Sunday June 23 * 7pm * $10 * TICKETS
"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
Since the release of their debut album on Fresh Sound New Talent in 2006 Mikkel, Sean and Jeppe have toured all over the world performing in more than twenty countries. The trio has worked with of some of today's greatest saxophonists including Americans Mark Turner and Loren Stillman. Mikkel has recorded 14 albums for renowned jazz-labels Sunnyside Records (US), Fresh Sound (ES), Songlines (CA) and for Whirlwind Recordings (UK).
The trio is building on 14 years of experience interpreting Mikkel’s ever-evolving repertoire, often described as melody driven, highly original in harmonic character, yet very approachable and inviting. Mikkel started on drums at the age of four but switched to the guitar in his teens. He graduated as Master of Jazz Guitar from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Holland with a distinction for his original composition.
Mikkel's latest album “Faroe” was selected for the category “Best Instrumental Jazz Album” in the 2018 Grammy Awards. His solo album Alleviation from 2017 has received more than two million plays on Spotify and praise from all over the world.
Mikkel Ploug is the latest sensation in European jazz guitar scene with a personal voice and sound that sings - La Vanguardia ES
Masterclass - the danish guitarist Mikkel Ploug is on the way into the Champions League of contemporary jazzguitarists - Jazzpodium DE
- Extreme beauty - Their individual voices dovetail gracefully as saxophone and guitar explore their individual roles and come together to achieve a level of creative flow that’s the goal of any artistic pairing. (Faroe, 2018) Downbeat
"Mikkel’s Alleviations album is simply a gorgeous work of art. “ Prof. John Thomas - Fretboard Journal USA"
Mikkel Ploug Trio is presented with support from the Embassy of Denmark.