Shipp brings Art of the Improviser to Chattanooga
Avant-jazz pianist makes his only Southeastern stop
- Scoop Malinowski
Even though avant-jazz prodigy Matthew Shipp won't be making it down to Atlanta, it's only 2 hours up to Chattanooga where the pianist will be making his only Southeastern stop. While Shipp is arguably best known for his role in the powerhouse David S. Ware Quartet of the 1990s (featuring phenomenal bassist William Parker) as well as experiments with DJ Spooky and Yo La Tengo, his talents are never as evident as they are when he is performing solo. On this occasion, not only will Shipp be performing solo at the Barking Legs Theater, he'll be playing the theater's 1916 Steinway grand piano, emphasizing his propensity for intricate neo-classical tinkerings in the upper octaves as well as harmonic thunderstorms in the region of the lower keys.
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Shipp possesses the rare ability to swing like more traditional piano legends Art Tatum and Jaki Byard while displaying the complexity of improv. showman Cecil Taylor, having had shimmering praise heaped upon him by not only jazz publications such as DownBeat and JazzTimes, but by Rolling Stone as well. Although Shipp denies being influenced by Taylor, he does admit to having a certain affinity, in terms of mythical qualities, for the approach and work ethic of Sun Ra.
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Touring in support of his new double CD, Art of the Improviser, this show should be a real treat. One might be tempted to ask, "How much fun could a solo piano concert really be?" Well, if you like jazz piano, creative, vibrant music and appreciate instrumental craftsmanship, this will be something to behold.
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Matthew Shipp, solo Piano with a Q&A following the performance. Friday April 15. $15-$17. 8:30 p.m. The Barking Legs Theater in Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-624-5347.