Michael Costantino: The Song Inside the Tune

Rhythm, the lifeblood of jazz performances, takes center stage in Michael Costantino's album, The Song Inside the Tune. The album explores the vast terrain of rhythmic structures, with the trio's expert navigation of the eighth note serving as the backbone of their groove. The exploration unfolds a multifaceted perspective on Costantino's rhythmic approach, and thus, his artistry.

Setting the stage with "Yesterdays," the trio—Costantino, bassist Harvie S, and drummer Thierry Arpino—paints an audioscape rich with modern rhythms. The track's relaxed straight-eight funky jazz feel is enhanced by an arrangement layered with harmonic twists. Costantino's solo, fueled by the engine of sixteenth notes, takes the listener on an exhilarating ride, repurposing this traditional swinger into a groovy spectacle. The journey continues with the pop song "Just the Two of Us," which undergoes a transformation into a jazz-funk hybrid. Here, the rhythm shifts towards a straight-eighth and sixteenth note funk-undertow. However, Costantino's swing sensibilities remain intact in his soloing. He emphasizes the offbeat, skillfully merging jazz and funk elements into an enthralling auditory blend.

"Satin Doll" serves as an exemplary lesson in rhythmic metamorphosis. The infectious backbeat of the A sections that gets one's toe tapping seamlessly morphs into a joyous swing feel in the B section, showcasing the trio's formidable control over rhythmical expressions.

"What'll I Do" adds another dimension to the album with its irresistible straight-eighth feel, creating an environment that radiates feelgood jazz vibes. Arpino and S's rhythmic foundation lays the perfect canvas for Costantino's single notes and chordal figures to weave a compelling sonic tapestry.

The album features two interpretations of "Speak Softly, Love (Love Theme from the Godfather)," the only tune that consistently swings the eights. Costantino and the trio operate in full swing, effortlessly melding ideas based on eight and sixteenth note values into a powerhouse of expressions that enrich both versions.

The Song Inside the Tune shows the boundless possibilities of rhythm and demonstrates how a jazz trio can evoke a rich emotional response by adeptly balancing swing with a spectrum of straight-eight feels. Even amidst the rhythmic changes, the melodic core of each tune remains untouched. Guiding listeners through this rhythmical voyage is Costantino, whose elegant musicality beautifully illuminates the "song" within each "tune." A celebration of rhythm's versatility and emotional depth in jazz, this album promises an engaging auditory experience.

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