Matthew Shipp's New Orbit

Much of New Orbit consists of open space. Shipp develops dark wispy themes with a structural focus; Leo Smith soars along warm, rich lines; William Parker bows a foamy harmonic stream. Harmonically speaking, these themes tend to rely upon tonal centers and a general pattern of conflict and resolution. When the quartet convenes in its entirety, William Parker's thick pulse and Gerald Cleaver's insistent forward-looking percussion drive the group's intensity to a higher level. This interplay tends to accent Smith's vibrant trumpet work, which bridges the gap between melodic simplicity and harmonic multiplicity.

Imagine sitting in an ancient stone church with high spires, arched hallways, and massive wooden doors hung on huge cast iron hinges. The glass in the windows is almost liquid: it's translucent but not transparent. Patterns of blue and green move across the floor with the travel of the sun across the sky. You can feel a spiritual force moving you, but you can't see a thing. This is the temple. This is where Shipp leads you on New Orbit. Make no mistake: the music is contemporary and progressive; but the emotions behind it are as ancient as yearning itself.

Visit Matthew Shipp on the web.
Matthew Shipp at All About Jazz.

Track listing: New Orbit; Paradox X; Orbit 2; Chi; Orbit 3; U Feature; Syntax; Maze Hint; Paradox Y; Orbit 4.

Personnel: Matthew Shipp: piano; Wadada Leo Smith: trumpet; William Parker: bass; Gerald Cleaver: drums.