Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Joseph Armand Castro was born on August 15, 1927 in Miami, Arizona and went to school in Pittsburg, north of Oakland, California in the Bay area where he began playing professionally at the age of 15. After graduation he enrolled at San Jose State University but his matriculation was interrupted not once but twice by Army service and then with the forming of a working trio.

Moving to New York City in 1956 Castro hit the ground working at Basin Street, The Embers, Hickory House and Birdland. During this period in his career, Leonard Feather and Dave Brubeck critically lauded his talent.

Two years later Joe moved back to the West Coast landing in L.A. playing with Teddy Edwards, Billy Higgins and Leroy Vinnegar. The bebop pianist recorded and performed extensively with The Teddy Edwards Quartet while also making two of his own recordings as a leader for Atlantic Records.  His debut album in 1956 “Mood Jazz” utilized three different ensembles: a large orchestra with strings and voices, another string orchestra without voices and a regular jazz combo of piano, trumpet, alto saxophone, bass, and drums. His sophomore album titled “Groove Funk Soul” was recorded on July 18, 1958 and included tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and Billy Higgins on drums.

In the early 1960’s, tobacco heiress/jazz enthusiast Doris Duke and then long-term boyfriend Castro, along with silent partner and friend Duke Ellington, formed record company Clover Records and music publishing company Jo-Do. Castro’s third album as a leader titled “Lush Life” was the only album released on Clover Records. But by 1966, Jo-Do, Clover, and the Castro-Duke relationship had failed, and all three were shortly dissolved.

From 1959 to 1960, Castro backed vocalists Anita O’Day and June Christy; was music director for Tony Martin from 1961 to 1963. He performed with sidemen Chico Hamilton, Red Mitchell, Ed Shonk and Howard Roberts in his trios and quartets. Castro moved to Las Vegas in the 70s and continued to accompany vocalists and play in Las Vegas pit bands until he became the musical director for the Tropicana’s Folies Bergere. Pianist Joe Castro passed away on December 13, 2009.

More Posts: piano