Empirical

This progressive British quartet are at the forefront of the home-grown jazz scene and judging by tonight’s performance their position is clearly deserved. With their latest album made with a string quartet, the pieces from ‘Tabula Rasa’ were re-arranged for a four-piece and from the start it was clear that Shaney Forbes’ powerful and inventive drums and Lewis Wright’s heavily-sustained Cal Tjader-style vibes were the core of the group with their thrilling interactions. Expert musicians all, they sounded fresh with nods to the music’s heritage and the shades of Latin and Bossa Nova thrown into the mix made for an exhilarating evening.

Studio Theatre, Brighton Dome, 7 February 2013
Rating:
Steve Clements