MATTHEW SHIPP
Equilibrium (Thirsty Ear)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Like clockwork, Matthew Shipp delivers another superb new year entry into the impressive Thirsty Ear Blue series. Augmenting his carefree piano/drums/bass and vibes quartet with slinky electronics from a fella named FLAM, Shipp distances himself even further from the adventurous, and sometimes grating avant jazz scene of downtown Manhattan. Whereas the last record was a jazz combo on a groove search, Equilibrium is a more focused slab, exploring moods not styles. Jazz is in a flux, and Shipp, with his brilliant piano work, is definitely among the leaders of the pack.

© 2003 - John Sekerka