Written by Empirical, formed in 2007, has established itself as one of the UK’s most innovative and forward-thinking jazz ensembles. The band’s core line-up consists of Nathaniel Facey on alto saxophone, Tom Farmer on double bass, Lewis Wright on vibraphone, and Shane Forbes on drums. Their name, Empirical, reflects their approach to music-making: learning through experimentation and experience.
Since their inception, Empirical has been known for pushing the boundaries of jazz, blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds and structures. Their music often features complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and a strong emphasis on collective improvisation. This approach has earned them critical acclaim and a reputation as one of the most exciting groups in the modern jazz scene.
ver the years, Empirical has released several albums that showcase their evolving sound and artistic vision. Their self-titled debut album in 2007 was met with widespread praise, and subsequent releases have continued to demonstrate their growth and willingness to take risks. The band has also gained recognition for their innovative performance concepts, such as their “pop-up jazz lounge” projects, where they set up temporary performance spaces in public areas to bring their music directly to new audiences.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Tom Farmer and Shane Forbes, two members of the innovative UK-based jazz ensemble Empirical. Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, from their latest album release to their experiences during the pandemic and their plans for the future. Here’s an in-depth look at our discussion and what it reveals about this dynamic group’s journey in the ever-evolving world of jazz.
When I last spoke with Empirical before the pandemic, they hinted at plans for a new album. Now, that album has finally come to fruition, though not without its share of challenges and delays. Tom explained that while they had some ideas for the album in 2019, including the possibility of a live recording, the pandemic put everything on hold for nearly two years.
The band eventually recorded the album in Christmas 2022, a significant delay from their original timeline. This setback was particularly notable as the group felt they were already behind on their usual album cycle. In the interim, they had released some EPs, including a double EP that had just come out when we last spoke.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on Empirical’s plans, as it did for musicians worldwide. Tom described how they were unable to play together, meet, or even rehearse for an extended period. This forced hiatus lasted for the better part of two years, significantly altering their creative process and timeline.
Despite these challenges, the band remained committed to their long-term vision. Tom noted that even without the pandemic, Empirical has experienced cycles of intense playing followed by periods of relative inactivity. As such, the enforced break, while unusual, wasn’t entirely out of character for the group’s dynamic.
When Empirical finally entered the studio, financial support from Help Musicians UK – a charitable organisation that provides funding for recording, touring and business education for musicians – allowed them to book a two-day session in a high-quality studio. It also enabled them to bring in two special guests: renowned pianist Jason Rebello and ascending tenor sax star Alex Hitchcock..
The collaboration with Jason was a significant aspect of the new album. Tom explained that they had worked with Jason before, including performances at Kings Place alongside Jean Toussaint. These collaborations were part of a series of concerts that Empirical had been programming, typically featuring a short set from the band followed by a longer set from a guest artist or band.
The decision to work with Jason Rebello on the new album wasn’t made lightly. Tom revealed that Jason’s involvement was rooted in a previous project where Empirical had studied and performed the music of Andrew Hill. This project, which took place at King’s Place in London, required a lineup that could do justice to Hill’s complex compositions, which often featured vibraphone, piano, and multiple saxophones.
Jason’s connection to the jazz tradition, having played with many of the band’s heroes from the 1990s, including Wayne Shorter, made him an ideal collaborator. Tom also shared a personal connection, crediting Jason’s records from the 1990s as a significant influence on his own entry into jazz.
Incorporating Jason into the band’s sound required some thoughtful composition. Tom explained that he wrote some pieces with Jason in mind, creating space for piano within the arrangements. This approach allowed for new orchestration possibilities but also presented potential challenges, as piano and vibraphone can sometimes occupy similar harmonic spaces.
The collaboration demanded a high level of musicianship and sensitivity from all involved. Shane emphasized the importance of having skilled players who can make good decisions in the moment to ensure the music sounds cohesive. The band’s approach was to provide a skeletal framework through composition, allowing room for individual expression and improvisation within that structure.
Both Tom and Shane stressed that the collaboration with Jason was largely organic. While Tom had written with Jason’s playing style in mind, they didn’t give him specific instructions. Instead, they relied on Jason’s natural ability to fit into the band’s rhythmic and harmonic world.
Jason’s strong rhythmic sense and deep knowledge of jazz tradition allowed him to contribute naturally to the band’s improvisational approach. Tom noted that Jason seemed to enjoy the challenge of not being told exactly what to do, instead finding his own way within the band’s established dynamic.
Before the pandemic hit, Empirical had been riding a wave of success. In 2019, they completed a tour of the United States, which included well-received performances at the Kennedy Center and two nights at Dizzy’s Club in New York. They also played at a the Rochester International Jazz Festival, experiences that Shane described as “great to be playing… and to be together and having those experiences”.
When asked how the band managed to stay together during the extended break forced by the pandemic, Tom emphasized their long-term commitment to the project. He explained that even in normal times, the band experiences periods of intense activity followed by quieter periods, so in some ways, the pandemic-induced break wasn’t entirely out of the ordinary.
