05 Aug Sheridan Arts Foundation: Scott Cossu & Friends 8/10
Monday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m., the Sheridan Arts Foundation presents Scott Cossu & Friends live in concert for a night of jazz, blues and barrelhouse boogie. Cossu is joined by Slyderz Van Manakas on guitar and Scott Emerson Doser on percussion, plus a variety of special guests. Tickets are $20 and $30 reserved seats with cabaret tables up front. Tickets are $5 more the day of the show, buy in advance here now or by calling 970.728.6363 ext. 5.
If you were around Telluride in the 1980s, you might remember the name “Scott Cossu” and a sold-out concert at the historic Sheridan Opera House back in 1988. Scott returns to the Opera House stage for his (belated) encore on Monday, August 10, 8 p.m., but for four decades and counting, Scott has continued to write, perform and record jazz, blues and tail-shaking tunes.
Scott Cossu is an internationally known, composer, pianist, and recording artist, up front when New Age was just beginning over 30 years ago. He was also one of the first artists to sign Windham Hill Records in the late 1970’s. Scott signed onto the label the same day as Michael Hedges and they both joined George Winston, who was just new to the label himself. In those early days, Scott toured with his label mates as they forged the way for the many artists that would follow in that genre.
Scott affectionately describes his music as “Heavy Mental” or “Cosmic National Geographic.” Although he was one of the grandfathers of the New Age scene, Billboard magazine labeled Scott a “jazz luminary of the future.” Much of Scott’s work departs from New Age and includes a melodic blend of jazz, classical, and ethnic influences.
Throughout the 1980s, Scott Cossu produced a number of hit recordings, closing out the decade with sold-out shows in Germany, England, Japan, and Chile.
As the Windham Hill label grew and changed, many of the label’s artists took a new direction – and so did Scott. He signed with the well-known distributor, Allegro-Music in Portland, Oregon, and joined their label Alula Visions. He has since released Emerald Pathway, When Spirits Fly and Tides Between Us, all of which received generous air play both at home and abroad.
Scott grew up in the small town of Greenfield, Ohio. He began playing piano at age 11, the day his father brought home a small grand piano for the family. As a teen, he took lessons in classical music, but on weekends, Scott played rock ‘n roll. In high school, he made the National Athletic Honor Society, received a National Keyboard Award and was captain of his swim team, but he gave up a swimming scholarship to pursue his love of music. Scott graduated Ohio University, School of Music. He holds a Master’s Degree in Ethnomusicology from University of Washington.
These days, Scott Cossu spends much of his time performing or in his studio, but also keeps busy with projects that include television advertisements, film documentaries, and nature videos. Scott has worked with award-winning photographer, Art Wolfe, as well as environmental artist, Christo.
Scott continues to live in the Northwest, content with his musicians’ life of touring and composing, being with his family and surrounded with the beauty the region has to offer.
For a preview of what’s in store, watch this video:
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