Empirical
One of the leading outfits on the U.K. jazz scene, Empirical are known for their edgy, harmonically nuanced approach to post-bop. The group emerged to significant acclaim with their 2007 Courtney Pine-produced debut, Empirical. They have continued to develop their sound, releasing highly regarded albums including 2013's Tabula Rasa with the Benyounes String Quartet, 2016's Connection, and the 2019 EP Distraction Tactics.
Formed in 2007, Empirical came together while the members were all students at London's Trinity College of Music. Originally, the group featured Canadian-born trumpeter Jay Phelps, pianist Kit Downes, alto saxophonist Nathaniel Facey, bassist Neil Charles, and drummer Shaney Forbes. That same year, they won the EBU European Jazz Award in Rotterdam and released their eponymous debut, Empirical. Featuring production and musical contributions by saxophonist Courtney Pine, the album gained significant press buzz and led to the band touring heavily throughout the U.K. and Europe.
By 2009, Phelps, Downes, and Charles had parted ways with the group to focus on their solo work. That same year, Empirical returned with their sophomore album, Out 'n' In, which found remaining members Facey and Forbes joined by bassist Tom Farmer and saxophonist Julian Seigel. On the heels of the record's release, they also took home Britain's Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Ensemble.
With 2011's Elements of Truth, the group's lineup of saxophonist Facey, drummer Forbes, and bassist Farmer solidified with the addition of vibraphonist Lewis Wright. The same Empirical lineup returned in 2011 with Tabula Rasa, which featured collaborations with the Benyounes String Quartet. In 2016, they released Connection and gained further viral attention playing a daily "pop-up" show at Old Street Underground station in London. That year, they also took home their second Parliamentary Jazz Award. Following a bevy of live dates, the band released two EPs in 2018 and 2019, Indifference Culture and Distraction Tactics.
© Matt Collar /TiVo
Discography
21 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Wonder is the Beginning
Moderne jazz - To be released on 24 mei 2024 by Whirlwind Recordings
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Naitoku
Moderne jazz - Released by Whirlwind Recordings on 19 jan. 2024
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Wonder Is The Feeling
Moderne jazz - Released by Whirlwind Recordings on 23 feb. 2024
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Empirical
Moderne jazz - Released by Destin-E Records on 29 dec. 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Distraction Tactics
Moderne jazz - Released by Empirical Music on 3 mei 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Indifference Culture - EP
Moderne jazz - Released by Empirical Music on 16 nov. 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mr Política (Live Session)
Hip-Hop/Rap - Released by Audio Directo on 2 apr. 2019
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
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Inmigrantes (Live Session)
Hip-Hop/Rap - Released by Audio Directo on 18 dec. 2019
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
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La Verdad y la Mentira
Hip-Hop/Rap - Released by Latinbeat Records on 5 mei 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
A Quien Saldría
Pop - Released by La Mafia del Perreo on 5 feb. 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Place Called Love
Alternative en Indie - Released by System Records on 26 apr. 2024
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo