Symbol Systems

Album review

Recorded in 1995 for the label No More Records, Symbol Systems reappears in 2018 in a remastered version thanks to Hat Hut, a label specialised in avant-garde free and jazz music. A sort of catchall genre, in which Matthew Shipp has nicely made his mark. In the middle of the 1990s, the American pianist, 35 years old at the time, had already authored five albums and amassed a rather large following. This album was his first solo attempt. A sort of trial by fire for the outlaw that some describe as the spiritual son of Cecil Taylor.

Except that the fourteen tracks on Symbol Systems highlight how reductive the filiation is in fact, as Shipp plays with textures and tones in a completely different way than his illustrious elder. Just like with his unruly peers Marilyn Crispell and Myra Melford, his piano feeds off from various sources and isn’t exclusively percussive. At times, it even leans towards Bud Powell, Andrew Hill or Herbie Nichols. Matthew Shipp is able to arrange his numerous influences in a rather singular and original manner. The 23 years between the release of Symbol Systems and its remastered version show that time has made this piece – that is, it’s true, not suited for every ear − even more profound and beautiful. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz