I just discovered jazz pianist Matthew Shipp. I vaguely remember reading something about him a few months ago, and I think he was playing for a week or two here in San Francisco. But, since I'd written off most modern jazz and boring and tired, I didn't pay any attention. But for some reason, I picked up both Pastorale Composure and New Orbit the other day and to say that I was impressed would be a huge understatement. Shipp's rolling, angry, and often thundering piano anchors the bottom of his compositions like Jon Bonham anchored "When the Levvy Breaks". I'm sure this is advertising my ignorance, but Shipp has to be the most vital and relevant modern jazz musician and composer alive. If I'm missing someone of equal importance, let me know.

There's an older (1999) interview with Shipp here where he talks about the influence of punk rock, Bowie, and Monk, among other things.