Empirical's Blog

'I don't like jazz but I liked what you guys played', 'I hate modern Jazz, but that was cool', ‘I liked your music! Does that mean I like Jazz?’ Common comments to be heard not only at an Empirical gig, but at Jazz performances up and down the country.

These views are why we were overjoyed to win the 2010 MOBO award for best jazz act. How often does British jazz get an audience of millions? If a handful of people come to our gigs, or pick up an album or log on to londonjazz.blogspot then the MOBO jazz award is validated.

Our trip up to the award ceremony last week was fun, if a little terrifying! The 4 of us, our manager Danielle and assistant Laura, record label rep Simon, special guest Julian Siegel, photographer extraordinaire William Ellis, and Shane's brother John Paul were met by a red carpet reception, screaming fans (not for us of course), celebrities, uber-trendy pop stars of all persuasions. We were experiencing a different world! Fortunately the new suits provided us with the confidence essential to make the most of an overwhelming evening, and long after party.

BBC presenter Reggie Yates hosted the show (alongside Alesha Dixon) and also announced jazz award. BBC 3 viewers would have heard his quip '...try not to fall asleep during the Jazz award...' inciting sharp intakes of breath on the Empirical table. When we heard ‘…give it up for…Empirical!’, I became more nervous than when playing at the Barbican, QEH or my first school concert in front of attentive parents: I was to make the acceptance speech (no pressure).

With award in hand, I had to bring Reggie up to speed - '...one more thing yeah, Reggie, come to on of our gigs, you won't fall asleep man...you'll be cool!' Smiles, jokes and a shake of the hand ensued, all tastefully edited out for BBC 1 viewers.

But in all seriousness, the mainstream power if the MOBOs should not be underestimated. We were thankful for a brief moment, but for all those fans, hanging on the presenters and pop stars every word, Jazz is once again stereotyped and marginalised. Not helpful for the survival of Britain’s 'hidden musical wealth' especially in such bleak economic times.

So bring it on Reggie and everyone who believes in the MOBO awards. Get to a gig this year, have your British Jazz misconceptions challenged. You never know, you might enjoy it!