Welcome to the Innovative World of Matthew Shipp

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MATTHEW SHIPP

“Nu Bop”

Thirsty Ear

With each recording, iconoclastic pianist Shipp ventures more deeply into uncharted musical terrain, and he does so to particularly striking effect on his latest release. There may be no jazz pianist in the country who incorporates cutting-edge technology, modern dance beats, record “scratching” and other sounds of the times into the lexicon of jazz improvisation as persuasively as Shipp. Virtually every track on this stunning CD bristles with new ideas and unexpected juxtapositions. From the ebullient dance beats on “Space Shipp” to the space-age sound effects on the title track, from the gloriously thick chord-clusters of “ZX-1” to the exotic Asian scales of “D’s Choice,” Shipp embraces an astonishing range of musical influences--and makes them cohere. Joined by longtime collaborator William Parker on bass, Shipp presides over a quintet that merges acoustic and electronic idioms to often startling effect.

***1/2

FRANK CATALANO

“Live at the Green Mill”

Delmark

The latest “tough tenor” to come out of Chicago, saxophonist Catalano plays with all the fire and fury that have come to define Windy City style. Indeed, it’s not difficult to detect in Catalano’s playing the influence of such fabled Chicago tenor-wielders as Von Freeman, Johnny Griffin and Fred Anderson. You can hear it in the ferocious energy and gritty tone Catalano brings to John Coltrane’s “Impressions” and in the declamatory phrasing and keening tone with which he reinvigorates “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise.” Although he’s not yet 25, Catalano plays with the self-assurance and harmonic mastery of an older musician, yet without sacrificing the extraordinary passion of youth. This well-made live recording represents the most accurate sonic portrait yet of Catalano’s work. And although one applauds the nimble playing of trumpeter Randy Brecker, whose appearance on this disc represents a significant vote of confidence from an established master, Catalano ultimately needs no such star support. His playing easily is accomplished enough to stand on its own.

***1/2

ANTHONY WILSON TRIO

“Our Gang”

Groove Note

Guitarist Wilson has made a name for himself as a rising composer-arranger, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that his uncommonly sensitive ear for instrumental balances distinguishes this recording. “Our Gang” avoids the cliches of the typical organ-guitar trio jazz disc, bypassing the usual heavy backbeats, throbbing chords and dance-oriented grooves. Instead, Wilson offers a refreshingly light, ethereal ensemble sound, with an emphasis on purling melody, delicate chordal fills and light percussion work. From the recording’s first track, Wilson and friends disarm the listener with the sheer subtlety of their use of color and voicing on the title tune. The very name of “Chitlins Con Carne” might portend a hot and hard-hitting cut, but even here the trio produces a genteel approach to jazz-soul traditions. Throughout, Wilson plays lines that are as economical as they are elegantly sculpted.

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CYRUS CHESTNUT

“Soul Food”

Atlantic

Chestnut may be the most amiable young pianist in jazz. In concert and on disc, he seems intent on bringing high spirits and palpable optimism to everything he plays. “Soul Food” underscores the point, with its penchant for upbeat tempos, church-influenced beats and bright, major keys. Some listeners might consider this music lightweight, and, indeed, it does not attempt to make deep or profound statements. Yet Chestnut’s pianism is so deftly articulated and his fine collaborators so willing to share in his sunny vision that the music can be difficult to resist. How could anyone be unswayed by the band’s gospel-tinged version of Chestnut’s “Brother Hawky Hawk” or by his gently rolling solo piano version of “Coming Through the Rye”? Although important artists such as bassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Nash, vibist Stefon Harris, trumpeter Marcus Printup and saxophonist James Carter typically play more aggressive fare, on this occasion they warmly support Chestnut in a pleasant if unprovocative disc.

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Howard Reich is jazz critic at the Chicago Tribune, a Tribune company.