The very adventurous pianist
Matthew Shipp performs a set of duets with one of his main inspirations, bassist
William Parker. They start off with a dark rendition of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," play five spontaneous improvisations (three of which are concise) and close off the recital with a brief "Amazing Grace."
Shipp's dense chords and atonal playing will remind some listeners of
Cecil Taylor although there is a lyricism in his music (and an occasional use of space) that is very much his own. As usual,
Parker plays in a driving fashion yet creates a wide variety of often other-worldly sounds. This CD will not convert any conservative listeners but it is up to
Shipp's usual level.