Matthew Shipp

About

Avant-garde jazz pianist and bandleader who played on the edge between modern classical jazz and free jazz.

Before Fame

He played in rock bands in high school. He fully committed to jazz while attending the New England Conservatory of Music where he was taught by Dennis Sandole, John Coltrane's saxophone instructor.

Trivia

He started off playing in jazz groups, such as David S. Ware's quartet, before moving on to duets and finally solo works.

Family Life

He was exposed to jazz early in his childhood, thanks to his mother's friendship with trumpeter Clifford Brown.

Associated With

His lengthy list of collaborators consisted of such great musicians as DJ Spooky, William Parker, and Roscoe Mitchell.