22nd November 2015: Reviews for ‘Tetra’ by Julian Argüelles with Kit Downes, Sam Lasserson and James Maddren include 4 Stars from Jazzwise Magazine, The Irish Times, The Scotsman and The Guardian.

Esteemed British saxophonist Julian Argüelles brings his working quartet, Tetra, to Whirlwind in an immersive, hour-long sequence of material written specifically with his colleagues in mind: Kit Downes (piano), Sam Lasserson (bass) and James Maddren (drums).

In this new release, his respect for, and collaboration with, today’s eclectic strain of younger jazz musicians kindles a mutually imaginative spark with an equal emphasis on composition and freedom of improvisation, often melodically or texturally blurring those divisions.

Here are the highlights of the first round of reviews received for Tetra:

“Julian Argüelles reminds us just how much he can shine in smaller settings. In the fine company of pianist Kit Downes, Sam Lasserson on double bass and James Maddren on drums, his playing is purposeful yet lyrical.”
4 Stars, The Scotsman (full review)

​”​[Argüelles] is constantly pushing himself, searching for new melodies, new ideas, new paths to the harmonic waterfall.​”​
4 Stars, The Irish Times (full review)

“Freewheeling jazz ventures packed with striking compositions…vibrant…”
4 Stars, The Guardian (full review)

​“It’s all really rather splendid.”
4 Stars, Jazzwise Magazine (website)​

“​It’s a very fine album indeed, characterised by sophisticated and heartfelt compositions which then urge similarly energised playing.”​
Jazz Breakfast​ (full review)

“Four consummate musicians… Tetra is a burst of golden sunshine.”

Bebop spoken Here (full review)

“Argüelles presents as an innovative and expressive saxophonist who knows his game and how to grab the attention of the listener.”
Musik an Sich (website)

Here’s Yada Yada from Tetra: