Sunday June 23 * 7pm * $10

"Empirical are among the most admired and individual-sounding bands in contemporary jazz. […] As anyone who has heard the band live will know, their approach is so fresh and their sound so appealing that there’s never a dull moment. Much of this is down to the instrumentation of alto saxophone, vibraphone, bass and drums, which has the lightness and clarity to convey quite adventurous ideas without losing the listener along the way." (The Observer)

Since their formation in 2007, Empirical haven’t ceased proving their fearless creative fervour, while honing an instantly recognisable group sound rife with raw energy and roiling emotion. Featuring Nathaniel Facey (alto sax), Tom Farmer (double bass), Lewis Wright (vibraphone) and Shaney Forbes (drums).

“Mikkel Ploug is the latest sensation in European jazz guitar with a personal voice and sound that shines.” La Vanguardia

Danish guitarist and composer Mikkel Ploug (b.1978) has performed all over Europe, Brazil and the US with his bands Mikkel Ploug Group, Mikkel Ploug Trio and Equilibrium. He has recorded three albums for Spanish label “Fresh Sounds New Talent” and three for canadian label Songlines Recordings. Mikkel has performed as a soloist with The Royal Ballet in Copenhagen and works with US choreographer Tilman O’Donnell. He is a sideman with danish popartist Tue West and has worked as a sideman in Sean Carpio’s Wowos and for NYC alto player Pete Robbins Transatlantic and as an opening act for Wayne Shorter. Mikkel who started out on drums at the age of four has a master awarded with a distingtion for composition from the Royal Conservatory in the Hague, Holland, he has lived in Berlin, and now resides in Copenhagen.

Mikkel Ploug Trio is presented with support from the Embassy of Denmark.