You can get into all sorts of fistfights and parlor games about who’s the most innovative jazz pianist around these days: Jason Moran or this New York mainstay. Moran’s more trad-bound–and, not
coincidentally, more feted–but despite Shipp’s avant-garde roots, his latest disc includes his takes on “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Take the A Train,” neither of which would upset anyone down the street at Blue Note. His playing is luxurious no matter what style he plumbs, and he’s still got a lot to prove at 50 years young. With Weasel Walter/Mary Halvorson/Peter Evans Trio.
Mon., March 7, 10 p.m., 2011