Name: Circular Temple
Brand: Matthew Shipp Trio

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

ESP4082LP

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-11-24

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0825481408219

Total Cap

Black LP

ESP4082CD

2203-11-24

0825481408226

Artist

Matthew Shipp Trio

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

ESP Disk

New York based experimental, avant-garde, and free-jazz label ESP Disk was founded in 1963 by Bernard Stollman. Originally known as Esperanto-Disk, the name was shortened to ESP-Disk'. Although it faced financial challenges in the US, the label gained recognition in Europe and Japan through licensing agreements. In 1992, Stollman licensed the catalog to German label ZYX Music for reissues on CD. The Japanese label Venus Records also licensed a number of titles. Subsequently, there were brief licensing agreements with Dutch label Calibre and Italian label Abraxas. Since 2005, ESP Disk of New York has resumed manufacturing and is releasing reissues, previously unreleased material, and new releases.

The label had several addresses over the years: 
<ul>
<li>180 Riverside Drive (1964-1966)</li>
<li>5 Riverside Drive (inbetween addresses)</li>
<li>156 Fifth Avenue (1966-1969)</li>
<li>300 W. 55 (1970)</li>
<li>Acorn Hill House, Krumville (1969-1972)</li>
<li>290 West End Ave (1973-1975)</li></ul>

ESP Disk's discography includes numerous notable releases spanning from ESP-1002 to ESP-3021.

The Matthew Shipp Trio is a jazz ensemble that has been creating music since 1992. Led by the talented pianist and composer Matthew Shipp, the trio has seen various changes in its lineup over the years. However, Shipp remains a constant and integral part of the group. Accompanied by renowned bassists such as William Parker and Michael Bisio, as well as drummers like Whit Dickey and Newman Baker, the trio has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the jazz scene.
The Matthew Shipp Trio's unique sound sets them apart from other artists in their genre. Drawing inspiration from avant-garde jazz, their music captivates listeners with its innovative compositions and improvisations. With influences ranging from traditional jazz to experimental sounds, they have created a distinct musical identity that appeals to both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
If you enjoy artists such as David S. Ware, Wadada Leo Smith, or William Parker, then you are sure to appreciate the artistry of the Matthew Shipp Trio. Their collaborations with esteemed musicians like Roscoe Mitchell, Tyshawn Sorey, and Ivo Perelman further showcase their versatility and commitment to pushing boundaries within their craft.

It has become clear that Matthew Shipp is the most interesting and important jazz pianist of his generation, the most continually evolving and pushing forward. Now that he’s in his sixties and something of an elder statesman of the art form, he’s overdue for a retrospective look at his catalog, and to help make that happen, ESP-Disk’ will be reissuing some of his great early work that’s gone out of print:  

The 1990 trio recording Circular Temple (originally self-released on Quinton, then reissued in 1994 by Henry Rollins on his Infinite Zero label).

His 1994 duo album with William Parker, Zo (originally on Rise, reissued in '97 on Rollins’s 2.13.61 label) in 2024.

These will both be reissued not only on CD, the format on which they first appeared, but on vinyl as well, since many jazz fans prefer that medium. Additionally, his solo piano album Zero, released by ESP-Disk’ in 2018, will be put out on vinyl for the first time, also in 2024.  

Circular Temple has marked many firsts for Matthew Shipp: his first CD release, first piano trio album, first of many times on record with Parker and Dickey, first album to be reissued, and on ESP-Disk’s reissue of it, first CD-only album to finally appear on vinyl and first album to be released by three different labels. And, more trivially, the first Shipp album that current ESP head/reissue producer Steve Holtje acquired, back when the only choices were that and a 1988 LP-only duo by Shipp and saxophonist Rob Brown on the Cadence label. 

Circular Temple

Music GB

Discover Circular Temple by Matthew Shipp Trio. Reissued on vinyl by ESP Disk, this jazz piano trio album is a retrospective look at Shipp's early work.