Matthew Shipp
Encyclopedia
Matthew Shipp is an American
pianist
, composer and bandleader.
Shipp was raised in Wilmington, Delaware
, and began playing piano at six years old. His mother was a friend of trumpeter Clifford Brown
.
He was strongly attracted to jazz, but also played in rock
groups while in high school. Shipp attended the University of Delaware
for one year, then the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with saxophonist/composer Joe Maneri
. He has cited private lessons with Dennis Sandole (who also taught saxophonist John Coltrane
) as being crucial to his development.
Shipp has been very active since the early 1990s, appearing on dozens of albums as a leader, sideman or producer. He was initially most active in free jazz
, but has since branched out, notably exploring music that touches on contemporary classical, hip hop
and electronica
. His dense, percussive style is often compared to Cecil Taylor
's, although Shipp has argued such comparisons are mostly superficial.
Shipp has long been a member of saxophonist David S. Ware
's quartet. He has recorded or performed with many musicians, including William Parker
, DJ Spooky
, Joe Morris
, Daniel Carter
, Roscoe Mitchell
, Mat Maneri
, High Priest and Beans
of Antipop Consortium
, and El-P.
In February 2011, Shipp released a double-disc album entitled "Art of the Improviser." This release is "testament to Shipp’s achievements, yet it is also a continuation of the discovery in his developmental musical language." The Chicago Tribune called the project "monumental" and "galvanic as ever."Shipp's expansive work in a trio format is highlighted with long time rhythm section from drummer Whit Dickey
. Texturally, Dickey brings everything from a raspy murmur of brushes to a fierce bashing of cymbals with his interactions, creating a dialogue with both bass and piano. To add to this mix is the extremely gifted Michael Bisio, on bass, who is a genuine stylist dazzling on his instrument. Both Dickey and Bisio are seasoned improvisers and leaders in the own rights, bringing to the trio a level of creatively of exquisite styling.
Shipp has been continuously improving his repertoire from touring the world, writing new compositions and currently collaborating with Washington DC multi-media artist Barbara Januszkiewicz
. Together they are exploring a new territory through an avant-garde film called “The Composer with Matthew Shipp/ Barb Januszkiewicz."
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
, composer and bandleader.
Shipp was raised in Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States, and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley...
, and began playing piano at six years old. His mother was a friend of trumpeter Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown , aka "Brownie," was an influential and highly rated American jazz trumpeter. He died aged 25, leaving behind only four years' worth of recordings...
.
He was strongly attracted to jazz, but also played in rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
groups while in high school. Shipp attended the University of Delaware
University of Delaware
The university is organized into seven colleges:* College of Agriculture and Natural Resources* College of Arts and Sciences* Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics* College of Earth, Ocean and Environment* College of Education and Human Development...
for one year, then the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with saxophonist/composer Joe Maneri
Joe Maneri
Joseph Gabriel Esther "Joe" Maneri , was an American jazz composer, saxophone and clarinet player. Violinist Mat Maneri is his son....
. He has cited private lessons with Dennis Sandole (who also taught saxophonist John Coltrane
John Coltrane
John William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz...
) as being crucial to his development.
Shipp has been very active since the early 1990s, appearing on dozens of albums as a leader, sideman or producer. He was initially most active in free jazz
Free jazz
Free jazz is an approach to jazz music that was first developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Though the music produced by free jazz pioneers varied widely, the common feature was a dissatisfaction with the limitations of bebop, hard bop, and modal jazz, which had developed in the 1940s and 1950s...
, but has since branched out, notably exploring music that touches on contemporary classical, hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
and electronica
Electronica
Electronica includes a wide range of contemporary electronic music designed for a wide range of uses, including foreground listening, some forms of dancing, and background music for other activities; however, unlike electronic dance music, it is not specifically made for dancing...
. His dense, percussive style is often compared to Cecil Taylor
Cecil Taylor
Cecil Percival Taylor is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and...
's, although Shipp has argued such comparisons are mostly superficial.
