Search - Johnny Costa :: Dream

Costa makes you want to dream along with Johnny Mercer.

ljlewis@erols.com | Alexandria, VA | 03/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Costa was a bright star, whether providing jazz for the Mr. Rodger's show on PBS or sitting at the piano and playing Johnny Mercer. He could sit down at the piano, know what he was going to play, and the notes would come together and wash over the listener like waves in the ocean. You never know where the notes will lead you but you will always be pulled into the music and wonder how his mind can work so quickly to blend melody and harmony and the elements of jazz together. A true genius. You will enjoy every one of his CDs...unfortunately, there are too few of them."

Correcting an injustice

Christopher Falter | Irmo, SC | 02/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who has ever watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood knows that Johnny Costa has astonishing technique. Combined with the ability to weave clever, interesting ideas into fascinating solos, Johnny Costa's performances always provide a vibrant, exhilarating jazz experience.I have played jazz piano for decades, including some club/restaurant gigs, and believe me, Johnny Costa has always been at the very top of the heap in my book. Beg, borrow, [for] ... this CD! ..."

He's the top!

Travis R. Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 11/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Costa was one of the true geniuses of jazz piano. I don't throw around the word lightly, and I can categorize him in the pantheon occupied solely by the likes of Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Dick Hyman, and maybe a few others.
Too many casual listeners will be inundated with the amount of notes. But look how many words a book has! People like Johnny had too much to say to not take full advantage of the piano. Jazz has always had its roots in technical ability, and Johnny had it in excess.
His arrangements are marvelous, with the emotional potency to stop you cold. While occupying all ranges of the keyboard, at a breakneck clip, Johnny could pick out one note to bring you to your knees.
Johnny could not have existed without forebearers like Tatum, but his style is his alone. He belongs at the very top of a very small heap of musicians. It's one of the great tragedies of the jazz world that no one knows who he is. He is, and should be regarded as, one of the best pianists to ever exist in Jazz."