Andy Sheppard Trio, is a project led by the saxophonist and composer who has established himself as one of Europe’s contemporary jazz leading figures, featuring Rita Marcotulli on piano and Michel Benita on double bass.
 
The music for this trio was written and incubated during the early months of 2021, a period which allowed Sheppard the opportunity to dedicate his time almost exclusively to compositional work. The music was commissioned by Costa Oeste Productions as part of the project Hothouse-Creative Incubator, which was cofinanced by the programme Garantir Cultura, Compete 2020, Portugal 2020 and the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund.
 
Michel Benita’s unique approach to his instrument has carved his reputation as one of the most original and versatile bassists in the field, whilst the acclaimed pianist Rita Marcotulli has long been internationally renowned as an icon of Italian jazz.
 
Their musical paths have crossed for many years, more recently Benita has been Sheppard’s bassist of choice and featured on the saxophonist’s last three albums for ECM, whilst Rita Marcotulli has a long-established duo with Sheppard, playing extensively around Europe since the release of an album entitled On the Edge of a Perfect Moment.
All three have shared the stage on multiple occasions in different settings throughout the past thirty years, including meetings in larger ensembles led by the pianist Rita Marcotulli. Remarkably, it is however this project by Sheppard that is set to become the first time the three musicians record together.
This trio is born out of a shared view on developing a convergence of musical paths, out of structures designed by Sheppard based on his free-flowing melodic compositions, inviting each member to venture into infinite possibilities for improvisation with an open aesthetic at its core.
An encounter between three long-established distinctive voices in the field, who are responsible for bringing forward some of the highest level of music making on the European jazz scene since the early 80’s.
 
“Simply exquisite” London Jazz News

“an exceptional display of contemporary jazz“ T. Benjamin B24/7

“Together they created a cinematic sound that was simply beautiful.” Jazzwise
?“…this new trio has an extra magic to it” M. Collins London Jazz News?
“The trio of Andy Sheppard designs the new itinerary of European Jazz.” IL Gazzettino

“gorgeous themes with superb structure and passionately-delivered” London Jazz News