One of the most in demand jazz guitarists on the UK scene today, Nick Costley-White is gearing up to release his third album Poncha (Ubuntu Music), which will be celebrated with a not-to-be-missed live show at the intimate World Heart Beat venue on Saturday 22 February.
For the album Nick assembled a stellar line-up of British musicians: Julian Siegel on saxophone, Conor Chaplin on double bass and James Maddren on drums. Described by Nick as “without doubt my dream team of instrumentalists to record with”, they each bring bags of personality and flair to the record – from Julian’s distinct tone and ability to choose “the most melodic and creative path through an improvisation” to Conor’s “remarkable and virtuosic playing”.
Costley-White established himself with his debut album Detour Ahead! And his follow-up trio record Nice work, touring both extensively throughout the UK. With Poncha he builds on his foundation of jazz tradition and virtuosic technique established on his previous albums by exploring what he describes as a “broad set of musical and personal influences” across a set of tracks that have been gestating and developing over many years.
Known for his melodic and characterful style, Costley-White brings together multiple ideas in a way that flows, creating compositions that are wide-ranging, ambitious and offer challenge to the listener while being pleasing and accessible.
His work is rooted in North American jazz styles but delicately and sympathetically fuses this with the influence of other traditions, such as those of Cuba and Brazil. While he didn’t want to make a “Latin themed album”, territory that can slip into pastiche, he has woven the influence of these traditions into his work in a way that is authentic and utterly true to himself.
Having worked with Ivo Neame, Jason Rebello, Stan Sulzmann and many other celebrated artists as well as forging his own distinctive approach as a band leader and composer – it’s no surprise that Costley White’s stock has grown, and he’s played legendary spaces from Ronnie Scott’s to the multiple Blue Note venues.
For the launch of Poncha, he’s chosen the intimate and atmospheric surroundings of World Heart Beat in Nine Elms. The venue is part of a not-for-profit centre with a recording studio and music academy acting as a hub for fostering creativity and musical exploration – a truly perfect setting for this album launch.
For jazz fans familiar with Costley-White’s work or those new to him as a player, this one-off gig marking the launch of his new album is a not to be missed event. Showcasing four of the very best jazz players from the contemporary UK scene – it will be a chance to witness the band improvising and exploring these new compositions that Costley-White has been developing for so long.
Late February can be a dark, damp and often bleak time at the tail-end of winter. Bring a little bit of joy and sunshine into your week with what will undoubtedly be a masterclass in melody, jazz composition, ensemble playing and improvisation.
Launch: 22 February, World Heart Beat, 3 Ponton Rd, Nine Elms, London SW11 7BD
