“Their amiable jousting was even more apparent in Reflections in D, one of Duke Ellington’s more classical pieces that, in this context, clearly echoed Ravel’s impressionistic approach (which itself was influenced by early jazz recordings). Harp like sweeps and rapid-fire tremolos from the keyboard came back through lyrically overblown sax yet, for all the wrangling, neither player crashed the tune’s essentially ruminative mood.” – Bristol 24/7
Michael Arbenz joins forces with the fabulous saxophonist Andy Sheppard, with whom he is collaborating since many years.
Sheppard, with his distinctive and modern style that is always respectful of tradition, is one of the most important saxophonists of today’s jazz scene. He masterfully moves through the groove-heavy, lyrical, rhythmically and harmonically complex and open pieces.
The two individualists always complement each other in an incredibly inspiring way and present music that they create from their very personal “point of view”.
International jazz star, ECM recording artist Andy Sheppard is one of few British musicians to have made a significant impact on the international jazz scene, playing and writing for solo to big band and chamber orchestra. A serial collaborator, Andy has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz and is in huge demand for both his composing and for his legendary live performances. He is one of a very few soloists to have played in the big bands of all three of the greatest post-war jazz composers, Carla Bley, George Russell and Gil Evans.
