Customer Reviews

Harmony and Abyss

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Avant garde jazz pianist Matthew Shipp continues down the path of electro-acoustic jazz with "Harmony and Abyss." Curator of Thirsty Ear's experimental jazz program, The Blue Series, Shipp is one of the series' leading proponents of combining electronica and post modern beat technology with the classic acoustic jazz tradition.

"Harmony and Abyss" is perhaps his most successful attempt at combining the two seemingly disparate styles yet. His two previous albums from 2002, "Nu Bop" and "Equilibrium" found Shipp and his rhythm section accompanied by guest soloists, this time the core trio is joined only by producer FLAM. The results are more organic and subtle than any Shipp has delivered before. A few tracks are devoid of any electronic tinkering, while some are dominated by sampling technology and studio manipulation. Cuts like "3 in 1" and "Galaxy 105" are pure acoustic piano trio improvisations and wouldn't sound out of place on an old 1960's Blue Note record in the vein of say Andrew Hill or Cecil Taylor. Whereas tracks like "String Theory" and "Abyss" are so electronically augmented and manipulated, that one wouldn't initially think they were listening to a "jazz" album at all, but perhaps instead to a new electronica disc. It's on a more definitive cut like "Blood 2 The Brain" where the electro-acoustic elements merge seamlessly to become a new entity. Driving drum n' bass rhythms contrast with and complement the acoustic piano trio in new and invigorating ways. The predominantly dark introspective vibe is maintained across the whole of the record however, despite the variations in electronic and acoustic sound.

Even more focused and consistent than his previous efforts in the genre, "Harmony and Abyss" sets a high water mark for like-minded jazz musicians to aspire to.

I agree with everything the above reviewer has said, and I can only add that the songs on this CD are what happens when talented people get together and decide that genres don't make sense any more. This is such a great recording. It points towards the future. jazz is finally heading (where it was going anyway) in the late 80's/early 90's, and finally arriving. There are still a LOT of hellishly good players out there, and they don't just play the "traditional" jazz instruments or repertoire. Matthew Shipp sits right in the spectrum with Cecil Taylor, Ornette, Andrew cyrille, and others. I remember reading that Mr. Shipp was contemplating not playing any more out of frustration with jazz, and I'm very grateful he didn't. This is great, forward thinking stuff. There are still pioneers, as difficult as it is to find those places. Matthew Shipp is one of these. Do you need to be open minded to listen to this CD? I guess that depends on how much "other" music you like. I suspect there are a whole lot of people like me that love all sorts of stuff, and this would be enjoyed by them as well. A great, moody, accomplished piece of work. Solid.