Watch Solos: The Jazz Sessions - Matthew Shipp

Solos: The Jazz Sessions - Matthew Shipp is an intimate and mesmerizing film that features the legendary jazz pianist Matthew Shipp. Directed by Blue Trio Films, the movie is a part of the Solos Jazz Sessions series that showcases some of the finest modern jazz musicians unraveling their soulful melodies in an unadulterated and personal setting.

The film portrays a series of solo piano performances by Matthew Shipp that are recorded with a single camera and no additional edits. The performances are captured in an old church in Brooklyn, New York, which serves as an apt backdrop for the meditative and contemplative aura of Shipp's music. The sparse set design and minimalistic lighting only heighten the intimacy and intensity of the music.

Shipp's music is challenging, experimental, and improvisational - qualities that are often associated with the avant-garde jazz movement. His style draws from a variety of influences, including the free jazz of the 1960s and 1970s, the European classical music tradition, and contemporary electronic music. Shipp's music is marked by intricate harmonies, angular melodies, and unexpected rhythmic shifts that often defy conventional jazz idioms.

The first piece in the film, titled "Un Piano," is a breathtaking performance that seamlessly blends melodic fragments and dissonant clusters, creating a sonic tapestry that invites the viewer to embark on a sonic journey. Shipp's hands dance across the black and white keys, often teasing the listener with a melodic phrase before abruptly shifting gears and taking the music in a new direction.

The second piece, "New Orbit," starts with a quiet and contemplative introduction that gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a fierce and frenetic solo that showcases Shipp's virtuosic technique and dynamic range. The third piece, "CLI," is a haunting and lyrical meditation that showcases Shipp's ability to imbue his music with emotional depth and expressive nuance.

Throughout the film, Shipp speaks candidly about his musical influences and creative process, offering insights into his artistic vision and the philosophy that underpins his music. His musings on the nature of improvisation, the importance of silence and space in music, and the role of the artist in society provide a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who has spent decades pushing the boundaries of jazz.

One of the strengths of the film is its ability to capture the intimate interplay between the performer, the instrument, and the space. The sound design and mixing are expertly done, with the piano's acoustics and Shipp's touch sensitively captured to create a rich and immersive sonic experience. The camera work is equally impressive, with the film's sole camera expertly capturing the subtle nuances of Shipp's performance, from his facial expressions to the movement of his hands and fingers.

In sum, Solos: The Jazz Sessions - Matthew Shipp is a poetic and compelling film that showcases the mastery and vision of one of jazz's most innovative pianists. The film is a must-see for any jazz lover who is interested in the avant-garde and experimental side of the genre, as well as those who are interested in the creative process and the inner workings of an artist's mind.

Solos: The Jazz Sessions - Matthew Shipp is a musical with a runtime of 47 minutes.