Shipp has long been a member of saxophonist David S. Ware
David S. Ware
David Spencer Ware , is an American jazz saxophonist.Ware grew up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey and graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. He attended the Berklee College of Music and worked in New York City as a cab driver for 14 years, later returning to Scotch Plains to live...
's quartet. He has recorded or performed with many musicians, including William Parker
William Parker (musician)
William Parker is an American free jazz double bassist, poet and composer.-Biography:Parker was not formally trained as a classical player, though he did study with Jimmy Garrison, Richard Davis, and Wilbur Ware and learned the tradition. Parker is one of few jazz bassists who regularly plays arco...
, DJ Spooky
DJ Spooky
Paul D. Miller , known by his stage name DJ Spooky, That Subliminal Kid, is a Washington DC-born electronic and experimental hip hop musician whose work is often called by critics or his fans as "illbient" or "trip hop". He is a turntablist, a producer, a philosopher, and an author...
, Joe Morris
Joe Morris (guitarist)
Joe Morris is an American jazz guitarist. In addition to leading his own groups, he has recorded with William Parker, Whit Dickey, Rob Brown, Joe Maneri and others...
, Daniel Carter
Daniel Carter (musician)
Daniel Carter is an American free jazz saxophone, flute, clarinet, and trumpet player active mainly in New York City since the early 1970s...
, Roscoe Mitchell
Roscoe Mitchell
Roscoe Mitchell is an African American composer, jazz instrumentalist and educator, mostly known for being "a technically superb—if idiosyncratic—saxophonist." He has been called "one of the key figures" in avant-garde jazz who has been "at the forefront of modern music" for the past...
, Mat Maneri
Mat Maneri
Mat Maneri, born on October 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York is an American composer, improviser and jazz violin and viola player, specifically derivatives such as the five-string viola, the electric six-string violin, and the baritone violin...
, High Priest and Beans
Beans (rapper)
Beans hails from White Plains; a suburb of New York City. He is one of the founding members of New York's legendary Antipop Consortium, who disbanded in 2002 but have since reformed: new material was released in the form of the group's 2009 album Fluorescent Black on Big Dada Records.With his...
of Antipop Consortium
Antipop Consortium
Antipop Consortium are an American alternative hip hop group. The group formed in 1997, when Beans, High Priest, M. Sayyid and producer Earl Blaize met at a poetry slam in New York City...
, and El-P.
In February 2011, Shipp released a double-disc album entitled "Art of the Improviser." This release is "testament to Shipp’s achievements, yet it is also a continuation of the discovery in his developmental musical language." The Chicago Tribune called the project "monumental" and "galvanic as ever."Shipp's expansive work in a trio format is highlighted with long time rhythm section from drummer Whit Dickey
Whit Dickey
Whit Dickey is a free jazz drummer. He has recorded albums as a bandleader, or with David S. Ware, Matthew Shipp and others.- Notes :...
. Texturally, Dickey brings everything from a raspy murmur of brushes to a fierce bashing of cymbals with his interactions, creating a dialogue with both bass and piano. To add to this mix is the extremely gifted Michael Bisio, on bass, who is a genuine stylist dazzling on his instrument. Both Dickey and Bisio are seasoned improvisers and leaders in the own rights, bringing to the trio a level of creatively of exquisite styling.
Shipp has been continuously improving his repertoire from touring the world, writing new compositions and currently collaborating with Washington DC multi-media artist Barbara Januszkiewicz
Barbara Januszkiewicz
Barbara Morrison Januszkiewicz is an American painter, multi-media artist and filmmaker. She specializes in watercolor painting in a hybrid style – 'realism handled in a impressionist manner'. Her artwork has appeared predominantly in the Washington, D.C., area, including the Phillips Collection,...
. Together they are exploring a new territory through an avant-garde film called “The Composer with Matthew Shipp/ Barb Januszkiewicz."
