Pianist and composer Matthew Shipp has developed a musical language of his own, one that can be dense and forceful, spare and questioning, and sometimes all of those things within the same performance. Widely known through his work in saxophonist David S. Ware’s quartet, one of the defining groups in the New York free-jazz scene of the 1990s where, alongside bassist William Parker, he helped give that group both its foundation and much of its restless movement. His own recordings, whether for solo piano, a trio, or other combinations of musicians, have built an equally substantial body of work. In this episode, hear how songs by McCoy Tyner, Duke Ellington, and Albert Ayler influenced him. Shipp will perform at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN in April of 2027.

www.essentialpodcast.com

Pianist and composer Matthew Shipp has developed a musical language of his own, one that can be dense and forceful, spare and questioning, and sometimes all of those things within the same performance. Widely known through his work in saxophonist David S. Ware&rsquo;s quartet, one of the defining groups in the New York free-jazz scene of the 1990s where, alongside bassist William Parker, he helped give that group both its foundation and much of its restless movement. His own recordings, whether for solo piano, a trio, or other combinations of musicians, have built an equally substantial body of work. In this episode, hear how songs by McCoy Tyner, Duke Ellington, and Albert Ayler influenced him. Shipp will perform at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN in April of 2027.
www.essentialpodcast.com

A show in which musicians and other creators talk about the songs that shaped who they are. Produced by Matt Byars and Lee Gardner.

A show in which musicians and other creators talk about the songs that shaped who they are. Produced by Matt Byars and Lee Gardner.

Essential Tremors

A show in which musicians and other creators talk about the songs that shaped who they are.