Matthew Shipp & Mark Helias — The New Syntax

The New Syntax brings together two seasoned American free jazz players. We have pianist Matthew Shipp who has been active since the late 1980s as a both side man & collaborator. He’s joined by double bass player Mark Helias whose been treading the boards since the 70s, with projects such as Slickaphonics, Open Loose, and a host of collabs. The nine-track album is a nicely varied, at times unpredictable jazz record- which nicely highlights both players' considerable talents.

The CD release appears on Frances Rogue Art. It’s presented in the labels minimalist house style white, red and black fold-out digipak- which features just sparse texts, a short write-up, and a black and white picture of duo.

The album runs just shy of the hour mark- with the tracks having run times between three and eight minutes, with a nice variation in pace of tracks.  We open up with “Mystic Rubber Band” which moves from spaced and decidedly haunting bass and key runs, onto sudden take-offs into knotty and tight weave of snapping tension. There’s “Acoustic Electric” which finds forking bass bays meeting dramatic & shifting key runs- with the pair shifting between playful bop-ish, and darting to pounding angularity. In its latter moments, it drops into a fraught almost Yiddish melody.

Later on, we have swooning ‘n’ simmer bass tones, meets shifting key cascades of “The Mystic Garden” which has a wonderful bowing ‘n’ forlorn meets ornate quality to it. Or the sassy key runs meets expressive bass fumbles of “Sonic Swing Particles”. With the release playing out with the felt key wonders and bumbling blunt to dramatic bass simmers of “Song For You”.

The New Syntax is a fine example of two free jazz pros working their considerable magic.  All making for a consistent and eventful release.