Given the success of the futuristic sub sonic production of Def Jux founder and artist El-P, his decision to go a different direction via jazz will turn his fans on their collective ear. Jazz? Yes people…Jazz. While many have been used to El-P science fiction-esque boom-bap of synthesizers and drums, the idea of taken on a whole new project could be a pleasant one for El-Producto and his fans. High Water is a collaboration with jazz musicians from the Thirsty Ear label, which is led by pianist Matthew Shipp.

One would expect the innovative sounds to turn High Water Mark into a unique hybrid of jazz, except the album doesn’t feature any of those stylings whatsoever. It seems that as an alternative El-P has decided to abandon his signature style altogether. Instead what you get is what sounds like an impromptu session of jazz with El-P just overseeing the whole thing. No futuristic snare and clatter here kiddies. It’s just jazz. One would also expect that given the reputation of Matthew Shipp and his cutting edge work that this would be something altogether different than just a jazz CD. Nah… sorry once again it is just a jazz CD. It’s not that the CD is bad by any means, it’s just not very exciting to listen to. As each track blends with the next it is apparent that this is not what people expected when the names El-P and Matthew Shipp were mentioned in the same breath. From the beginning all the way until the end it seems as if the lead of Matthew Shipp, and brass sections of Roy Campbell and Steve Swell lack any type of musical direction. Not necessarily a bad thing as a result of “Get Modal” where the piano riff and swift pace make this a more interesting selection and doesn’t drag on longer than it needs to. The same can’t be said for the 10 minute epic “Sunrise Over Brooklyn” where it doesn’t have enough changing of pace to become anything worth listening 10 minutes for.

While “High Water” does shape up to be a decent jazz offering, it doesn’t transcend the art as one would expect. Especially given the fact that two of the more innovative artists within their respective genres of music were at the helm of this project. It is the equivalent to Barry Bonds hitting 40 homers in a season, yeah it’s better than most but given his past work you would expect more. And with that it leaves a rather bland taste in your mouth.