Empirical has a new management team! Joining Danielle Rollins of raestar Ventures are new manager Kerstan Mackness of Riot Management, agent Clive Johnson of Time and Talent and publicist Helen Maleed.
Empirical have some new opportunities! The quartet is appearing for three nights at Ronnie Scotts in Janruary, has been invited to perform at the North Sea Jazz festival for the third year running and wll be releasing a new album early next year!
‘Out but in’ was the description of Empirical’s latest project – studying the music of Eric Dolphy. A set of original material, written by the band in tribute to Dolphy, was included in an exploration of the album ‘Out to lunch’. Premiered at the Stables Wavendon, Empirical have performed the project at the NEMC York and at the Barbican as part of London Jazz Festival. The project is to be captured as a studio recording, available next year, featuring the Quartet with special guest Julian Siegel.
Empirical has been involved with Jazz Alive, a Jazz education project for young adults. Students enjoyed the Barbican concert and Empirical enjoyed coaching some fantastic young players.
Empirical has another line-up, introducing pianist George Fogel, as part of an original music project to be realised later next year. This quartet previewed new compositions at the Lakeside Theatre Colchester, and the Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston earlier this year.
Nathaniel Facey-Alto Sax:
Born in London to Jamaican parents, is influenced by Charlie Parker, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman. With a degree from London's Royal Academy of Music, Nathaniel, who began his music studies at the age of 14, has distinguished himself as a creative composer and a lyrical performer and has been tipped as a musician to watch. Nathaniel has worked with Afrobeat star Dele Sosemi, gospel artist Ron Kenoli, Billy Jenkins, Steve Watts, Soweto Kinch, Jean Toussaint, Oren Marshall.
Tom 'Tillah' Farmer-Double Bass:
Began studying piano at an early age, moving on to electric bass at 16. He joined the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra whilst completing A-level music and music technology, and furthered his bass studies under John Bower. Having been accepted to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Tom took up double bass, studying with Colin Paris (LSO) and Steve Watts. He was a member of NYJO for 18 months, and began playing extensively on the London jazz scene. Tom is currently a member of The Heritage Orchestra, The John Randall Quintet and Roundtrip.***look out for Tommy Tillah***
Shaney Forbes-Drums:
Who recently picked up one of three scholarship prizes for new jazz talent, sponsored by the UK's new jazz radio station, TheJazz, and Yamaha.
With support from the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group, and
Jazzwise magazine, the inaugural award aims to support and showcase the best of the UK's emerging jazz talent. Shane received his first percussion lesson at the age of 12. He and childhood friend Nathaniel Facey formed a band with pianist Arthur Lea which featured as support for the school band's events. Shane has also performed with Jean Toussaint, Billy Jenkins, Claire Martin, Robert Mitchell, Andrea Pozza, Mike Carr, Soweto Kinch.
Lewis Wright-Vibraphone
Having started Vibes aged 9, Lewis was performing with the Norwich Students band at 10 and had recorded a solo CD aged 13. Now a vibraphonist and drummer living in London, studying at Trinity College of Music with Liam Noble, Martin Speake, Dave Wickins and Roger Beaujolais, Lewis has performed with with Stan Sulzmann, Clark Tracey, Dave O'Higgins, Laurence Cottle, Mark Lockheart. He has recorded for artists includingTunde of the Lighthouse Family (Sony BMG) and Catherine Feeny (Tallgrass/Charisma).
George Fogel-Piano
A hugely talented pianist and composer. After graduating from the Guildhall School of Music with a 1st class honours degree he was awarded a prestigious scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music with Lazlo Gardony. Whilst in the U.S. he played for the George Garzone Band. His London club appearances have included the Vortex, 606, Jazz Cafe, the Spitz, Ronnie Scott’s and Cargo, mainly with members of London’s cutting edge F-ire and Loop Collectives.
photos by William Ellis
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Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2008 - BEST ENSEMBLE
EBU/European Jazz Competition - WINNER 2007
Peter Whittingham Award - WINNER December 2007
Jazzwise - ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2007
Mojo - JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2007
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