Matthew Shipp reflection by Peter Gannushkin
What genre of music do you play?
I play cosmic universal music — I don’t believe in genre. I search for the energy behind music and play my soul, but not a genre.
When did you start performing?
I started playing in public at a very early age and have played all types of music. I started performing my own music when I was in my early 20s.
What city and state are you based out of?
I was born in, and grew up in, Wilmington, Delaware.
What about playing music makes you happy?
What makes me happy about playing music is that it is what I was born to do.
What are your hopes for your future in live music?
I have no hopes for anything in the future. When I get in front of a piano, it is me and my muse in a void. It’s a prayer, and that does not leave room for a hope.
What other acts/musicians do you regularly play with?
My focus is with my trio with Mike Bisio on bass and Whit Dickey on drums.
What has been your favorite performance so far?
Every performance is what it is and is a chance to transmit vibrations to people, so they are all equally important and favorite.
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
My favorite musicians as a child where Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Bach, and Stevie Wonder. Now my favorite musician is the cosmos.
What is your favorite instrument to play? Why?
My Favorite instrument is the piano, for I was born to play it.
Mathew Shipp Trio: Elastic Aspects
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B006UFHDCM/matthewshipp-20
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