Clifford Allen, author of 'Singularity Codex: Matthew Shipp on Rogue Art,' discusses collaborating with Shipp, exploring his releases, analyzing albums, the role of the engineer and recording space, and reflections on creating the book.
The book "Singularity Codex" provides a thorough analysis of Matthew Shipp's 25 releases on the Rogue Art label, showcasing his growth and versatility as a musician.
The collaboration between author Clifford Allen and Matthew Shipp allowed for a close partnership that shaped the book according to Allen's vision, resulting in a reflection of their deep connection and shared creative process.
Deep dives
Unique Structure: Singularity Codex, Matthew Ship on Rogueard
The author of the book, Singularity Codex, Matthew Ship on Rogueard, Clifford Allen, discusses the unique structure of the book. The book is divided into themed sections, featuring chapters of question and answers, as well as analysis and history. Allen conducted interviews with Ship's collaborators, studio personnel, and the head of the Rogueard label. The book also delves into an in-depth analysis of each of Ship's 25 releases on the label, exploring the development of his work over the years. Overall, the book aims to explore the interactions between history, current practices, and ideas through the lens of Matthew Ship's music.
The Journey of Writing the Book: Idea to Collaboration
Clifford Allen reveals that the idea of writing a book had been germinating in his mind for a while. When approached by Matthew Ship and the Rogueard label, Allen saw an opportunity to embark on his first book project. The collaboration was a natural fit, as Allen had been interviewing Ship and writing about his music for many years. The process of writing the book involved conducting interviews with Ship and his collaborators, which shaped the structure and content of the book. Allen also had the freedom to shape the project according to his own vision, with guidelines given by Ship. The book ultimately became a reflection of the close partnership formed between Allen and Ship throughout the process.
Exploring the Music and Historical Context
The book incorporates a historical context to provide a rich background for readers, not only those already familiar with Matthew Ship, but also those new to his music. It explores Ship's music within the broader context of contemporary improvised music and New York's music scene. The book highlights the cumulative nature of Ship's work, touching on his collaborative efforts and his ability to carve out spaces within different musical circles. Language and artistic philosophies also play a significant role in Ship's music, and the book delves into these concepts as a central crux, exploring the deep connection between language, sonic expression, and creativity.
In-depth Analysis of Ship's Rogueard Releases
One of the notable features of the book is the detailed analysis of each of Matthew Ship's releases on the Rogueard label. Clifford Allen listened to and studied all the albums chronologically, providing insights and perspectives on each recording. This meticulous examination reveals the breadth and depth of Ship's work, showcasing his versatility and growth as a musician. The book also examines Ship's collaborations with various artists, shedding light on their creative process and the impact of those partnerships. Through this analysis, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of Ship's discography and its significance within the larger context of contemporary improvised music.
On this episode, Marc talks to Clifford Allen, author of “Singularity Codex: Matthew Shipp on Rogue Art,” published in August of 2023. It focuses on the 25 releases pianist Matthew Shipp has been involved in for the Rogue Art label, while also functioning as a biography of Shipp as well as a history of the free jazz scene he’s been involved in in New York since the late 1980s.
As Clifford explains in his introduction, “[this book]’s purpose is to take a 25-disc slice of Shipp’s universe as a microcosm of the larger world of creative music and explore the mutable interactions between history, current practices, and ideas through the lens of on pianist, his various playing partners, and others who have helped realize this work.”
We hope you enjoy Marc's conversation with Clifford!
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