DNA

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.