Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Matthew Shipp Trio: Harmonic Disorder

589

Matthew Shipp Trio: Harmonic Disorder

By

Sign in to view read count
Matthew Shipp Trio: Harmonic Disorder
One of today's most iconic artists, pianist Matthew Shipp has fearlessly ventured into numerous genres in search of new means of expression. From stark chamber-like acoustic settings to electronic collaborations with DJs, programmers, and hip-hop artists, Shipp has defied simple categorization. His previous recording for Thirsty Ear, Piano Vortex (2007) found him returning to the acoustic piano trio format with bassist Joe Morris and drummer Whit Dickey. Harmonic Disorder is the empathetic trio's sophomore effort, taking up where the previous session left off, moving further into dense, challenging territory.

Shipp's chromatic lyricism is incisive and focused on the angular opener "GNG," and rapturously unfettered on "Mr. JM" and "Zo Number 2." The introspective "Orb" finds him exuding abstract blues, while the pensive title track, bittersweet "Mel Chi 2," and moody "Compost" showcase his opulent abilities as a sensitive interpreter of ballads. The standards "There Will Never Be Another You" and "Someday My Prince Will Come" are given stirring treatments, the former a quicksilver abstraction, the later a rousing deconstruction. Establishing further ties to the tradition, the playfully Monkish "Roe" and the Ellingtonian swagger of "Light" reveal Shipp's debt to the masters as they regale with a vivacious swing that is both adventurous and accessible.

Over the past few years, guitarist Joe Morris has been doubling more frequently on his second axe, contrabass. While Morris' earliest efforts on upright were entirely serviceable, his recent forays reveal the blossoming of a truly expressive technique, as exemplified by his radiant arco work on "Quantum Waves" and plangent pizzicato on the dark title track.

Rekindling their telepathic rapport, Dickey reprises his mid-nineties role as Shipp's key drummer. His tastefully restrained playing on the previous trio session has been augmented by a slightly more fervid approach, as he recalls the days spent alongside Shipp and bassist William Parker in tenor saxophonist David S. Ware's powerhouse quartet. Dickey is a versatile performer; "Zo Number 2" features a roiling, extended excursion of thunderous excess, whereas "Orb" showcases his subtle brush work.

Another brilliant installment in a growing and varied discography, Harmonic Disorder is a bracing interpretation of the classic piano trio and continuing proof of Shipp's abilities as a composer and improviser of the highest order.

Track Listing

GNG; There Will Never Be Another You; Harmonic Disorder; Someday My Prince Will Come; Mel Chi 2; Mr. JM; Mel Chi 1; Roe; Orb; Compost; Zo Number 2; Quantum Waves; Light; When the Curtain Falls on the Jazz Theater.

Personnel

Matthew Shipp: piano; Joe Morris: bass; Whit Dickey: drums.

Album information

Title: Harmonic Disorder | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Thirsty Ear Recordings

Comments

Tags

Concerts

Apr 26 Fri

For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.