Pre-Order: Andy Sheppard / Marcotulli,Rita / Benita,Michel * Salt Catchers [New CD]

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, English saxophonist Andy Sheppard presents a new trio with Italian pianist Rita Marcotulli and French bass player Michel Benita - two musicians with whom he goes back quite a long time but never recorded with collectively. Full of captivating melodic beauty, delicate harmony and thoughtful interplay, their album Salt Catchers 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.