Nick Costley-White Quartet – Traverse Theatre

Although small in number, they certainly weren’t small in sound—Nick Costley-White and his band absolutely rocked the Traverse with their unique jazz sound. Pulling inspiration from Brazil, West Africa, Malta, and more, Costley-White has curated a full-on hubbub of sound with an inventive and experimental flair.

Those pieces which used these multi-cultural influences all began with a distinctive fusion sound. However, as improvisations took over from the pre-written work, we lost those cultural distinctions, falling into patterns and conventions that are perhaps more stereotypical to the traditional western jazz sound. It would have been exciting to hear the themes and ideas presented at the beginning of each piece carry over into the solos. Nonetheless, the quality of the solos was unquestionably excellent.

The musical proficiency of the quartet is striking—so too is their relationship as a band. With improvised solos making up the body of Costley-White’s work, the seamless nature of their playing was unbelievable. This is a band so attuned to one another that hardly any physical indication was needed to transition from solos to written lines—seemingly communicating on a metaphysical level instead. There was a complete trust and know-how employed within the band to produce an ultimate cohesiveness.

Of course, the core element stabilising this cohesion was the quartet’s drummer, James Maddren. Navigating complex time signatures and intricate rhythms, he played with an intensity that was so focused it seemed more like relaxation than effort. However far Maddren strayed from the beat, he was constantly in full control—moving from free-form spontaneity to standard grooves flawlessly, all while nonchalantly chomping his way through a packet of Mentos.

Also holding down the rhythm section was double bassist Conor Chaplin. Providing an integral layer to the quartet, Chaplin’s ability to blend with and support the band was performed with subtlety and grace. Although Chaplin’s solos were few and far between, when he did solo it was a joy, with a freedom of movement and finesse.

Saxophonist Julian Siegel presented us with some beautifully phrased lines full of expressivity and texture. His solo building was impressive, with repetition and space being used wisely to form striking lines.

And of course, being the writer of the work, Nick Costley-White himself provided the band’s palpable, eclectic sound. Scaling the guitar with tact and polish, Costley-White manages to speak through his guitar with a calm madness.

While perhaps this isn’t the band for the casual jazz listener, the connoisseurs will certainly marvel at the panache of the Nick Costley-White Quartet. The quartet have five dates left across the UK on their Poncha album tour, so for all the avid jazz fans, this band is a must-see.

Reviewer: Jessie Martin

Reviewed: 23rd June 2025

North West End UK Rating: