Author: Matthew Shipp in Conversation with Justin Desmangles

Acclaimed pianist and visionary, Matthew Shipp, in conversation with Justin Desmangles, on his new book, Black Mystery School Pianists and Other Writings. This program is in partnership with the Before Columbus Foundation. 

Shipp has written essays for a number of fanzines, blogs and magazines over the years and this collection touches on many subjects, including jazz, sports, the psychology and spirituality of improvisation, and 1980s New York dance culture. Downbeat magazine has described Shipp as “the connection between the past, present and future for jazzheads of all ages” and as “a musician who deserves a place of choice in the jazz piano pantheon.” 

With his unique and recognizable style, pianist Matthew Shipp has worked and recorded vigorously from the late '80s onward, creating music in which free jazz and modern classical intertwined. He first became well known in the early '90s as the pianist in the David S. Ware Quartet, and soon began leading his own dates. Through his range of live and recorded performances and unswerving individual development, Shipp has come to be regarded as a prolific and respected voice in creative music into the new millennium.  

Justin Desmangles is chairman of the Before Columbus Foundation, administrator of the American Book Award.