A generous slice of Michael Arbenz and Andy Sheppard in duo tantalises

It’s been ages since I have heard anything by the great English saxist Andy Sheppard.

He’s now 68. I loved 2018’s Romaria and Sheppard’s contributions to the late Carla Bley’s Life Goes On (2020). What’s new is a collaboration with the much younger Swiss pianist Michael Arbenz known for his work with Vein. Arbenz is 50 this year.

 Themed around Bach and Ellington this album was recorded live in a Swiss club called the Bird’s Eye in Basel. Only the best for the captain’s table. Sheppard’s tone is so tactile and personality laden on the evidence so far.

Arbenz – known for his work in the acclaimed trio Vein – has explored Ellington before on 2023’s Reflections of D and elsewhere.

Tracks include versions of Ellington’s ‘Melancholia,’ ‘African Flower,’ ‘Reflections in D’ and ‘Warm Valley’ plus the Arbenz J. S. Bach inspired pieces ‘Psalm’ and ‘Where It Springs Into Being,’ the latter as mentioned already streaming. It was inspired by Bach’s ‘Prelude in C.’

• Look for From Bach to Ellington – Live in mid-June.