Empirical with Jason Rebello

6 December at Crucible Playhouse
In collaboration with Music in The Round
7.30-10.00 pm, doors open 7.00 pm

Nathaniel Facey: alto sax
Tom Farmer: double bass
Shaney Forbes: drums
Jason Rebello: piano
Jonny Mansfield: vibraphone
(photo credit Antonio Petronzio)

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Multi-award winners Empirical are celebrated for their distinctive signature sound, a combination of complex, thoughtful writing and spontaneous improvisation. Having started in 2007 they went on to become one the UK’s most acclaimed jazz outfits, with the band personnel remaining the same for fifteen years. For this concert they are joined by rising star Jonny Mansfield and Jason Rebello, an award winner with a reputation built over a thirty-five-year international career and will feature material from their new album, their first full-length release since 2016. Expect forward looking, creative music as Empirical re-take their place at the centre of the UK scene.

Empirical grew out of the Tomorrow’s Warriors scheme; The Daily Telegraph called them “the coolest of Britain’s young jazz bands”. Their 2007 debut won album of the year from Jazzwise and MOJO; they were winners of Best Jazz Act at the MOBOs and Urban Music Awards and were twice winners of Best Jazz Ensemble at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. For their new album ‘Wonder is the Beginning’ their palette is expanded by the presence of two guests. Alex Hitchcock on tenor sax and Jason Rebello on piano.   https://www.empiricalmusic.com/

“Empirical deserve to be thought of as one of the greatest small groups in the entire history of British modern jazz” – Richard Williams, thebluemoment.com  https://thebluemoment.com/?s=empirical
“Empirical are exactly what top-class modern jazz should be – trailblazing yet wholly respectful of tradition” – Time Out
“Empirical, around for an astonishing 15 years already, are one of the great British contributions to European jazz”’ – Downbeat

Nathaniel Facey, a member of the Royal Academy of Music Alumni, is one of the UK’s most impressive saxophonists who has recorded or performed with the likes of Jack DeJohnette, Jason Moran, Courtney Pine, Tim Garland, Jerry Dammers and Hugh Masekela. A truly unique sound that, while reminiscent of giants such as Charlie Parker, Eric Dolphy, and John Coltrane, is undeniably his own; full of ferocious passion and lyrical mastery.

“…it was saxophonist Facey’s full-tone, angular articulations and controlled urgency that set the evening alight” – review by Mike Hobart, Financial Times

Tom Farmer started his musical career as a pianist and electric bass player, before focussing on double bass. Tom has performed and recorded with numerous musicians including, Ant Law, Tim Garland, Ivo Neame, Anoushka Shankar and Reinier Baas

Shane Forbes has worked with most of the great names on the British scene including Jean Toussaint, Soweto Kinch and Steve Williamson and with international artists including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Steve Grossman and Enrico Rava.

Jason Rebello is one of the most inventive pianists to emerge from the UK since he burst on to the scene in the early 90’s. Jason has often worked with electronic keyboards in his own groups (as well as with Sting and Jeff Beck), but in 2016 he decided it was time to return to the instrument he loves and released his debut solo piano album “Held” which was rated Best Album in the 2016 British Jazz Awards.  www.jasonrebello.co.uk

“In terms of sheer ability and potential, Jason is probably the finest young jazz musician this country has produced…” – Stuart Nicholson, Jazz: The Modern Resurgence

Jonny Mansfield has worked with respected musicians including Chris Potter, Orlando Weeks and Yazz Ahmed. He was awarded the Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize and subsequently signed to Edition Records to release his debut album featuring Chris Potter, Gareth Lockrane and Kit Downes.  https://www.jonnymansfield.com/

“A musical vision beyond his years” – Evan Parker

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Ticket Prices

Full – £19
Over 60, disabled, unemployed – £17
Student with NUS card – £10
15 – 17 year olds – £5
Under 15s – Free

We encourage you to book tickets online in advance, to avoid missing out and to make life easier and safer for our Door Team.  It will be possible to pay for entry at the door (preferably by contactless payment) if seats are available.

Advance tickets available from https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/sheffield-jazz-5/dates