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Matthew Shipp String Trio: Symbolic Reality

By Karl Ackermann
February 26, 2020
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Matthew Shipp String Trio: Symbolic Reality

Of the many formations in which

Matthew Shipp

piano
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Matthew Shipp works, his string trio is one of the most eclectic and appealing.

Mat Maneri

viola
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Mat Maneri,

" data-original-title="" title="">William Parker and Shipp have covered the breadth of progressive improvised music from chamber to noise. Shipp has dabbled in electronica and hip-hop, but more often in the genre-less manner which makes him stand apart. Maneri has collaborated with a wide range of artists including

Cecil Taylor

piano
1929 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Cecil Taylor,

Paul Motian

drums
1931 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Motian and

Club d'Elf

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.1998

" data-original-title="" title="">Club d'Elf. Parker's resume includes recordings with artists as diverse as

Anthony Braxton

woodwinds
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Braxton,

Bill Dixon

trumpet
1925 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Dixon and

Federico Ughi

drums
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Federico Ughi. All members of the trio have a link to the recordings of saxophonists

Ivo Perelman

saxophone, tenor
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Ivo Perelman and the late

David S. Ware

saxophone, tenor
1949 - 2012

" data-original-title="" title="">David S. Ware.

Symbolic Reality is the third album from the Matthew Shipp String Trio, dating back to By The Law Of Music (hatOLOGY, 1997). They maintain the caginess of their debut and, with their musical maturity, they are even more worthy of attention. The six compositions are from Shipp but, given the intuition and impulsive nature of these musicians, the pre-determined structures are starting points. "Central Flame," with Parker playing bowed bass, is symphonious as is the more abstract title track. "Inner Speech" features Shipp's brilliantly distinctive solo work; Maneri and Parker split off for the cerebral "The Other Universe"; their ability to transmit thoughts is remarkable.

"Law of Sequence," the longest track at over eleven minutes, closes the collection with pleasing balance. The piece rises and retreats often on the power of Shipp's piano—resounding at points, graceful at others. The broad range of artistry plays out in solitary and collective settings, flowing effortlessly through phases. The parts and their sum are equally rewarding.

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Track Listing

Central Flame; Symbolic Reality; Flesh and Bone; Inner Speech; The Other Universe; Law of Sequence.

Personnel

Matthew Shipp

piano

Mat Maneri

viola

William Parker

bass

Album information

Title: Symbolic Reality | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Rogue Art

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