A double bill show from the Andy Sheppard Trio and Normal Winstone & Kit Downes.

The Andy Sheppard Trio marks an unprecedented encounter between master saxophonist Andy Sheppard, Italian jazz icon pianist Rita Marcotulli, and one of the most prominent bassists on the European circuit, French bassist Michel Benita. Three highly individual musicians, each of whom has played a significant role in shaping what we now recognise as the sound of European jazz.

In this new trio, Sheppard has the opportunity to develop an entire programme of new compositions, taking a spirited and fresh approach to his writing for the project – honouring jazz tradition while allowing space for interpretation through the unique voices within the trio. Collectively exploring the possibilities of improvisation and interplay, the music is anchored in structure yet open to lyricism, free to discover new paths and evolve in different directions as it unfolds.

One of Britain’s finest and most versatile vocal talents and lyricists, Norma Winstone became a notable figure on the British jazz scene during the Sixties when she shared the bill at Ronnie Scott’s with Roland Kirk. Since then, she has regularly collaborated with the likes of Steve Swallow, Kenny Wheeler, and Dave Holland, amongst others, and become known for evolving her own wordless approach to improvisation.

Together with pianist Kit Downes, Norma brings her poetic sensibilities to new pieces by Downes as well as compositions by Carla Bley, Ralph Towner, and John Taylor, alongside fresh perspectives on two traditional tunes, ‘Black Is The Colour’ and ‘Rowing Home’.

Andy Sheppard Trio:

“Simply exquisite” London Jazz News

“An exceptional display of contemporary jazz“ B24/7

“Together they created a cinematic sound that was simply beautiful.” Jazzwise

“This new trio has an extra magic to it” London Jazz News

“The trio of Andy Sheppard designs the new itinerary of European Jazz.” Il Gazzettino

“Gorgeous themes with superb structure and passionately-delivered” London Jazz News

Norma Winstone & Kit Downes:

“…exquisite songs and extraordinary empathy” The Guardian