Matthew Shipp – I’ve Been To Many Places (2014)
Not content to draw inspiration only from his influences, Shipp finds the insight for his music from himself, an earlier version of himself as interpreted by today’s version.
Not content to draw inspiration only from his influences, Shipp finds the insight for his music from himself, an earlier version of himself as interpreted by today’s version.
Hagen constructs a gentle jazz funk, but it’s far from easy listening.
‘The Where’ is a solid step up from a level that was already high. No one should think jazz is stuck on neutral after listening to this trio, and one senses that they are just getting started.
‘Reflexology’ continues with Groder’s open-ended mastery, with a rhythm section that acts as a natural extension of its leader.
This is an album of beauty – authentic, and from the heart.
This is music that builds on the past – rather than fetishizing it.
The consummation of many years of study, practice, talent and a wide-open mind.
“Your Song” is as dynamic and full of nifty little turns as life itself.
Daring but not self indulgent, this double album would be a risk in lesser hands.
A prog-leaning album that is noisy, experimental and brave.