Pastoral Composure is an album by American jazz pianist Matthew Shipp, recorded in 2000 and released on Thirsty Ear. It was the first installment of the Blue Series, a collection of releases curated by Shipp. He leads a quartet with trumpeter Roy Campbell, bassist William Parker and drummer Gerald Cleaver. The album includes a version of Duke Ellington composition "Prelude to a Kiss" and a rendition of the French traditional song "Frère Jacques".
Reception
In her review for AllMusic, Joslyn Layne states: "one of Shipp's more accessible albums, making it great place to start for those interested in checking out this important modern jazz pianist." The Pitchfork review by Matt LeMay claims: "It's remarkably complex and musically proficient, yet instantly accessible, and a keeper in every respect."LeMay, Matt. Pastoral Composure review at Pitchfork
Track listing All compositions by Matthew Shipp except as indicated "Gesture" – 6:49 "Visions" – 7:56 "Prelude to a Kiss" (Duke Ellington) – 4:38 "Pastoral Composure" – 4:39 "Progression" – 5:33 "Frère Jacques" (Traditional) – 5:36 "Merge" – 5:46 "Inner Order" – 3:44 "XTU" – 3:34
Personnel Matthew Shipp – piano Roy Campbell – trumpet, pocket trumpet, flugelhorn William Parker – bass Gerald Cleaver – drums
References