Jazz på Kampen: Nick Costley White

Nick Costley-White is one of the most in-demand jazz guitarists in the UK. Renowned for a deep understanding of the jazz tradition, he combines his virtuoso technique with a uniquely distinctive style of improvisation.

Costley-White has performed with many of the UK’s most celebrated musicians, and played to audiences across Europe, Asia and Australia.

‘Poncha’ (released in February of this year) is Costley-White’s highly-anticipated third album; a deeply personal collection of seven original compositions named after the Portuguese drink ‘punch’. Using a heady brew of cultural influences, his music skilfully blends dance rhythms and playful melodies from Brazil and Cuba with the harmony and swing of American jazz. Within the tunes lie a melodic and highly rhythmic approach to composition, inspired by his travels to South America, which his quartet interprets with style, flair and energy.

Nick’s journey in writing ‘Poncha’ was a deeply personal one, with several compositions dating back several years - each one documenting a moment in his own life - experiences both good and bad. Reflecting on the set back to performing life that musicians felt during the pandemic, the prospect of venturing back into performing and travelling, collaborating with new musicians, integrating new sounds and relationships; all these experiences and more are felt in both the compositions and the playing. Though the journey may not always be sweet, the outlook is highly optimistic.

Playing alongside Nick are three of the most sought-after musicians in Europe: 

Saxophonist Julian Siegel has long been celebrated as "One of the UK's most creative saxophonists" (Mojo Magazine). Siegel lists Hermeto Pascoal, Kenny Wheeler, Django Bates and NDR Big Band among his extensive performance credits. 

James Maddren and Conor Chaplin together form one of the most renowned and exciting rhythm sections in the world, regularly performing with the likes of ENEMY, Gwilym Simcock, Brad Mehldau, Aaron Parks and Seamus Blake.