Matthew Shipp

Matthew Shipp's roots are firmly planted in a jazz aesthetic, but like other musical geniuses of decades past, his driving vision never stands still, propelling him to break open new frontiers. If the pianist's compositions or performances do not fit established categories, or appear tinged with ragged complexities, they merely reflect his personality, which combines an abstract intellectualism with a healthy, engaging view of life. Shipp knows there are incorporeal qualities that infuse his being, and his music expresses his grasp of truths and complexities not often realized. That the striking performance found on this disk captures this essence is a noteworthy achievement. — Steven Loewy