22/05/2008 Tony Hall/Chris Ingham

http://www.jazzwise.com/news/item/6002 -Tony Hall

BY CHRIS INGHAM Empirical ***** DESTIN-E
Astonishing debut produced by Courtney Pine. UNLIKE MANY of their contemporaries, Empirical eschew adopting rock or even punk tendencies to give their music ‘edge’. Indeed, so persuasive is their absorption and utilization of the post-bop, pre-fusion jazz tradition, it makes such postures look rather arch, even silly. Compositionally inspired by everything from religious awe to nature and 9/11 conspiracy theories, Empirical display a creativity within the acoustic modern jazz tradition that is wondrous and joyful. A myriad of influences (Shorter-era Jazz Messengers, early Ornette, Booker Little, ‘60s Miles) are apparent, but there’s a sharpness of invention that seems to reinvent these styles rather than merely rework them. The solos of trumpeter Jay Phelps and altoist Nathaniel Facey are vital and fresh, and the fluid, precise ensembles are as impressive. New Jazz for those who like it straight up.MOJO MAGAZINE – SEPTEMBER 07