Empirical, Pavilion Theatre, Brighton, May 15

9:06am Monday 19th May 2008

"Thanks for coming along to this lunchtime concert. It's a bit early for us. We're usually waking up about now."

He may not have been feeling alert but Shady Forbes was drumming complex beats which kept us lively.

With the good looks of a boy band, this hugely charismatic five piece are the rising stars of the UK contemporary jazz scene. All have been mentored in the Tomorrow's Warriors scheme for young jazz musicians and have a confidence which make then thrilling to watch.

They all express their passion for music openly, in particular bassist Tom Farmer who bites his lip, stares wide eyed with surprise then scrunches up his face with joy as he negotiates the everchanging rhythms.

When an audience member's baby cried a second after the last note of Clapton Willow, alto saxophonist Nathaniel Facey smiles and said: "Perfect timing."

Empirical encompass everything exciting about jazz, past, present and future. Although clearly influenced by legends such as Art Blakey and Ornette Coleman, they have a distinct originality which makes them one of our most important young jazz outfits.

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