by Steven LoewyThe year 2002 might be called the year of the standard, with this release falling on the heels of a similar effort by a similarly remarkable recording on the Tzadik label by radical guitarist Derek Bailey. Songs is a brilliant effort, in which Matthew Shipp puts his unique stamp on popular standards (including a couple of spirituals: "We Free Kings" and "Almighty Fortress Is Our God"). As is to be expected, the interpretations are original, disturbing at times, but also uplifting and lyrical. The pianist follows a strategy of laying down a melody and slowly deconstructing the piece, but what is remarkable is the way in which he never lets go of the underlying song even at the most extreme moments. How many players -- jazz or otherwise -- could put a new twist on a worn chestnut such as "There Will Never Be Another You"? In Shipp's hands the essence of the tune takes on a new life, with altered rhythms and accents and varying time. The pianist is a lyrical player at heart who revels in melody, but who resists the urge to follow worn paths. The results beg to be recognized as definitive treatments, although it is the nature of jazz improvisation that today's classic is tomorrow's history. Nonetheless, this album is one of Shipp's best, and because of the recognizable tunes, his most accessible.