CD Review: Julian Costello Quartet - Transitions

Julian Costello (tenor/soprano); Maciek Pysz (guitars); Yuri Goloubev (bass); Adam Teixeira (drums).

(Review by Lance/Drawing by Alban Low).

Thoughtful and compelling, that was my first reaction upon hearing Waves, the opening track. Costello's long drawn out notes convey waves of sound - not to be confused with sheets of the same. His tone is well-rounded, the sound languorous, sonorous, punctuated by a couple of jaunty notes before returning to the serious business in hand. Globe favourite Pycz -  the quartet are there on October 7, put it in your diaries now! - adds his contribution and it's no mere '2 bits' worth. There's no break between Waves and Ducks and I thought the machine was playing tricks when track 2 flashed up.

No, Ducks it was and, although the same ponderous mood was retained, Costello became more expansive, flashing the notes around the way tenor players are expected to do.

Soprano unpacked for Corners - a short opus that revealed Costello's tone to be equally attractive on the higher pitched instrument. Again, no track break - this really is cutting corners.

Soprano remains loaded for A Manic Episode and Costello is off to the races at Formula 2 speed. Teixeira brings him back to allow Pysz a piece of the cake. On Spanish guitar for this one, he too hits the accelerator before fading into Track 5 - Tongue in Cheek. As the title implies a quirky theme with some strange moments and some equally beautiful soprano moments and guitar injections. Drums forever feeling the mood and double bass likewise.

Eureka! I've got it! The clue is in the title Transitions. That's why there are no breaks. You can't break with transition.

I'm happier now that that's sorted. Sorry folks, you've just got to have patience with me and, by coincidence, the next number is Patience. I don't know if this particular Patience is a lady, a state of tolerance or a card game for one. It could probably apply to all three. If it's a lady, she's very beautiful. If it's tolerance, it's worth waiting for and if it's a card game you've been dealt the perfect sequence. Whatever, I'm sure Julian will enlighten us at The Jazz Coop gig on October 7.

Earworm - I thought I was still listening to Patience - followed then we modulated into Buraki I Ziemmiak (don't ask me!) at 7.23 the longest track has more impressive tenor and some unison sax/guitar passages. Changing moods abound and Pysz demonstrates why he is revered so much by guitar buffs. As ever drums and bass provide the all-essential support.

Mirage is in two parts with the first being an extended intro featuring more Spanish sounds from Pysz. Poignant. Costello joins him on part two. Panettone brings Goloubev to the fore and he seizes the moment well before Costello adds some tenor lyricism.

Walking Through the Jungle - what can I say that I haven't already said? Pysz is in an out and out swing mood here setting the scene for more fine tenor.

The disc finishes off with a short reprise of Corners. 

It's an interesting and, at times, quite compelling album and whilst I (now) appreciate the seamless transition between tracks I'd still have preferred some time to assimilate what I'd just heard. However, that's just me and I'm sure I'll be in the minority.

Recommended!

Lance.

Transitions by the Julian Costello Quartet is (or soon will be) available on 33Jazz records number 268.

The band play at The Globe, Newcastle on October 7. £10 (£8 in advance).