Matthew Shipp – Steve Swell – Space Cube Jazz (RogueArt, 2024)
Personnel:
Steve Swell – trombone
Matthew Shipp – piano
(released January 12, 2024, recorded November 24th, 2021, at Park West Studios, Brooklyn, NY, USA)
The new year has started with Space Cube Jazz, an album of duets from pianist Matthew Shipp and trombonist Steve Swell. Given their respective reputations in creative music and both artists’ long relationship with RogueArt, it’s surprising that Shipp and Swell have never recorded an album together until now. However, the results are excellent, and Space Cube Jazz is strongly recommended. A great way to start 2024!
This new album is also a good entry point into the huge discographies of these two musicians, as it gives plenty of space for both the pianist and the trombonist to demonstrate their personalities, show what they can do with their instruments, and create a representative sound world. In Shipp’s case, he has referred to himself in interviews as a “cosmic pianist,” which you can hear in the abstract piano sounds, as well as the title Space Cube Jazz, and song names like “Dark Matter” or “Space Warp.” The other half of the titles describe a kinetic energy, such as “Flashes” or “Electric Tip,” which capture the flavor of the record. The interactions of Shipp and Swell have a palpable fission, and the music has a density and luster that marks its excellence.
I want to share some of the highlights. On the tune “Dark Matter,” the meeting of these players is at its most simpatico and authoritative. Taken at a leisurely tempo, Swell plays in a deep blues vein and shows off an astonishing array of moans and shouts over Shipp’s left hand bass patterns. “Dark Matter” is delightfully connected to classic jazz language and sets a wonderful and effective mood. Another memorable performance is on the dirge-like “Firmament,” which reminded me of the classic tune “Evolution” by Grachan Moncur III. Swell’s trombone, like Moncur’s, digs into a deep and meditative place, while Shipp uses the tranquil setting to craft a beautiful accompaniment. The rest of Space Cube Jazz is at an equally high level. The album opens with a dynamic back and forth of “Flashes,” where you can hear the close listening and creativity of the duo partners. Other tunes show off a shared language such as on “Stairways” and “Ice and Water.” The pacing and variety of Space Cube Jazz is also maintained by using two tracks for a solo statement – Shipp demonstrates his mesmerizing solo piano vocabulary on “Space Warp” and Swell plays a kind of trombone etude on “By and By.” Space Cube Jazz brings out the distinctive qualities in both players – Shipp’s playing is evocative, angular, wonderfully moody, and highly rhythmic. Swell’s trombone has a vocal quality, and his articulate lines feel like an echo of human thoughts and feelings. This is just what you want from the duo format – both players display what makes them special and also find a middle ground where they create memorable music.
I’m glad Swell and Shipp have finally recorded an album together, and I hope they will make many more. It is a fascinating and welcome release. As usual, there is another Shipp record right around the corner – he just announced a trio album with Michael Bisio and Newman Taylor Baker coming out in April. Swell also has another RogueArt disc coming out with the PNY Quintet in March 2024. You can check out upcoming gigs at Swell’s website, with the next being live date this Sunday at New York City Jazz Vespers. Lots to look forward to in 2024!