A significant contemporary composer, A&R, bandmember and duo partner, Matthew Shipp has also made fine solo piano recordings over the years, with 2021’s Codebreaker a possible highpoint of his 16 works in the format. This new set is fascinating for the subtle new layers of the artist’s personality it reveals among the familiar marks of distinction. Think inventive and intrinsic.

The playful lateral-mindedness of Shipp’s material is maintained, but it also gains what is at times a more serenely melodic slant. The line between pianissimo and fortissimo is intriguingly crossed, certainly on the title track which has a number of caressed as well as crashed lines while Shipp’s trademark ‘bass flood’ acquires a hazy softness due to the careful regulation of his attack.

Given the overriding identification of Shipp with the avant-garde, it is not commonplace to think of him as an artist with soul jazz chops – but this work shows that Ramsey Lewis and Duke Ellington in hushed (dare one say sentimental) mood, are as present in his DNA as Monk and Taylor. Shipp is at a stage of his career where his musicianship is fully formed, and the finer points of his character and worldview are painted on to the intricate canvas of this notable set.