Eddie Costa | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Edwin James Costa |
| Born | August 14, 1930 Atlas, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | July 28, 1962 (aged 31) New York City, New York, United States |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, arranger |
| Instrument(s) | Piano, vibraphone |
| Years active | Late 1940s–1962 |
| Labels | Coral, Dot, Josie, Verve |
Edwin James Costa (August 14, 1930 – July 28, 1962) was an American jazz pianist, vibraphonist, composer and arranger. In 1957, he was chosen as DownBeat jazz critics' new star on piano and vibes – the first time that one artist won two categories in the same year. He became known for his percussive, driving piano style that concentrated on the lower octaves of the keyboard.
Costa had an eight-year recording career, during which he appeared on more than 100 albums; five of these were under his own leadership. As a sideman, he appeared in orchestras led by Manny Albam, Gil Evans, Woody Herman and others; played in smaller groups led by musicians including Tal Farlow, Coleman Hawkins, Gunther Schuller, and Phil Woods; and accompanied vocalists including Tony Bennett and Chris Connor. Costa died, aged 31, in a car accident in New York City.