Paul Shapiro - Midnight Minyan

arjunghosh

Review by Arjun Ghosh

Midnight Minyan by Paul Shapiro: A Jazz Journey That Stays With You Alright, let’s talk about Midnight Minyan. Released in 2003 under the Tzadik label, this album is one of those hidden gems that sneaks up on you. It’s not your typical jazz record; it blends contemporary jazz, post-bop, and even some fusion vibes with a spiritual twist. And yeah, there’s plenty of saxophone action—Paul Shapiro really shows off his chops here. The lineup is stacked too. You’ve got Steven Bernstein on trumpet bringing that sharp brass edge, Booker King laying down groovy basslines, and Tony Lewis keeping things tight on drums. Oh, and Brian Mitchell on piano? Dude adds layers of soulful warmth throughout. But what makes this album stand out isn’t just the musicians—it’s how they take traditional Jewish themes and give them a jazzy makeover. Let me break down two tracks that stuck with me: First up, “To Life.” Man, this track feels like a celebration bottled into five minutes of pure joy. The horns burst in right away, all bright and bold, while the rhythm section keeps everything bouncy. There’s something so infectious about the way the melody unfolds—it’s impossible not to nod along. I think what gets me most is how effortlessly the band swaps between playful improvisation and tight, structured moments. By the time it ends, you’re left feeling like you just crashed the coolest bar mitzvah ever. Then there’s “Lester Young’s Misheberakh.” This one hits different. Named after the legendary Lester Young, it’s got this smoky, late-night vibe that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Paul Shapiro and Peter Apfelbaum trade solos on tenor and soprano saxophones, and man, their chemistry is unreal. Every note drips with emotion, like they’re having a conversation without words. The trumpet from Steven Bernstein adds this cool, bluesy undertone that ties everything together. If “To Life” is a party, this track is more like sitting by a fire, lost in thought. One thing worth mentioning is the production quality. Scott Hull mastered this thing, and Bob Ebeline handled the recording—so no surprise it sounds crisp and clear. Even the mixing by Shapiro himself feels intentional, letting each instrument shine without stepping on anyone else’s toes. Looking back, Midnight Minyan feels like an experiment that actually worked. It takes familiar prayers and melodies and flips them into something entirely new. Sure, it might not be for everyone—if you’re expecting straight-ahead bebop or smooth jazz, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. But if you’re into music that pushes boundaries while staying grounded in tradition, this album’s got your name on it. Here’s the kicker though: listening to this made me realize how much jazz can transform even the oldest tunes into something modern and alive. Like, who would’ve thought prayer songs could swing this hard? Definitely gives “spiritual jazz” a whole new meaning. So yeah, check out Midnight Minyan. Just don’t blame me if you start humming “To Life” at random times during the day.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: paul-shapiro-midnight-minyan.zip
  • MP3 size: 83.2 mb
  • FLAC size: 477.1 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Malecha Hayam04:07
Haftorah Prelude5:05
Lester Young's Misheberakh8:31
Amidah5:51
Amdah Haftorah Prelude05:05
Aitz Chaim He4:14
Haftorah05:22
Ma Lecha Hayam4:05
To Life3:22
Sim Shalom5:23
Freigish Behavior5:55
Lester Young's Misheberakh08:33
Haftorah Postlude5:22

Video

Paul Shapiro-Ma Lecha Hayam

Images

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Catalog Numbers

TZ 7174

Labels

Tzadik

Listen online

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Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Credits

RoleCredit
Arranged ByPaul Shapiro
BassBooker King
DrumsTony Lewis
Mastered ByScott Hull
Mixed ByPaul Shapiro
PianoBrian Mitchell
ProducerChris Girand, Paul Shapiro
Recorded ByBob Ebeline
Tenor SaxophonePaul Shapiro, Peter Apfelbaum
Soprano SaxophonePaul Shapiro, Peter Apfelbaum
TrumpetSteven Bernstein
Written-ByTrad. (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7, 9)

About Paul Shapiro

NYC saxophone and flute player.

Real Name

    • Paul Shapiro

Name Vars

  • Paul
  • Paul Shapiro & Company
  • Shapiro

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Midnight Minyan* by Paul Shapiro blends jazz with traditional Jewish themes. Released in 2003 under the Tzadik label, it features tracks like "To Life" and "Lester Young's Misheberakh." What makes it special? It mixes genres like Contemporary Jazz, Post Bop, and Fusion while staying rooted in spiritual melodies. Plus, Shapiro plays both tenor and soprano saxophone alongside Peter Apfelbaum. Steven Bernstein adds trumpet flair, too. Fun fact: Some of the songs are based on traditional tunes credited to "Trad." So, it's not just jazz—it’s a musical bridge between cultures.

Comments

murthypr
murthypr
2025-03-15
We sang this at the seder yesterday. It is so haunting.
camilleborbon5172
camilleborbon5172
2025-03-15
Hauntingly beautiful.............running cross the high prarie yesterday this song popped in my head.......
antonmoel
antonmoel
2025-03-14
So beautiful. Here's the english text:
Why do you flee, O sea? O Jordan, why do you change your course? Why do you frolic, O mountains? Why do the hills tremble? In God's presence, the earth moves before the God of Jacob. You transform rocks into pools of water. You turn flint into flowing springs