Graham Costello’s Strata, Obelisk Review

by Steph Cosme on January 12, 2019

Jazz

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Graham Costello’s Strata, Obelisk Review

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Graham Costello’s STRATA is a Scottish jazz band fusing elements of jazz, minimalism, progressive, math and noise-rock. The sextet is comprised of: Graham Costello (drums and compositions), Harry Weir (tenor saxophone), Liam Shortall (trombone), Fergus McCreadie (piano), Joe Williamson (guitar), and Mark Hendry (electric bass). The band is building a solid reputation on the Scottish jazz scene with their graceful integration and exploration of intricate time signatures, polyrhythms and dynamic orchestrations of melodies. The compositions have a solid rhythm section sound with Costello’s colorful drumming, Hendry’s splendid bass tone, and McCreadie agile piano. Add to that the melodic colors of Williamson’s guitar, Weir’s saxophone and Shortall’s trombone, and the magic happens to deliver virtuosic and exciting jazz. The sextet is set to release their debut album, OBELISK. Containing eight original compositions from Costello, the album is an exhilarating journey through many styles, colors and the cross of American and European jazz vocabulary.

Overview

Item Reviewed

Obelisk

Author

Steph Cosme

January 12, 2019

In Short

OBELISK
STOIC
96
JADE
OCELOT
SOLE
SAPPHIRE
FLY

Details

Release Date: February 1, 2019

Label

Label: Bpqd Records

Length

1 hour 17 minutes

Graham Costello’s STRATA has a sound that brings a lot of elements of today’s music into the jazz mixing bowl to cook up an excellent blend of sounds that are integrating and imaginative. This is a new flavor that is certainly welcomed into the jazz buffet.

Review Rating

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Album Rating

9.1

9.4

Bottom Line

OBELISK presents many colors, rhythms and forms through the eight tracks. The ensemble has a keen ear for melody and interacting, which makes for enjoyable solos and ensemble sections. The integration of the musical layers created by the various parts is an integral part to Graham Costello’s STRATA sound. The ostinatos create interesting polyrhythms, as in the title track and “Sole.” Costello’s compositions are built with memorable themes and give plenty of space for soloing, keeping much of the music in the moment. “Stoic” has a majestic theme that is conveyed with rich colors from the tenor and trombone. The composition methodically builds with solid solos and interactions through a form that is interesting and flows from feel to feel with effortless ease. Graham Costello’s STRATA is making their mark on the European jazz scene, now with OBELISK, those vibrations will certainly be felt and heard across the pond too! That’s the short of it!

9.1

Total Score

9.4

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