Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2008 - Best Ensemble
EBU/European Jazz Competition
Peter Whittingham award in December 2007
Album of the year- Jazzwise 2007
Mojo Jazz album of the year 2007
............................................................ ............................................................ .........................
"Empirical is the most exciting jazz band to come out of the UK."
Courtney Pine
"This is a fantastic debut that everyone needs to hear."
The Independent on Sunday
"Empirical could turn out to be one of the most important bands in UK jazz history. British album of the year!"
Jazzwise
Empirical’s long-awaited debut album, produced by Courtney Pine, is a fine showcase for this collective of five future jazz stars.
Jay Phelps(trumpet/voice), Nathaniel Facey (alto sax/voice), Kit Downes (acoustic piano), Tom Farmer (double bass), and Shane Forbes (drums/percussion) perform with astonishing musical maturity, confidence and a cohesiveness derived from many years of playing together. Empirical is dedicated to maintaining the roots of traditional modern jazz but has a definite finger on the pulse of the contemporary world. Style-wise: think Ornette Coleman meets Wayne Shorter meets John Coltrane meets Ali Farka Toure meets Steve Coleman - performed with an abundance of youthful energy.
Jay Phelps-Trumpet:
Vancouver-born Canadian who was tutored by some of that city's top trumpeters, including Brad Turner and Ray Kirkham (second principal trumpet, VSO). At 17 Jay moved to London and is now completing a degree at Trinity College of Music with fellow band member Shane Forbes. Citing Louis Armstrong, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown and Miles Davis as his main influences, Jay has performed with, Andrew Hill, Amy Winehouse, HughMasakela, Nasheet Waits, George Benson, Courtney Pine, Dennis Rollins, Gerrard Presencer.
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.
Kit Downes-Piano:
Initially a student at the Purcell School of Music (where he studied with Simon Colam for four years), Kit won a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in 2005. Now living in London, Kit has performed with musicians Martin Speake, Gerard Prescensor, Seb Rochford, Joe Locke, Stan Sulzman, James Allsop, Eugene Skeef and Mike Outram. Kit has also performed with Fraud, Acoustic Ladyland, Nostalgia 77, 2000 Black, Silhouette Brown (in the London Jazz Festival ‘05) and Dennis Rollins’ Badbone and Co. Kit also co-leads ‘Troyka’.
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 and Lazenby.***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 is currently completing his degree at Trinity College of Music alongside band-mate Jay Phelps. Shane has also performed with Jean Toussaint, Billy Jenkins, Claire Martin, Robert Mitchell, Andrea Pozza, Mike Carr, Soweto Kinch.
VILNIUS LITHUANIA 2007
MUSFLASH Interview