Zo [CD]

The Matthew Shipp Duo with William Parker - Zo [CD]

Pianist Matthew Shipp and bassist William Parker have been collaborating on record since 1989. Their first duo album, Zo, was recorded in 1993 and includes their adventurous take on George Gershwin's 1934 song "Summertime," from Porgy and Bess. Zo, originally released in 1994 on the small Rise label, made such an impression that it was reissued in '97 on Henry Rollins's 2.13.61 label. ESP-Disk' will be the first label to release a vinyl edition. Cover artwork: "Untitled" by Yuko Otomo; drawn on 11"x14" paper. Photographed by Alan Nahigian.

"In the early '90s Shipp favored duos and unconventional trios that would set up spontaneous interactions around his spare themes. This is one of the best, not least because it provides a lot of space for Parker to come out front. As is often the case with avant-jazz, a familiar standard (in this case 'Summertime') provides a tether for the action, but the three parts of "Zo" are more dynamic and inventive." --Tom Hull

"... a splendid 1993 duet that allowed Shipp to traverse the impressive range of his own music" --Neil Tesser, Chicago Reader.

Tracklist
01. Zo #1 (10:24)
02. Summertime (12:00)
03. Zo #2 (13:27)
04. Zo #3 (14:02)