The British saxophonist Andy Sheppard is one of the most sought after musicians in European contemporary jazz. He has a lyrical tone that is often compared to ECM colleague Jan Garbarek. Since his debut, he has played with names like Gil Evans, Carla Bley and released a dozen albums under his own name. Norwegian musicians are not unknown terrain. In 2009 he released the album Movements in Colour with Arild Andersen and Eivind Aarseth.

Trio Libero is the name of Sheppard collaboration with bassist Michel Benita and drummer Seb Rochford. The album of the same name came on ECM earlier this year and is the result of four days of intense improvisation in the studio. Dagbladet threw five on the dice, and found that "Sheppard [...] sign with this beautiful melodic, at times almost meditative album, perhaps their finest release to date."

Michel Benita has been a name on the European jazz scene since the early 80s and has played with Lee Konitz, Dino Saluzzi and Archie Scheppers. He also has a significant solo career. Drummer Seb Rochford is a generation younger than his band colleagues, but has already collaborated with name such as Brian Eno, David Byrne and Herbie Hancock. For many, he is probably also known from the band Polar Bear and festival favorites Acoustic Ladyland.

In other words, a very strong team that visit Victoria this evening. A must for anyone who loves beautiful improvised music.

Andy Sheppard (saxophone) Michel Benita (bass), Seb Rochford (drums)