Sheppard, Andy, Rita Marcotulli, Michel Benita - Salt Catchers

After a critically lauded release with his Trio Libero, successful quartet recordings ("Surrounded By Sea", 2015, "Romaria", 2018) and an internationally acclaimed trilogy of albums in a trio with Carla Bley and Steve Swallow, on "Saltcatchers", the English saxophonist, Andy Sheppard, presents a new trio with Italian pianist, Rita Marcotulli, and French bass player, Michel Benita – two musicians "with whom I go back quite a long time but never recorded with collectively".

Full of captivating melodic beauty, delicate harmony and thoughtful interplay, the album features eight new Sheppard originals plus one tune by Carla Bley, taking shape as a haven of tranquillity. Sheppard’s distinctive sound and elegantly phrased lines are complemented here by two fellow travellers of impeccable taste and deep empathy.

"Saltcatchers" was recorded in March 2025 at Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in Lugano and produced by Manfred Eicher.