Eddie Costa ‎– The House Of Blue Lights

AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden

Eddie Costa was probably better known for his work as a vibraphonist than as a pianist during his all too brief career, which ended suddenly after a fatal car crash in 1962. He sticks exclusively to piano on his final album as a leader, joined by bassist Wendell Marshall and drummer Paul Motian. His interpretation of Gigi Gryce's "The House of Blue Lights" has a dark tone overall, very percussive at times and often incorporating fast runs. Likewise, his take of "My Funny Valentine" is rather moody, as if a breakup between lovers is imminent. "Diane" finally lightens the mood with some mid-tempo breezy bop. Costa's two originals include the upbeat cooker "Annabelle" and the rambling, almost avant-gardish "What's It to Ya." Marshall and Motian provide great support for Costa throughout these experimental sessions. It is a pity that Eddie Costa died at such a young age before he had an opportunity to expand upon the work heard in this valuable date.

Eddie Costa
The House Of Blue Lights
1959

A1 The House Of The Blue Lights (Gigi Gryce) 0:00 A2 My Funny Valentine (Lorenz Hart/Richard Rodgers) 10:04 A3 Diane (Erno Rapee/Lew Pollack) 17:04 B1 Annabelle (Eddie Costa) 21:35 B2 When I Fall In Love (Edward Heyman/Victor Young) 25:45 B3 What's To Ya (Eddie Costa) 30:48 Bass – Wendell Marshall Drums – Paul Motian Piano – Eddie Costa ‎