Jazz Articles about Matthew Shipp

About Matthew Shipp

Album Review

Matthew Shipp Trio: The Conduct of Jazz

Read "The Conduct of Jazz" reviewed by Troy Collins

by Troy Collins
October 19, 2015

One of today's foremost pianists, Matthew Shipp has demonstrated the breadth of his artistry in numerous settings over his three decade career, including genre-defying electro-acoustic experiments. Recent years have found him narrowing his focus to concentrate on intimate acoustic efforts however, especially in one of the jazz tradition's most venerable formats--the classic piano trio. The Conduct of Jazz is the fifth trio recording to feature Michael Bisio as Shipp's principal bassist since 2011's The Art of the Improviser ...

Album Review

Matthew Shipp & Mat Walerian Duo / The Uppercut: Live At Okuden

Read "Live At Okuden" reviewed by Mark Corroto

by Mark Corroto
May 3, 2015

Jane Austen was mistaken when she wrote “Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable." Passing away at the age of 41 in 1817, she would not have had the opportunity to hear either jazz, nor the music of Matthew Shipp and Mat Walerian. The surprise here is twofold; first, the discovery of a new voice, Polish reedsman Mat Walerian and second, the opportunity to hear pianist Matthew Shipp in his ...

Album Review

Matthew Shipp Trio: To Duke

by John Sharpe
April 30, 2015

So has pianist Matthew Shipp finally clambered aboard the repertory album bandwagon? Certainly on To Duke he addresses seven standards derived from the Ellington Orchestra, alongside four originals. But if you cast an eye over Shipp's discography you'll find such pieces are nothing new. Actually popular songs constitute an enduring part of his repertoire. What's unusual here is the focus on several from the same songbook on the same set. But there's no question of special treatment. In terms of ...

Album Review

Matthew Shipp: I've Been To Many Places

Read "I've Been To Many Places" reviewed by John Sharpe

by John Sharpe
March 20, 2015

In 2013 pianist Matthew Shipp, tongue firmly-in-cheek, issued Greatest Hits, which sampled his Thirsty Ear catalogue. With I've Been To Many Places, his 9th solo album, he takes a different approach to revisiting his back pages, by reprising standards and favorites from previous releases albeit this time in an unaccompanied rendition. These sit alongside a selection of newly minted originals. As is often the case with his studio sessions, conciseness is the watchword as Shipp distils an idea down to ...

Album Review

Matthew Shipp: To Duke

by Mark Corroto
February 15, 2015

Unlocking the language of an avant-garde musician like Matthew Shipp can be a tough task for those new to creative music, and also for those new to the pianist's approach. He has developed a method of music making that draws from classical music, free jazz, and the energies of electronic music. With a discography pushing into the hundreds, where to start and what to listen to is always the question. A musical detective might start with his early recordings with ...

Album Review

Matthew Shipp: I've Been To Many Places

Read "I've Been To Many Places" reviewed by Mark Corroto

by Mark Corroto
September 4, 2014

But is it Jazz? That question gets lobbed at pianist Matthew Shipp's music all the time. Perhaps, “propelled" or “launched" are better terms. His approach to music, whether working with saxophonists David S. Ware and Ivo Perelman or with DJs, is to play authentic music, that which is a bona fide representation of his nature, or better yet his soul. This solo offering, I've Been To Many Places delves deep into that spirit and does (depending on where you stand) ...

Gnome Notes

A Matthew Shipp Appreciation from Yuko Otomo

by Chris Rich
August 15, 2014

I'm always looking to introduce new people to The All About Jazz readership. Yuko Otomo provided an appreciation of Matthew Shipp from her perspective as a poet and visual artist. Let Ms. Otomo take it from here. Recently, I re-read Concerning the Spiritual in Art by Wassily Kandinsky. I don't remember how many times I've read this book. There are a few Bible-like books and writings (on art) that I return to whenever I have a ...