An ECM recording artist, bandleader and composer, Andy Sheppard is one of Europe’s leading saxophonists and one of a very few British musicians to have made a significant impact on the international jazz scene, playing and writing for settings from solo to big band and chamber orchestra. The Andy Sheppard Trio marks an unprecedented encounter with Italian jazz icon pianist Rita Marcotulli and one of the most prominent bassists on the European circuit, French bassis Michel Benita . In this new trio, Sheppard has developed an entire programme of new compositions, taking a spirited fresh approach to his writing for this project, honouring jazz in its tradition but all allowing free space for interpretation by the elements of the trio. After an internationally acclaimed trilogy of albums in a trio with Carla Bley and Steve Swallow, Sheppard’s latest album, Saltcatchers , with his new trio, was released in September 2026, Full of captivating melodic beauty, delicate harmony and thoughtful interplay, the album features eight new Sheppard originals plus one tune by Carla Bley, taking shape as a haven of tranquillity. Sheppard’s distinctive sound and elegantly phrased lines are complemented here by two fellow travellers of impeccable taste and deep empathy. Saltcatchers was recorded in March 2025 at Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in Lugano and produced by Manfred Eicher. “Simply exquisite” – London Jazz News “Together they created a cinematic sound that was simply beautiful” – Jazzwise Please click the tabs before for more details