It's big, it's fat, it's sassy and it smells like pastrami (and salsa). No, it's not your aunt Sadie; it's the new Paul Shapiro record. On this, his second release on the Tzadik label, Paul Shapiro once again delivers a platter dripping with soulful and sumptuous sounds that will make you feel good inside and out. There are several standout tracks here; most notably, "Children of Abraham" with its jaunty gait and "One Must Leave So Another May Come", which sounds as if you're standing in a temple and a smoky back bar room at the same time.
But more relevant than a dissection of the album track by track, lets look at the band. From the ground up, this band is a solid as they come. Starting with the rhythm section of Booker King and Tony Lewis on bass and drums respectively, these guys are locked in. When listening, it's obvious they have been rhythmic partners for well over 10 years now. They lay a firm groundwork for the band so every step is steady and confident. With sensitive interplay, they put joy in the rhythm even during the most solemn of passages. Layer that with Brian Mitchell, pianist. His playing is well informed, thoughtful and just downright upright. It's obvious he's been putting in his time in the bluenote woodshed, his playing dripping with emotion. He makes every note count as both member of the rhythm section and as a soloist. Add to all that the horn section. Big, bold and brimming with authority, saxist/leader Shapiro, saxist Peter Apfelbaum and trumpeter Steven Bernstein sound as if they have been playing together for ever. Based on Shapiro's solid arrangements, these three speak as one and as individuals in a most authoritative manner. The bandleader is most gracious, giving ample space for his fellow brass men to sparkle while delivering plenty of his own fire. From the Latin tinged opener "Light Rolls Away The Darkness" to the rolling "Lecha Dodi Twilight", to the reverently delivered "One Must Leave So Another May Come" these boys deliver virtuosity on par with the best horn sections you've ever heard (or are ever likely to hear). So much so that they're occasional "goofy" vocalizing can be forgiven. A real winner!
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