Pianist, composer and recording artist Scott Cossu will perform a full concert on a baby grand piano, accompanied by local favorite percussionist Koko Kaneali‘i tomorrow at the Church of the Pacific in Prince-ville. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Pianist, composer and recording artist Scott Cossu will perform a full concert on a baby grand piano, accompanied by local favorite percussionist Koko Kaneali‘i tomorrow at the Church of the Pacific in Prince-ville. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door, with part of the proceeds going to the Careers for Peace Project of the Green Party of Hawaii.
Cossu’s background in jazz and rhythm-and-blues, combined with his years of classical training, and study of ethnic music from Sudan, Thailand, China, Roumania and Ecuador makes for an ecclectic performance. Cossu has performed in concerts worldwide and has been recording since 1981.
Cossu has produced many successful albums with Windham Hill, and has toured the world, giving more than 1,000 concerts. Known for his composition skills, he has reached a large TV viewing audience with his scores for the acclaimed PBS series “Nova,” other film documentaries and nature videos. His latest recording projects include a fusion of classical and jazz styles.
The influence of the Sudanese musician Hamza El Din led him to graduate studies in ethno-musicology at the University of Washington. Cossu also traveled to Ecuador, where he was influenced by music with differing layers of African, Latin and Native Andean rhythms.
After his return, Cossu began performing, recording and creating film and video scores, developing his style and approach to composition. He has since produced 10 albums and scores for a number of projects.
Kaneali’i moved to Kaua‘i from O‘ahu in the 70’s after many years of playing with virtually all the bands in Waikiki, including performing as a drummer in Don Ho’s band. Kaneali‘i performs as a bassist, guitarist, vocalist and percussionist in live performances and as a studio musician. On Kaua‘i, Kaneali‘i teaches ukulele, autoharp, guitar and art.
Kaneali’i will accompany Cossu on percussion tomorrow night. They will perform a number of Cossu’s original compositions.
Cossu’s music falls into, and between, several categories: new age, folk, jazz, world, rhythm-and-blues, and classical.
For more information call Mary Stone at 332-7447.
