Espen Eriksen Trio with Andy Sheppard

14th November 2025, The Lighthouse, Poole, UK

Studio jazz sessions at the Lighthouse begin with a brief conversation with the artists, a great way of introducing the evening's music. Espen Eriksen and Andy Sheppard are seasoned raconteurs who introduce their recent and current projects. Andy also describes the way he left the UK the day after the Brexit vote and is now based in Portugal - a wise move considering the dire problems Brexit is still causing for British touring musicians!

This evening's music is based around Eriksen's compositions, particularly the two albums his trio has made with Sheppard. The concert is a sell-out, reflecting the loyal following both the saxophonist and trio have built in the South of England.

After nine years working together the rapport between all four musicians is striking, and the intimate setting allows every nuance to be heard. Drum work from Andreas Bye is a model of subtle musicianship, whether building atmosphere with soft beaters, driving syncopated rhythms or playing just with his bare hands. We're into the second half of the concert before he switches on his snare; he plays a long game with energy gradually unleashed to great effect.

I'm sitting next to a Norwegian friend who confirms the folk heritage and Nordik atmosphere of Eriksen's music. Titles like "Suburban folk song" give an idea where he's coming from.

Whilst firmly in the European jazz tradition, there is a unique flavour to the modes and harmonies, underpinned by unexpected twists in the bass line. Lars Tormod Jenset extracts great dynamic range from his double bass and his solos are a highlight, always creatively framed by piano and drums. Eriksen knows how to construct the ideal space to let each player shine. Whilst there is plenty of slightly melancholy music, there is also joy and impressive rhythmic power; drum, bass and piano lines fit together like a jigsaw on pieces like "Drifting clouds".

Then there's Andy Sheppard, whose playing just keeps improving! His approach here is to build variations on Eriksen's melodies, always alert to the contributions of the other players. His virtuosity is only unleashed gradually, which gives a great dynamic both to each piece and to the whole evening. Amazing skill in circular breathing allows him to sustain both long notes and high-speed runs which seem to extend into infinity.

The group's latest album is titled "As good as it gets" - on the evidence of this concert that's pretty accurate.

Text and photo © Stephen Godsall