Both Tom and Shane saw some silver linings in the forced hiatus. They used the time to individually hone their skills, with Tom noting that his compositional practice improved significantly during this period. Shane added that any individual improvement ultimately benefits the band as a whole.
Interestingly, the material for the new album wasn’t specifically written during the pandemic. Tom explained that their writing process is ongoing and not typically tied to specific album projects. He estimated that only about 10% of what they write ever makes it to recordings or performances. Some compositions might be played once and then set aside, while others might resurface years later for recording or live performances.
This approach means that the band always has a pool of material to draw from, with some pieces on the new album potentially dating back several years. The pandemic provided time for individual practice and composition, but not necessarily with the specific goal of creating an album.
For their latest album, Empirical chose to partner with Whirlwind Recordings, a departure from their previous self-released efforts. Tom explained that while they’ve always been open to working with labels, it’s challenging to find the right fit for their progressive, artistic approach to jazz.
The decision to work with Whirlwind came down to the enthusiasm of label founder Michael Janisch. Tom emphasized that in a genre where financial returns are often limited, having a passionate advocate for the music is crucial. The band’s long-standing relationship with Michael, including Shane’s performances in his band, made the partnership a natural fit.
The new album was initially released on CD and streaming platforms, with a vinyl LP released on August 16th. The band launched the vinyl release at the Vortex in London on October 8th, followed by a series of UK tour dates spanning between November 2024 and May 2025.
Regarding plans to tour outside the UK Tom mentioned that the band has secured one date in Germany for January 23rd, they’re hoping to expand their European presence in 2025. Shane acknowledged the challenges of rebuilding their profile in the European press post-pandemic but expressed confidence in the band’s ability to connect with audiences once they’re able to perform live.
The band is particularly interested in exploring opportunities in Berlin, where their manager Claudia Kuss-Tenzer is based. They see the city’s vibrant music scene as a potential hub for future performances and collaborations.
Empirical gained attention in the past for their innovative pop-up jazz lounge projects, where they would set up and play in unexpected public spaces. We’ve covered this unique initiative previously on the Jazz In Europe website..
The band has previously done pop-ups in various locations, including Alexa Shopping Centre in Berlin as part of the Berlin Jazz Festival, and at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival in the UK. They also participated in a smaller-scale pop-up event in the small Somerset town of Bridgwater, organised by local community arts organisation Seed.
As Empirical promotes their new album, they’re also looking to the future. The band plans to continue performing the music from the current album while also beginning to write new material. Their approach remains open-ended, with the possibility of further exploring the piano-inclusive lineup or trying out new styles and instrumentations. As Shane put it, “For us, the music will tell us what we have.” This philosophy of letting the music guide their direction has been a hallmark of Empirical’s approach throughout their career.
My conversation with Tom and Shane provided a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of the UK’s most innovative jazz ensembles. Empirical’s commitment to artistic growth, their willingness to embrace collaboration, and their ability to adapt to challenging circumstances all speak to the band’s resilience and creative spirit.
The new album, born out of a period of unprecedented global disruption, represents not just a collection of new music, but a testament to the band’s enduring vision. By bringing in Jason Rebello and exploring new sonic territories, Empirical has once again demonstrated their willingness to push boundaries and evolve their sound.
As they look to the future, Empirical faces both challenges and opportunities. The geographical separation of band members and the need to rebuild their European presence both post-brexit and post-pandemic present logistical hurdles. However, the band’s flexible approach to lineup and their openness to new collaborations suggest that they’re well-equipped to navigate these challenges.
The potential for more pop-up projects and the continued support from Whirlwind Recordings offer exciting possibilities for connecting with new audiences and bringing their music to unexpected spaces. As Empirical continues to let the music guide their path, jazz fans around the world will undoubtedly be eager to see where that path leads.
In an era where the jazz landscape is constantly shifting, Empirical stands out as a band that embraces change while remaining true to their artistic vision. Their journey from self-released EPs to internationally touring ensemble to pandemic-era innovators is a compelling narrative of perseverance and creativity in the face of adversity.
As the band embark on their next chapter, promoting the new album and writing fresh material, Empirical continues to exemplify the spirit of exploration and collaboration that defines the best of contemporary jazz. Their story is far from over, and if our conversation is any indication, the next phase of Empirical’s evolution promises to be as exciting and unpredictable as their music itself.
Photos Antonio Petronzio & Katy Dillon
This article is featured in the Autumn 2024 edition of the Jazz In Europe Magazine. This edition features in-depth interviews with notable artists such as UK band Empirical and Brad Mehldau. Readers will find insightful pieces on the craft of recording jazz with Daniel Dettwiler, and explorations of the jazz scenes in Budapest and Sweden through conversations with artists like Veronika Harcsa, Bálint Gyémánt, and Claire Martin.
The magazine also includes a special “Vinyl Corner” segment featuring Pierre Wittig, an audio technician specializing in high-quality amplifier restoration. Additionally, readers can enjoy album reviews, a thoughtful editorial on jazz’s response to corporate consolidation in the music industry, and a feature on Cyrille Aimée and finding musical inspiration in Costa Rica.
Last modified: November 14, 2024