Solo
- Symbol Systems (No More, 1995)
- Before the World (FMP, 1997)
- Songs (Splasc(h), 2001)
- One (Thirsty Ear, 2006)
- Un Piano (Rogue Art, 2008)
- 4D (Thirsty Ear, 2010)
- Creation Out Of Nothing (Live in Moscow) (SoLyd, 2010) 2CDs
As leader/co-leader
- Sonic Explorations (Cadence Jazz, 1987–88) with Rob Brown
- Circular Temple (Quinton, 1990)
- Points (Silkheart, 1991)
- Zo (Rise, 1993) with William ParkerWilliam Parker (musician)William Parker is an American free jazz double bassist, poet and composer.-Biography:Parker was not formally trained as a classical player, though he did study with Jimmy Garrison, Richard Davis, and Wilbur Ware and learned the tradition. Parker is one of few jazz bassists who regularly plays arco...
- Prism (Brinkman, 1993)
- Critical Mass (2.13.61, 1994)
- 2-Z (2.13.61, 1996) with Roscoe MitchellRoscoe MitchellRoscoe Mitchell is an African American composer, jazz instrumentalist and educator, mostly known for being "a technically superb—if idiosyncratic—saxophonist." He has been called "one of the key figures" in avant-garde jazz who has been "at the forefront of modern music" for the past...
- The Flow of X (2.13.61, 1996)
- By the Law of Music (hatOLOGY, 1996)
- Thesis (hatOLOGY, 1997) with Joe Morris
- The Multiplication Table (hatOLOGY, 1997)
- Strata (hatOLOGY, 1997)
- Gravitational Systems (hatOLOGY, 1998) with Mat ManeriMat ManeriMat Maneri, born on October 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York is an American composer, improviser and jazz violin and viola player, specifically derivatives such as the five-string viola, the electric six-string violin, and the baritone violin...
- DNA (Thirsty Ear, 1999)
- Magnetism (Bleu Regard, 1999)
- Expansion, Power, Release (hatOLOGY, 1999)
- Pastoral Composure (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2000)
- New Orbit (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2000)
- Nu Bop (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2002)
- Equilibrium (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2002)
- Antipop vs. Matthew Shipp (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2003)
- The GoodandEvil Sessions (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2003) with Roy CampbellRoy Campbell, Jr.Roy Campbell, Jr. is versatile trumpeter frequently linked to free jazz, though he has also performed rhythm and blues, bebop and funk at times during his career. Born in Los Angeles, California in 1952, Campbell was raised in New York. At age fifteen Campbell began learning to play trumpet and...
, Alex Lodico, MisoMisois a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting rice, barley and/or soybeans, with salt and the fungus , the most typical miso being made with soy. The result is a thick paste used for sauces and spreads, pickling vegetables or meats, and mixing with dashi soup stock to serve as miso...
, William ParkerWilliam Parker (musician)William Parker is an American free jazz double bassist, poet and composer.-Biography:Parker was not formally trained as a classical player, though he did study with Jimmy Garrison, Richard Davis, and Wilbur Ware and learned the tradition. Parker is one of few jazz bassists who regularly plays arco...
, Josh RosemanJosh RosemanJosh Roseman is an American jazz trombonist.Roseman was born in Boston, and studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. Roseman toured Jamaica with The Skatalites and in Australia with the Christopher Hale Ensemble... - The Sorcerer Sessions (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2003) with Gerald CleaverGerald Cleaver (musician)Gerald Cleaver is an African-American jazz drummer from Detroit, Michigan. He joined the jazz faculty at the University of Michigan in 1995...
and William ParkerWilliam Parker (musician)William Parker is an American free jazz double bassist, poet and composer.-Biography:Parker was not formally trained as a classical player, though he did study with Jimmy Garrison, Richard Davis, and Wilbur Ware and learned the tradition. Parker is one of few jazz bassists who regularly plays arco... - High WaterHigh WaterHigh Water is an album by hip hop artist El-P, released on March 9, 2004 through Thirsty Ear Recordings.Made in conjunction with jazz pianist Matthew Shipp and the group for which he is artistic director, The Blue Series Continuum, the album is a striking departure from El-P's usual style, almost...
(Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2004) Blue Series Continuum and El-P - The Trio Plays Ware (Splasc(h) 2004)
- Harmony and Abyss (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2004) with Gerald CleaverGerald Cleaver (musician)Gerald Cleaver is an African-American jazz drummer from Detroit, Michigan. He joined the jazz faculty at the University of Michigan in 1995...
and William ParkerWilliam Parker (musician)William Parker is an American free jazz double bassist, poet and composer.-Biography:Parker was not formally trained as a classical player, though he did study with Jimmy Garrison, Richard Davis, and Wilbur Ware and learned the tradition. Parker is one of few jazz bassists who regularly plays arco... - Phenomena of Interference (Hopscotch, 2006) with Steve DalachinskySteve DalachinskySteve Dalachinsky is a New York downtown poet. He is active in the poetry, music, art and music- Free jazz scene.Dalachinsky was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1946...
- Salute to 100001 Stars - A Tribute to Jean Genet (Rogue Art, 2006) with Declared Enemy
- Piano Vortex (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2007) with Joe MorrisJoe Morris (guitarist)Joe Morris is an American jazz guitarist. In addition to leading his own groups, he has recorded with William Parker, Whit Dickey, Rob Brown, Joe Maneri and others...
and Whit DickeyWhit DickeyWhit Dickey is a free jazz drummer. He has recorded albums as a bandleader, or with David S. Ware, Matthew Shipp and others.- Notes :... - Right Hemisphere (Rogue Art, 2008) with Rob Brown, Joe MorrisJoe Morris (guitarist)Joe Morris is an American jazz guitarist. In addition to leading his own groups, he has recorded with William Parker, Whit Dickey, Rob Brown, Joe Maneri and others...
and Whit DickeyWhit DickeyWhit Dickey is a free jazz drummer. He has recorded albums as a bandleader, or with David S. Ware, Matthew Shipp and others.- Notes :... - Harmonic Disorder (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2009) with Joe MorrisJoe Morris (guitarist)Joe Morris is an American jazz guitarist. In addition to leading his own groups, he has recorded with William Parker, Whit Dickey, Rob Brown, Joe Maneri and others...
and Whit DickeyWhit DickeyWhit Dickey is a free jazz drummer. He has recorded albums as a bandleader, or with David S. Ware, Matthew Shipp and others.- Notes :... - Night Logic (Rogue Art, 2011) Trio with Marshall AllenMarshall AllenMarshall Belford Allen is an American free jazz and avant-garde jazz alto saxophone player. He also performs on flute, oboe, piccolo, and EVI ....
and Joe MorrisJoe Morris (guitarist)Joe Morris is an American jazz guitarist. In addition to leading his own groups, he has recorded with William Parker, Whit Dickey, Rob Brown, Joe Maneri and others... - Art of the Improviser (Thirsty Ear Blue Series, 2011) with William ParkerWilliam Parker (musician)William Parker is an American free jazz double bassist, poet and composer.-Biography:Parker was not formally trained as a classical player, though he did study with Jimmy Garrison, Richard Davis, and Wilbur Ware and learned the tradition. Parker is one of few jazz bassists who regularly plays arco...
and Whit DickeyWhit DickeyWhit Dickey is a free jazz drummer. He has recorded albums as a bandleader, or with David S. Ware, Matthew Shipp and others.- Notes :... - SaMa Live in Moscow (SoLyd, 2011) Duo with Sabir Mateen
- Cosmic Lieder (AUM, 2011) Duo with Darius Jones
As sideman
With Roscoe MitchellRoscoe Mitchell
Roscoe Mitchell is an African American composer, jazz instrumentalist and educator, mostly known for being "a technically superb—if idiosyncratic—saxophonist." He has been called "one of the key figures" in avant-garde jazz who has been "at the forefront of modern music" for the past...
- Nine to Get ReadyNine to Get ReadyNine to Get Ready is an album by jazz saxophonist and composer Roscoe Mitchell recorded in 1997 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 3 stars stating "The performances are mostly concise, emphasize ensembles and are sometimes surprisingly...
(ECM, 1997)