It becomes clear on solo live performances such as the one captured on ‘Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zürich’ that the more Matthew Shipp is exposed, the more fascinating is his music.

Conceived as it was played, ‘Vessel In Orbit’ is unpredictable, melodic and has form built around emotion not formal structures. When it’s done by such elastic artists like Dickey, Shipp and Maneri, it all comes together beautifully.

Here’s an exclusive stream of “Flying Carpet”, from the Matthew Shipp Trio album ‘Piano Song’ to be released January 27, 2017 on Thirsty Ear Records.

‘Piano Song’ leaves one last example on Thirsty Ear Records of the high standard set by its A&R guy Matthew Shipp for other artists to strive toward.

‘Live In Sant’Anna Arresi, 2004’ builds on David S. Ware’s posthumous legacy while furthering the living legacy of Matthew Shipp.

Finding simpatico between improvising piano and drums probably isn’t so easy to pull off convincingly, but Bobby Kapp and Matthew Shipp make it seem that way.

‘Live In Seattle’ is something like a Matthew Shipp solo piano performance extended to lower timbres because the pianist Shipp and bassist Bisio are of such a singular mind.

Mat Walerian places much trust in his good instincts on ‘Jungle,’ even as he does show he knows much about the tenants music and even in the presence of more established masters.

Nick DeRiso’s Best of 2015 list for blues, jazz and R&B also included Marc Cary, Robben Ford, Dave Douglas, Papa Mali, Matthew Shipp and others.

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2015’s modern and mainstream jazz albums, including John Scofield, Matthew Shipp, Antonio Sanchez and others.