Written by Released in March 2024, with a vinyl LP release slated for later this month, Empirical’s latest album “Wonder Is The Beginning” marks the recording return of one of the UK’s most enduring and innovative jazz quartets. Empirical are no strangers here on Jazz in Europe, Jan Veldman’s insightful 2019 interview with the band, highlighted their commitment to pushing musical boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to the jazz tradition, holds true and this opinion is only reinforced by this release.
Delving into this new offering, it’s clear that Empirical has not only lived up to the promise of their earlier work but has also expanded their sonic palette in some exciting and unexpected ways. The addition of guest artists Jason Rebello on piano and Alex Hitchcock on tenor saxophone brings fresh dimensions to the group’s already formidable sound, creating a rich tapestry of ideas that seem to have expanded the bands already fluid boundaries.
Empirical’s longevity as a working band – now spanning an impressive 15 years – is a rarity these days within the contemporary jazz landscape. This continuity has allowed Nathaniel Facey (alto sax), Tom Farmer (double bass), Lewis Wright (vibraphone), and Shaney Forbes (drums) to develop a near-telepathic musical rapport that is evident in every track on the album. With such a cohesive entity it can be a risk to add external forces however both Hitchcock and Rebello blend seamlessly expanding the bands soundscape.
The album’s title is apt, reflecting not only the band’s philosophical approach to music-making but also serving as a reminder of jazz’s eternal capacity for renewal and discovery. As Tom Farmer notes, the core Empirical message is to “be right in the moment, to make bold decisions and really communicate… to always be ready for the unexpected.” This ethos permeates the entire album.
The album opens with “The Naitoku,” a piece inspired by Buddhist practice. Alex Hitchcock’s haunting tenor saxophone solo over a military-style snare pattern sets a contemplative tone, before evolving into a three-way conversation with Facey and Rebello. This track exemplifies Empirical’s ability to blend complex harmonic structures with emotional depth, creating a perfect introduction to the album’s themes.
The following track, “She Moves” offers quite a contrast. Set as a jazz waltz, the track builds to an engaging climax over a sustained harmonic bed, highlighting the band’s dynamic range. I specifically enjoyed both the piano and vibraphone solos on this piece, once again highlighting the seamless integration of the guest artists into Empirical’s established sound.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “True Cost,” opens with a moody alto sax exposition that evokes a late-night atmosphere. The piece gradually unfolds into a powerful group improvisation, demonstrating performers mastery of tension and release. This track in my opinion is one of the true highlights of the album and strong example of the band’s ability to balance composition and improvisation. “Ursa The Minor Major Bear” showcases rhythmic complexity and the interplay between shifting harmonies and contrapuntal lines creating a sense of surprise, mirroring the track’s thematic exploration of mindfulness and unexpected revelations.
As explained in the album’s liner notes, a spontaneous decision made during the sessions saw “Saha World” rendered as a duet between Wright’s vibraphone and Rebello’s piano. This contemplative interlude provides a welcome moment of repose within the album’s otherwise intense feeling. The track’s sparce arrangement allows the listener to fully appreciate the nuanced interplay between these two musicians. The album’s penultimate track, “As The Eagle,” features Jason Rebello at his most creative and engaging. This dark, unsettled composition demands the listener’s full attention, with Rebello’s virtuosic piano work serving as both anchor and provocateur.
Concluding the set is “Wonder Is the Feeling,” a piece that draws inspiration from Plato’s writings on the relationship between wonder and wisdom. Built around Tom Farmer’s swaying bass figure, the track develops through powerful solos by Rebello and Facey before dissolving into a mesmerizing coda featuring arco bass work of exceptional tonal quality and intonation. This final track effectively summarizes the main themes of the album, highlighting the band’s dedication to exploring the connections between philosophy, emotion, and musical expression.
“Wonder Is The Beginning” represents a significant musical development for Empirical, driven in large part by the contributions of their guest players. The addition of Rebello’s piano and Hitchcock’s tenor sax expands the group’s timbral palette, allowing for new textural combinations and harmonic possibilities. However, it’s important to note that these additions never overshadow the core quartet’s distinctive sound. Instead, they serve to enhance and complement Empirical’s established musical identity, creating a richer, more varied sonic landscape that still remains unmistakably “Empirical.”
The album’s production quality is impeccable, with each instrument given ample space in the mix to shine. The overall sound is warm and intimate, inviting the listener into the musical conversation happening between these world-class musicians.
“Wonder Is The Beginning” continues Empirical’s journey while also showing growth. The album maintains the high quality of their previous work but demonstrates that the band is still pushing themselves creatively, this album showcases a band that is not content to rest on its laurels. The incorporation of guest artists, the exploration of new compositional territories, and the continued refinement of their collective approach all point to a group that is still very much in creative ascendance. This is particularly impressive given Empirical’s long-standing tenure as a working band.
For long-time fans of Empirical, this album will be a welcome addition to their discography, showcasing the band’s growth while maintaining the qualities that have made them such a respected force in contemporary jazz. For newcomers, “Wonder Is The Beginning” serves as an excellent entry point into the world of one of the UK’s most exciting and innovative jazz groups. Highly Recommended.
Track Listing:
1. The Naitoku 07:50 | 2. She Moves 05:49 | 3. True Cost 05:51 | 4. Ursa – The Minor Major Bear 04:44 | 5. Saha World 06:06 | 6. As The Eagle 05:33 | 7. Wonder Is The Feeling 07:55
Line-Up:
Nathaniel Facey – alto saxophone | Lewis Wright – vibraphone | Shaney Forbes – drums | Tom Farmer – double bass | Jason Rebello – piano (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) | Alex Hitchcock – tenor saxophone (1, 3, 4)
Release Date:
Format CD | Streaming | LP
Label: Whirlwind Recordings
Last modified: September 3, 2024
