Matthew Shipp Trio's Tribute to Duke Ellington, Washington DC Apri

[Leeway]

On an incredibly beautiful Sunday afternoon, I headed into Washington DC to see the Matthew Shipp Trio at Bohemian Caverns. I arrived a little early to find a huge crowd of party-goers occupying the upper level and patio of the club; the downstairs “caverns” where the Shipp concert was to be held was still locked. I also found Matt Shipp hanging out, enjoying the weather and the crowd, which provided an opportunity for some pleasant conversation with Matt, and a bit later, bassist Michael Bisio. Eventually, the downstairs space opened and I followed Matt in.

The two-set concert was billed as “The Matt Shipp Trio’s Tribute to Duke Ellington.” I knew Matt had done some astonishing interpretations of Ellington pieces, so I was looking forward to this concert. A full house was on hand, whether for Matt, the Duke, or both, could not be determined. But first, one of those gremlins that seem to be popping up regularly, had to be dealt with. It turned out that the group on the upper level was part of a U Street Corridor “bar crawl” (sounds like fun), and we would have to wait a half hour for them and their sound equipment and DJ to move on. The mood was good, so not a big deal. While we’re waiting, I should mention that drummer Whit Dickey, as usual, made up the third member of the trio.

Matt introduced the first set by telling the audience that the Trio would do their usual set, but that Ellington might rise-- or disappear below the surface—in the course of that set. Indeed, this turned out to be a very accurate description of the music. Matt also commented that Ellington was an icon of his, but that he also learned from Ellington to play true to oneself. Matt started the set with a long-ish solo, which incorporated “Prelude to a Kiss.” The Trio them came together, and, really, they were on fire. In the course of the 65-75 minute set, Matt incorporated some terrific interpretations of “C Jam Blues,” “Take the A Train,” and near the end, “In a Sentimental Mood.” Like some mythical dolphin, Ellington would first appear skimming above the foam of the musical waves, then diving just below the surface, visible but refracting light and shape. Or, to mix metaphors, sometimes he was heard; sometimes just felt.

The second set had a different feel to it, possibly because it was marked by longer solos from Bisio and Dickey. Dickey is not on my Top Ten drummers list, but I was interested in observing his drumming. Basically, Dickey is a “stick guy.” No kitchen utensils used as percussion instruments; no edging the cymbals for eerie sounds, no hundred little objects tossed around. Just drumsticks deployed like a threshing machine. If Dickey is a relentless rationalist, Bisio is an ecstatic. As Matt called him after the second set, “Michael “Throw your hear and soul into it” Bisio. But even Bisio works with the basics: one bow, hung from his hip, deployed only occasionally (hardly at all in the first set, somewhat more in the second). Highly romantic playing, but again, no esoterica. Matt himself did a very little bit of inside the piano playing, but again, his playing relies on his imagination and knowledge, rather than any advanced pianistic techniques. It made me think that the Trio is essentially a very conventional piano trio.

As for second set Ellington, Matt included “Satin Doll” and “Mood Indigo,” while Bisio played, “ Do Nothing Til You Hear From me” during his bass solo. However, it was an extended treatment by Matt of “Summertime” that closed the set that had some audience members shaking their heads (in a good way).

Being able to see Ken Vandermark, Ingrid Laubrock/Tom Rainey, and Matt Shipp in the space of four days made for a memorable musical week.

[relyles]

Looks like a special performance. I have been able to hear the Shipp trio live three times, and each time was a memorable experience.

[mjazzg]

Sounds great, thanks for the review. It's indeed a fine trio

[CraigP]

Makes me want to check out his new CD.

[relyles]

Makes me want to check out his new CD.

It's very good.

[Leeway]

Makes me want to check out his new CD.

It's very good.

The one on Relative Pitch, "Root of Things"? Yes, indeed.

[relyles]

Makes me want to check out his new CD.

It's very good.

The one on Relative Pitch, "Root of Things"? Yes, indeed.

That is the one I was referring to as well/