Songs

Released in 2001 on the Italian Splasc(H) label, 'Songs' represents a pivotal moment in Matthew Shipp's discography where he directly confronted the jazz tradition. While Shipp is primarily known for his dense, original compositions and his work with the David S. Ware Quartet, this solo outing focuses almost entirely on standards and spirituals. The tracklist includes staples like 'Con Alma' and 'Bag's Groove', alongside the traditional 'Almighty Fortress Is Our God'. Shipp's approach is one of 'deconstructionist reverence'; he maintains the DNA of the original melodies while subjecting them to his signature percussive attacks and non-linear harmonic expansions. Critically, the album was noted for its ability to remain 'lyrical' even at its most 'disturbing' (AllMusic), marking it as a rare accessible entry point into Shipp's complex sonic world without sacrificing his avant-garde credentials. It stands as a stark, minimalist contrast to his more electronic-leaning 'Nu Bop' era which followed shortly after.