World Stars at Budapest Jazz Club: Andy Sheppard Trio

Andy Sheppard’s career began with extraordinary momentum: just three weeks after first picking up the saxophone, he made his stage debut, and within only a few years he was already touring Europe’s jazz clubs and concert halls. In the early 1980s he moved to Paris, where he immersed himself in the French avant-garde and improvisational music scene. Upon returning to England, he rose to prominence almost overnight with the release of his debut solo album. The self-titled Andy Sheppard album — featuring Randy Brecker and Steve Swallow — immediately established him among the leading figures of the international jazz scene. Soon after, he received both the “Best Newcomer” and later the “Best Instrumentalist” awards at the British Jazz Awards. Throughout his career, his recordings have been released by such iconic labels as ECM, Blue Note and Verve. His sound is instantly recognizable through its lyricism and exceptional musicality. Over the years, Sheppard has become one of jazz’s most open-minded and adventurous creative voices, seamlessly blending the American jazz tradition with European chamber music, minimalism and contemporary improvisation. His playing is marked by remarkable melodic sensitivity and a deeply atmospheric presence. Whether performing on tenor or soprano saxophone, he speaks with a uniquely personal voice, while his concerts unfold both as intense improvisational dialogues and meditative musical journeys. His ECM recordings — including Surrounded by Sea and Trio Libero — are now regarded as landmark albums of modern jazz.

Rita Marcotulli is not only one of the most celebrated pianists of Italian jazz, but also an internationally acclaimed artist who has collaborated with legendary musicians ranging from Chet Baker and Joe Henderson to Joe Lovano. Swedish bassist Anders Jormin, meanwhile, is one of Europe’s most influential figures in improvised music, whose distinctive approach to the double bass and deeply individual compositional language have inspired generations of musicians.

The Budapest concert on October 17 offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the genre’s most important creative voices live in Hungary. The evening promises refined chamber-jazz articulation, free improvisation and extraordinary musical energy in equal measure.

Andy Sheppard – saxophone, Rita Marcotulli – piano, Anders Jormin – bass