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| (Screenshot by Ken Drew) |
Nathaniel Facey (alto sax); Lewis Wright (vibes); Tom Farmer (double bass); Shane Forbes (drums)
Empirical's four members have been writing new material in this prolonged period of isolation. This evening's Ronnie Scott's live stream session offered the quartet the opportunity to play together for the first time in thirteen months.Their new compositions would feature prominently.
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| (Screenshot by Ken Drew) |
A first number (was the title The Talbert?) found Nathaniel Facey in blistering form. A second number, Certain Uncertainty, written by Tom Farmer, opened with the composer's cello-like arco bass. The piece, a world premiere, smouldered menacingly, circling its prey, toying with it, ultimately backing off, content to snare its target another day. Farmer's True Cost maintained/sustained the solemn mood and Shane Forbes' Like Lambs continued the vibe until the composer signalled a change of direction. Forbes' restrained power encouraged Facey to go for it and our alto saxophonist did just that before drummer man Forbes reeled him in to take charge of the piece with a clattering solo of his own. In marked contrast, Forbes' second composition of the evening occupied something approaching MJQ ballad territory before building to an intense Coltrane-like finale, Facey's alto sounding not unlike a tenor sax.  |
| (Screenshot by Ken Drew) |
For a first gig in more than a year this was a cracking set. Empirical went out on an old one. From 2009's Out 'n' In album, a respectful nod to Eric Dolphy wirh Gazzelloni. It'll be good to see and hear one of Britain's enduring contemporary outfits back on the road. Russell.
Set list: The Talbert; Certain Uncertainty; True Cost; Like Lambs; The Garden of Beginnings; Gazzelloni.
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