Andy Sheppard Jazz musician and composer
Trio Libero
Andy Sheppard: tenor andsoprano saxophones
Michel Benita: double-bass
Sebastian Rochford: drums
UK saxophonist Andy Sheppard’s second ECM album introduces his freely lyrical new trio with Michel Benita and Sebastian Rochford. All three players share a sense of stylistic open-mindedness. Drummer Rochford is one of the young players changing perceptions of British jazz with bands Polar Bear and Acoustic Ladyland. Algiers-born French bassist Benita, who cites Charlie Haden and Scott LaFaro as influences, has played with Archie Shepp, Dewey Redman, Lee Konitz and in the ELB trio with Nguyên Lê and Peter Erskine.
Repertoire here includes originals by Sheppard, Benita and Rochford, plus group improvisations and the standard “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows.” In all contexts, interaction is highly creative, as Benita and Rochford respond perceptively to Sheppard’s melodically and rhythmically inventive lines. Recorded July 2011 at Auditorio Radiotelevisione svizzera, Lugano.
ECM 2252 January 2012 - More>>
"With Movements in Colour Sheppard has succeeded in creating an album of unassuming richness in texture, color and melodic depth. " (All About Jazz)
Listen to samples and buy Movements in Colour >>
Established for over twenty years as a successful composer and performer, Andy Sheppard is 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.Sheppard has composed over 300 works that incorporate a strong and characteristic sense of lyricism alongside a very personal use of rhythms from Asia, Africa and South America.
The Birds
“Birdsong has been a great inspiration to countless composers and musicians - I have always been a great admirer of Olivier Messiaen and the obvious tie in with Charlie "yardbird" Parker seemed a natural avenue to explore...”
An MP3 Album has all the benefits of a Music CD … such as album art work, track titles and sleeve notes. You can use the software to play the album on your computer or media centre and you can import the MP3s into iTunes and load them onto any MP3 player.
The Birds also includes free extras such as desktop Backgrounds, posters and CD Jewel case art work. So you can print out CD inserts and make a Birds CD to add to your collection.
The Album is truly interactive because it will always keep you up to date with the latest news of Andy's tour dates.
Click Here for more info and to Buy The Birds
Press quotes:
‘Sheppard is always a compelling voice...’,
Time Out
‘Romanticism, carefully managed anarchy and accessibility subtle, elegant jazz…’
The Guardian
For the recording project, Nocturnal Tourist:
‘...the quality of the composition matches his sublimely beautiful sound on tenor and soprano saxophones. He also contributes guitar, wind synth, keyboards and a ton of sampling and programming on what is his most evolved and satisfying record to date…’ Q
For the critically acclaimed recording project, Learning to Wave:
‘Learning to Wave features all the qualities for which Sheppard is renowned - evocative melody, virtuoso improvisation and irresistible rhythm tracks combined with powerful resonance's of Asian, African and Indian music…’, Ronnie Scott’s Magazine
Andy Sheppard is available for a variety of performance options ranging from small-scale solo and duo projects through to quartets, big bands and special one-off projects including residencies and writing/performing commissions. Particular emphasis for touring in 2008/09 is on his new project Melody Gainsbourg
Contact Serious International Music Producers