Empirical
Empirical have quickly established themselves as the foremost young jazz act in the UK, with five astonishing musicians combining their ambition, talent and vision to create the future sound of modern British jazz.
By aiming to present their music as a complete band, creating and playing their music together as a whole rather than being led by a specific member, their sound is both confident and cohesive, rooted within the traditions of the genre while keeping a finger firmly on the pulse of the contemporary jazz scene.
In the short time they have been together, they have won several prestigious awards and accolades, including the 2007 inaugural European Broadcasting Union/European Jazz Competition, the 2007 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award, the Special Citation for Outstanding Musicianship from 2008's IAJE conference (which PRSF funded them to attend), had their eponymous debut album named Jazzwise magazine's album of the year and MOJO magazine's jazz album of the year and many others. They have earned the praise of jazz luminaries such as Courtney Pine, who produced their album, and Joshua Redman, who they supported at last year's London Jazz Festival. They have been hailed as one of the most important jazz bands currently playing in the country and continue to earn that reputation through their sell-out live performances.
Jay Phelps - trumpet
Nathaniel Facey - alto saxophone
Kit Downes - piano
Tom Farmer - double bass
Shane Forbes - drums
Music type: Jazz
Funding Scheme: Performance groups
Region: London
Contact:
Danielle White
daniraestar@aol.com