One of the UK’s most innovative and enduring jazz ensembles, Empirical, return with a powerful new album Like Lambs: To The Slaughter featuring special guests. One Jazz are proud to support the album launch and headline performance at King’s Place in London.
Featuring:
- Nathaniel Facey (alto saxophone)
- Tom Farmer (double bass)
- Shaney Forbes (drums)
- Ivo Neame (piano)
- David Preston (guitar)
This new work is a bold reimagining of drummer Shaney Forbes’ long-form suite, originally released as a self-issued EP. Reworked and expanded into a continuous 51-minute piece, the album unfolds as a single immersive narrative.
Originally conceived during the COVID pandemic, the music explores urgent and timeless themes: the tension between independent thought and collective behaviour, and the blurred boundary between innocence and ignorance. The result is a work that feels both deeply reflective and sharply relevant to contemporary life.
Musically, the album moves fluidly between contemporary classical textures, cinematic soundscapes, post-bop, and free jazz. It mirrors a world of fragmented attention and constant stimulation, while also holding onto a quiet belief in the possibility of clarity, connection, and renewal.
With this release, Empirical continue to refine their distinctive musical identity—defined by exceptional interplay, technical mastery, and a fearless emotional range.
King’s Place, King’s Cross, London – Friday 3rd July.
Tickets: kingsplace.co.uk
*In addition, prior to release One Jazz be hosting an exclusive album playback session at Spiritland on Monday June 8th.