Songs (Matthew Shipp album)

Songs
Studio album by Matthew Shipp
Released	2002
Recorded	November 18, 2001 The Studio, New York City
Genre	Jazz
Length	46:57
Label	Splasc(H)
Producer	Matthew Shipp, Alan Schneider
Matthew Shipp chronology
New Orbit (2001) Songs (2002) Nu Bop (2002)

Songs is a solo album by American jazz pianist Matthew Shipp performing popular standards and spirituals, which was recorded in 2001 and released on the Italian Splasc(H) label. "We Free Kings" is a Roland Kirk composition based on the Christmas carol "We Three Kings".

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
The New Rolling Stone Album Guide	[1]
Allmusic	[2]

In his review for AllMusic, Steve Loewy states "The interpretations are original, disturbing at times, but also uplifting and lyrical. The pianist follows a strategy of laying down a melody and slowly deconstructing the piece, but what is remarkable is the way in which he never lets go of the underlying song even at the most extreme moments."^[2]

Track listing

1. "We Free Kings" (John Henry Hopkins, Jr.) – 4:16
2. "There Will Never Be Another You" (Harry Warren / Mack Gordon) – 5:42
3. "Almighty Fortress Is Our God" (Martin Luther) – 5:01
4. "Con Alma" (Dizzy Gillespie) – 8:16
5. "Angel Eyes" (Matt Dennis / Earl Brent)– 5:35
6. "On Green Dolphin Street" (Bronislav Kaper / Ned Washington) – 3:53
7. "Bags' Groove" (Milt Jackson) – 3:25
8. "Yesterdays" (Jerome Kern / Otto Harbach) – 5:32
9. "East Broadway Run Down" (Sonny Rollins) – 5:17

Personnel

• Matthew Shipp - piano

References

1. Brackett, Nathan (2004). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide. The Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Fireside. p. 732. ISBN 0743201698.
2. Loewy, Steve. Matthew Shipp – Songs: Review at AllMusic. Retrieved January 22, 2015.