Andy Sheppard QUARTETS

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. Sheppard has composed over 350 works that incorporate a strong and characteristic sense of lyricism alongside a very personal use of rhythms from Asia, Africa and South America.

Andy Sheppard QUARTETS is a vehicle for Sheppard to reflect on past, present, and future compositional endeavours. Bringing back past compositions to the forefront of his shows, without the fear of sabotaging his renowned innovative spirit, he allows the present moment to reshape its version of music-making by freely exploring new possibilities of improvisation, a constant shuffling of an evolving narrative with unexpected revelations. The new compositions, for this saxophone and guitar-led band, derive from Andy’s explorations of individuality and his long love relationship with the guitar.

“Boy was it a treat….(The band) jousted and wove together throughout, echoing ideas and layering textures with impeccable empathy.” – Tony Benjamin – Bristol Beacon

“Andy Sheppard on saxophone is one of the great sounds in modern jazz.” – The Irish Examiner