In Episode 247 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with internationally renowned saxophonist, composer, and ECM recording artist Andy Sheppard.
“Don’t think when you play; think when you practice”
A true giant of European jazz, Andy is one of the few British saxophonists to make a lasting mark on the global scene. With over 350 compositions and a distinct blend of lyricism and rhythmic influences from Asia, Africa, and South America, his work spans solo performances to large ensembles.
Andy began playing sax at 19, inspired by John Coltrane, and just weeks later was already performing live. His early career saw collaborations in Paris, and a long-standing partnership with bassist Steve Swallow. Since then, he’s recorded for top labels like Blue Note, Verve, and ECM, and composed for orchestras, big bands, dance, and film.
A prolific collaborator, Andy has worked with jazz legends like Carla Bley and Gil Evans, as well as artists from folk, classical, and world music. His large-scale saxophone project, Saxophone Massive, brought together hundreds of players and featured in major events like the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Currently, Andy leads the Andy Sheppard Quartet and continues to push sonic boundaries with ECM albums like Surrounded by Sea and Movements in Colour, blending jazz, electronics, and tradition into something uniquely his own.
Andy’s latest project, From Bach to Ellington – Live, is a captivating duo album with Swiss pianist Michael Arbenz, set for release on June 13, 2025. Recorded live at Bird’s Eye Jazz Club in Basel, the album bridges Baroque counterpoint and jazz improvisation. The two reinterpret Bach-inspired originals and Ellington classics, offering a deeply personal musical dialogue shaped by decades of collaboration, including their work in the trio VEIN.
Don’t miss this insightful conversation with a truly innovative voice in jazz— watch the full interview here:
Here’s a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of the episode —perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you.
- 00:00 – Leaving art school and started learning saxophone at 19
- 04:09 – When Andy realized his true passion
- 05:11 – Needing to be ready for a lesson
- 16:36 – People he met along the way that helped his playing
- 21:12 – Taking a helicopter view on life to make important life decisions
- 27:48 – How Andy got the gig playing with Carla Bley
- 30:02 – Learning the guitar
- 31:17 – Top tip for airline travel with your saxophone
- 33:58 – How ‘Autograph Sax’ started
- 40:42 – Me or the horn?
- 44:29 – What his practice routine looks like
- 47:24 – The beautiful thing about playing the saxophone
- 51:38 – Where he got his classical technique
- 55:24 – Recording his own music
- 59:43 – Being hired to play for George Russell
- 01:04:25 – George Russell & Living Time Orchestra – The African Game 1989
- 01:13:43 – Why creating music and enjoying the process is much more important to him
- 01:17:07 – How he survived during the pandemic
Andy Sheppard’s Links:
- Andy’s website: https://andysheppard.co.uk/
- Andy’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/andysheppardsaxophonist
- Andy’s X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AndySheppardSax
- Andy’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xMyc3x1YAI2LmA2X5IQHD?si=vkx-IgNyRjamQv2RC0IDSA
- Andy Sheppard Quartet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/57LkmRYAzvaq7lt1JI6oZb?si=7TMvaaLERieuMFr7–tr6g
- George Russell & Living Time Orchestra – The African Game 1989: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx0EIO2gEKA
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