Matthew Shipp
Matthew Shipp
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Matthew Shipp is a jazz pianist and composer known professionally as Matthew Shipp.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 7, 1960, in Wilmington, Delaware. As of this writing (2023), he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, musician, jazz pianist, and composer.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a musical family had a profound influence on Shipp's early life. His father was a saxophonist, which exposed him to the world of jazz from a young age. Moving to New York City at 17 marked the beginning of his professional career as a musician. He quickly became immersed in the city's vibrant jazz scene.
Major Accomplishments
Shipp has released numerous critically acclaimed albums throughout his career. His work with other notable artists, such as David S. Ware and William Parker, has been particularly influential. As an integral part of the Downtown Scene in New York City during the 1980s and 1990s, Shipp was at the forefront of a new wave of avant-garde jazz.
Notable Works or Actions
One of his most notable collaborations is with David S. Ware's quartet. His contributions to this project earned him widespread recognition within the jazz community. Additionally, Shipp has been an active member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), a collective that seeks to promote experimental music.
Impact and Legacy
Shipp's work has not only influenced his peers but also paved the way for future generations of musicians. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz has left a lasting impact on the genre as a whole. The musical landscape would be vastly different without Shipp's innovative approach to composition and performance.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Matthew Shipp is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering dedication to creative expression. As an artist who consistently challenges conventions, he continues to inspire and influence others in the music world. His ability to blend traditional techniques with modern experimentation has made him a leading figure in contemporary jazz.
By exploring the life and career of Matthew Shipp, one can gain insight into the evolution of modern jazz. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of artistic innovation and perseverance.
Quotes by Matthew Shipp
His name, even, is part of the marketing scheme, I mean, Thelonious Sphere Monk – how can you think of a better name to fit his style of playing?
Thelonious Sphere Monk: there’s not a more perfect name to fit his compositions than that name.
The iconoclastic mode, that specific mode of language, there is an element of it that it is punk – that is confrontational. That’s just a part of the language of jazz – at a certain point.
The iconoclastic mode, that specific mode of language, there is an element of it that it is punk - that is confrontational. That's just a part of the language of jazz - at a certain point.
What makes bebop legitimate is the fact that when it was done, it was illegitimate.
People come from a certain generation and a certain whole way of looking at things, and you really do become a prisoner of your own world.