ANDY SHEPPARD TRIO

Andy Sheppard, tenor and soprano saxophones
Rita Marcotulli, piano
Carlos Bica, double bass

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 Carlos Bica 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.

Carlos Bica’s unique approach to his instrument has carved his reputation as one of the most influential and original bassists in the field of improvised music, whilst the acclaimed pianist Rita Marcotulli has long been internationally renowned as an icon of Italian jazz. All three have shared the stage on multiple occasions in different settings, throughout the past twenty years. Usually meeting in larger ensembles, their first recorded encounter was during a major project by Rita Marcotulli entitled Koinè (2002).

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. The concert was created in cooperation with the Controtempo association from Cormons (Italy) and the International festival Jazz&Wine of Peace.