- Release Info -------------------------------------------------------------- -
Artist: Matthew Shipp Trio
Album: Harmonic Disorder
Label: Thirsty Ear
Playtime: 54:48 min
Genre: Jazz
URL:
Rip date: 2009-02-25
Street date: 2009-01-27
Size: 75.75 MB
Type: Normal
Quality: 184 kbps / 4410kHz / Joint Stereo
- Release Notes ------------------------------------------------------------- -
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 List ---------------------------------------------------------------- -
01. GNG ( 4:34)
02. There Will Never Be Another You ( 3:14)
03. Harmonic Disorder ( 5:29)
04. Someday My Prince Will Come ( 3:52)
05. Mel Chi 2 ( 1:55)
06. Mr. JM ( 4:33)
07. Mel Chi 1 ( 1:47)
08. Roe ( 5:13)
09. Orb ( 3:16)
10. Compost ( 4:05)
11. Zo Number 2 ( 6:18)
12. Quantum Wave ( 4:54)
13. Light ( 3:01)
14. When The Curtain Falls On The Jazz Theatre ( 2:37)
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