listeners of all cultures from around the world are familiar with the idea of the “keeper," meaning an item that will find a permanent home on their shelves, as opposed to landing in the racks of the local second-hand store, and I knew this title was a keeper by ...

Paul Shapiro: It's In The Twilight

by Jerry D'Souza
March 5, 2006

The blessings of the sabbath were clearly upon Paul Shapiro when he wrote the music for and recorded this album. On Midnight Minyan, his first record as a leader, he dwelt on Saturday mornings and the Jewish tradition. This time he turns back the clock to Friday evenings and the glow of twilight that the sabbath brings. He has the same band of musicians in tow; they make this a listening experience that will long linger in memory. ...

Paul Shapiro: It's in the Twilight

by John Kelman
March 2, 2006

Reconvening the same group that made his debut, Midnight Minyan (Tzadik, 2003), so engaging, tenor saxophonist Paul Shapiro's new release is an even more exuberant affair. Combining a wealth of musical styles with the distinctive Jewish flavor that has made John Zorn's Radical Jewish Culture series so unpredictable, Shapiro proves that twilight needn't be a time for introspection. If anything, Shapiro's music aligns itself with the idea of twilight as a transitional meeting time, creating something not of any one ...