For those unaware, 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 Salt Catchers (due out November 9th, 2026 via ECM Records) 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 tranquility. Sheppard’s distinctive sound and elegantly phrased lines are complemented here by two fellow travelers of impeccable taste and deep empathy.

1. Elevation [04:03]
2. Lawns [06:27]
3. Salt Catchers [05:08]
4. Encantos [03:48]
5. Draw You In Stars [05:13]
6. This Too - Three Hills [09:08]
7. Salgado [05:33]
8. Those That Left [08:31]
9. Irene [04:06]

Recorded in March 2025 at Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in Lugano and produced by Manfred Eicher, the new recording opens on the pleasing sumptuous Elevation and then brings us the dulcetly enthralling Lawns, the smoothly luminous title cut Salt Catchers, with the affecting beauty of Encantos following.

Along next is the immensely cultured fare of Draw You In Stars which is in turn backed seamlessly by the evocatively resonant This Too - Three Hills and the beguiling allurement of Salgado, the new set rounding out on a simply captivating Those That Left, coming to a close on the temptingly bewitching Irene.

Explaining the album’s title Andy Sheppard remembers, “It came about because when thinking of a title for that tune I was working on a project with the university of Aveiro in Portugal and I went to visit the Salinas (salt works) there and saw some wonderful photos at a small museum of workers catching salt - which struck me as a very hard job. Given the respective tune is rather tricky and hard to play it seemed an appropriate title … which also ties into the track ‘Salgado’ - which means ‘salty’ and is also a nod to the incredible photos of Sebastião Salgado. And we all need salt … and music …”

Musicians:
Andy Sheppard - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Rita Marcotulli - Piano
Michel Benita - Double Bass

Official Purchase Link

www.andysheppard.co.uk