Empirical - Wonder Is The Beginning [CD]

Please Note Not All Our New Items Are Shrink Wrapped.All items shipped within 3 working days of payment.Real groups like Empirical are a rarity in contemporary jazz, where musicians so often come together for single projects then disperse again once they are done: groups that endure for fifteen years, without slackening in their quest for the new and the fresh, are all but unheard of. rrHaving started their journey in 2007, Empirical now makes a triumphant return, re-taking their rightful place at the centre of the UK scene with 'Wonder is the Beginning'. Their first full-length album since 2016, is a mature musical statement that shows the band's fire is still undimmed and their commitment to maintaining the legacy while forging their own unique path is as strong as ever.rr

The personnel of the quartet, for whom sharp tailoring has become something of a trademark, has remained the same for fifteen years. Nathaniel Facey (alto sax), Tom Farmer (double bass), Lewis Wright (vibraphone) and Shaney Forbes (drums) confound listeners with a telepathic empathy that can only be attained after countless performances together.rr

On 'Wonder is the Beginning' their palette is expanded by the presence of two remarkable guests. Alex Hitchcock contributes his voice on tenor sax to represent the rising generation of virtuoso players, while Jason Rebello adds his unmistakable presence on piano as well as the towering reputation he's built over a thirty-five year international career.rr

This album illustrates the breadth and vision that make Empirical such a potent creative force and underlines that longevity in the challenging world of top-tier contemporary jazz is no fluke. Reinforced by the inspiring contributions of their special guests, it's a powerful statement of faith in the music's ability to adapt, to inspire, to express the ineffable, to engage and to grow.rr

Nathaniel Facey: alto saxophonerLewis Wright: vibraphonerTom Farmer: double bassrShaney Forbes: drumsrJason Rebello: piano (1-3, 5-7)rAlex Hitchcock: tenor saxophone (1, 3, 4)rr

Press:r'The (not quite) title track Wonder Is The Feeling sums up the virtues of the album as a whole, notably including some lovely playing from all of the quartet plus Rebello, who takes the first solo. The track moves through several moods, each player contributing. Forbes ensures the pace with some very light touch swing, unobtrusive but driving, as he is throughout the CD.' - UK Jazz Newsrr

'Their versions of Farmer's attractive, dreamy, mood-setting themes - boosted by Lewis Wright's painterly free-flowing vibraphone - touch on classical music as well as a broad net of 1960s jazz modernism...The urgency and tight-knit ensemble play are still there, even if it's a more mature, reflective development on previous albums.' - **** Jazwise

The Naitoku

She Moves

True Cost

Ursa - The Minor Major Bear

Saha World

As The Eagle

Wonder Is The Feeling

The Naitoku

She Moves

True Cost

Ursa - The Minor Major Bear

Saha World

As The Eagle

Wonder Is The Feeling

• Product Type: AUDIO CD
• Barcode: 5065014356272

Dispatch Information: Dispatch times vary by item and items are only dispatched on UK working days – not weekends or UK Bank Holidays. Items marked "Dispatched Same Day" will be dispatched on the day of purchase if bought before 2pm GMT. "Dispatched Same Day" items bought after 2pm GMT or on a non-working day will be dispatched on the next working day. We aim to dispatch all other items within 3-5 working days.

Delivery Information: We aim to deliver your order as quickly and efficiently as possible. All UK orders are dispatched using Royal Mail 48 Tracked service and the standard delivery times are 2-3 business days. Please note that delivery times for overseas orders will vary depending on your location and the shipping option you choose during checkout.

Shipping Costs: We offer free delivery on all UK orders and free worldwide delivery on orders over £15.

Tracking Your Order: All UK orders are tracked. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this tracking number to monitor the progress of your delivery on the Royal Mail Track and Trace website.

Returns and Exchanges: We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not happy with your order, you may return it within 28 days of the item being dispatched for a refund or exchange. Please note the following guidelines:
- Items must be returned in their original condition and packaging – items that have been opened or had shrink wrap removed are not eligible for return or refund.
- Make sure to include your order number in the returned package.

How to Initiate a Return: To initiate a return or exchange, please contact our customer service team. The team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about the process.

Refund Processing: Refunds will be processed as soon as we receive your item back into our warehouse. Replacements are subject to availability and if a replacement is not available, a refund will be issued.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team or check out our FAQ’s. We're here to help ensure your shopping experience is enjoyable and hassle-free. Thank you for choosing Chalkys!