Jazz88 celebrates the birthday of Eddie Costa, a pianist, vibraphonist, composer, and arranger who was the first artist to be recognized as a “new star” by DownBeat magazine on both instruments in the same year. Costa had an eight-year recording career, during which time he partook in more than one hundred sessions. He was featured as a sideman with large ensembles led by Gil Evans, Manny Albam, and Woody Herman. He worked in small groups accompanying singers Tony Bennett and Chris Connor, as well as recordings with guitarist Tal Farlow and tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins. Costa’s own memorable sessions include Guys and Dolls Like Vibes, with pianist Bill Evans in a supporting role, and a trio album called The House of Blue Lights.
Costa’s piano style was characterized by a propulsive rhythmic bent and frequent forays into the instrument’s low register. Costa’s approach to vibes was light and airy by comparison. Tragically, Eddie Costa’s career was cut short in 1962 by a fatal car accident. The last session that he participated in was Jazz Mission to Moscow. Costa was 31 when he died.
Costa was held in great esteem by his musical peers, which was reflected in a seven-hour tribute that was held at the Village Gate on October 8,1962, including performances by Charlie Byrd, Al Cohn, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Jim Hall, Coleman Hawkins, Mundell Lowe, Zoot Sims, and Clark Terry. – Peter Solomon, Jazz88 Morning Show host
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