Andy Sheppard – Salt Catchers (2026)

Saxophonist Andy Sheppard, a distinguished figure in contemporary jazz with a career spanning several decades, has announced the release of his latest album, "Salt Catchers," scheduled for 2026. The project marks a new chapter in Sheppard’s musical journey, featuring a trio format that highlights his evolving artistic vision.

Sheppard’s career is notable for its versatility and international recognition, having earned multiple British Jazz Awards and penetrated UK pop charts, a testament to his broad appeal. His musical collaborations range from jazz legends such as George Russell, Gil Evans, and Carla Bley to diverse artists including Baaba Maal and Runrig, illustrating his adaptability across genres and settings.

The ensemble on "Salt Catchers" is a trio comprising Sheppard on saxophone, Italian pianist Rita Marcotulli, and French bassist Michel Benita. This drummer-less configuration recalls Sheppard’s earlier work with Carla Bley and Steve Swallow but carves out a unique space for intimate and intricate interplay. Although the trio is newly formed for this recording, Sheppard shares long-standing musical relationships with Marcotulli and Benita, who have previously collaborated individually but never recorded collectively until now.

"Salt Catchers" brings together eight original compositions by Sheppard, several of which were conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside a piece by Carla Bley. The album’s title draws inspiration from Sheppard’s engagement with the University of Aveiro in Portugal, where he encountered evocative imagery of salt harvesters at the Salinas salt works. The arduous nature of this traditional labor resonated with the challenging composition that shares its name, symbolizing the album’s blend of complexity and thematic depth.

Musically, the record opens with "Elevation," a track that introduces the listener to Marcotulli’s delicate piano motifs before Sheppard’s saxophone gradually emerges, setting a reflective and melancholic tone that permeates the album. The absence of drums allows for spacious dynamics and subtle rhythmic exchange, fostering an environment conducive to nuanced expression.

The inclusion of Carla Bley’s composition "Lawns" highlights Sheppard’s affinity with her work and the trio’s ability to reinterpret familiar material through fresh, drum-less arrangements. This setting encourages exploratory improvisations and offers each musician ample room for individual and collective development.

Throughout the album, Sheppard’s warm and expressive tone navigates a spectrum of moods, from the romantic to the bittersweet. Tracks like "Encantos" and "Draw You In Stars" showcase the ensemble’s cohesive interplay, with Benita’s bass solo on the latter providing a particularly evocative moment. The piece "Salgado," named after the Portuguese word for salty and also a nod to the renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado, stands out for its fluid melodies and folk-inspired rhythmic texture, reinforcing the album’s thematic connection to place and memory.

The closing track, "Irene," features Sheppard on soprano saxophone and serves as a serene ballad dedicated to his mother. Its tranquil mood offers a fitting conclusion to an album characterized by thoughtful composition and empathetic collaboration.

Beyond Sheppard’s prowess as a saxophonist, "Salt Catchers" emphasizes his compositional skill, crafting pieces that provide each trio member with meaningful space for interaction and interpretation. The album’s elegant balance between melody and improvisation results in a listening experience that is both captivating and accessible.

Currently residing near Lisbon, Portugal, Sheppard’s geographical and cultural influences subtly inform the album’s aesthetic, contributing to its distinctive sound. While detailed information about the album’s broader release plans remains limited, "Salt Catchers" is anticipated to further solidify Sheppard’s reputation as a forward-thinking artist within the global jazz community.

This release follows Sheppard’s ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration, reaffirming his status as a vital voice in contemporary jazz. "Salt Catchers" invites listeners to engage with a refined and intimate musical dialogue, underscored by a rich blend of personal history and creative exploration.