With his unique and recognizable style, pianist Matthew Shipp has worked and recorded vigorously since the late '80s, 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 -- most often including Ware bandmate and leading bassist William Parker -- and recording a number of duets with a variety of musicians, from the legendary Roscoe Mitchell to violinist Mat Maneri.

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. Born on December 7th, 1960 and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, he grew up around '50s jazz recordings. Shipp moved to New York City in 1984 and soon met bassist William Parker, among others. Both…