Scott Cossu is a pivotal figure in the 'Windham Hill' sound of the 1980s, a movement that redefined instrumental music by blending folk, jazz, and classical elements. A student of the legendary Hamza El Din, Cossu's musical identity is defined by a sophisticated 'chamber jazz' approach.
His compositions often feature a strong melodic lead on piano supported by a rotating cast of world-class acoustic musicians on flute, cello, and guitar. His career arc is marked by significant commercial success on the Billboard charts, particularly with 'She Describes Infinity' and 'Switchback', which solidified his position as a leader in the contemporary instrumental genre. Despite a near-fatal accident in 1989, Cossu's output remained consistent, later exploring more overt blues and boogie-woogie influences in his independent releases. Critically, he is respected for maintaining a high level of musicianship in a genre often criticized for simplicity, using complex chord voicings and subtle rhythmic shifts that appeal to jazz aficionados and casual listeners alike.
Shares contemporary classical, smooth jazz, cabin_in_woods, library (subgenre)
Shares contemporary classical, serene, smooth jazz, cabin_in_woods (subgenre)
Shares contemporary classical, smooth jazz, peaceful, instrumental_only (subgenre)
Shares serene, chamber folk, flute, cabin_in_woods (signature)
Shares smooth jazz, peaceful, instrumental_only, sunday_morning (subgenre)
Shares chamber music, serene, smooth jazz, library (subgenre)
Shares serene, smooth jazz, library, peaceful (signature)
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