At the forefront of the UK modern jazz scene, Empirical (a collective of young, London musicians) took the authentic be-bop swagger of the Blue Note label and melted classical, experimental and even Afro-beat influences into smooth grooves and eccentric sounds. Knitting together a loose, free-form feel with boundless enthusiasm and their eponymous debut album - produced by Courtney Pine in 2007 - made a huge impression, was named jazz album of the year by Jazzwise and Mojo magazines and set them up for appearances at the New York, Montreal and North Sea Jazz Festivals; it also made a big impact at the influential Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, USA. Inspired by and dedicated to free jazz legend Eric Dolphy, second album Out 'N' In (2009) featured a guest appearance from Julian Siegel, brought more praise, won the band a MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act and saw them named Best Ensemble by the collection of MPs in the All Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group. Alongside the likes of Portico Quartet and Kit Downes Trio, the group are seen as a new generation of cutting edge, youthful, British artists reinvigorating, experimenting and introducing the genre to a new audience.
