Andy Sheppard

Andy Sheppard (b. Warminster January 20, 1957) is a British jazz saxophonist and composer.

Born in the South West of England, at the age of 19 Andy emerged as an outstanding musician in the Hard Bebop band "Sphere" in the late 70's. He honed his skills in the wine bars and Jazz Clubs of Bristol where a young Jazz scene thrived into the early eighties. He was notable then for venturing out of the safe confines of jazz and into the nightclubs working alongside World Music groups. He also performed with much more established improvisers such as Keith Tippett. He has been awarded several prizes at the British Jazz Awards, and has worked with many of the most notable figures in contemporary jazz, including Gil Evans, Carla Bley, George Russell and Steve Swallow.