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.
The Andy Sheppard Trio marks an unprecedented encounter with Italian jazz icon pianist Rita Marcotulli and one of the most prominent bassists on the European circuit, French bassis Michel Benita .
In this new trio, Sheppard has developed an entire programme of new compositions, taking a spirited fresh approach to his writing for this project, honouring jazz in its tradition but all allowing free space for interpretation by the elements of the trio.
After an internationally acclaimed trilogy of albums in a trio with Carla Bley and Steve Swallow, Sheppard’s latest album, Saltcatchers, with his new trio, was released in September 2026, 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.
“Simply exquisite” - London Jazz News
“Together they created a cinematic sound that was simply beautiful” - Jazzwise
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EVENT INFO
Evening Performance 8pm to 10.00pm
The event is at the Performing Arts Studio at the University of Surrey.
Doors open from 7.15pm. Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive. There’s a bar available beforehand and at the interval.
Tickets: General admission £28 / Guildford Jazz members £25 / Students under 22 £15 / Student Members £13
If you have any questions please contact us by emailing info@guildfordjazz.org.uk
TICKETS
General admission £28
Guildford Jazz Members £25
Students £15/ Student Members £13
All prices include booking fees
By purchasing a ticket, you confirm to Guildford Jazz that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by our terms and conditions which are available here
WHO'S PLAYING?
Andy Sheppard - sax
Rita Marcotulli - piano
Michel Benita - bass
DIRECTIONS
Performing Arts Studio (PATS), University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey.
All car parks on campus after free after 7pm.
There’s a car park on the left as you drive onto campus (car park 7 on the map below. and the Performing Arts Studio is building 29 on the map .
There’s also a large car park along the perimeter road – drive straight on at the roundabout once you get on campus and it’s signposted on the left after a little way. There’s a footpath to the PATS that runs from the this car park, between Stag Hill House and Austin Pearce Building (buildings 35 and 3) – turn right at the top, over the mini roundabout, and the PATS studio is along the road on the left.
If you require a disabled parking bay please let us know.
SEATING
Seating is unreserved, please select your seats when you arrive.