Gary Costello

A Tribute to Gary Costello, 1952 – 2006

As many of you now know, our friend and founding member of the AAO, Gary Costello, passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening. He was in the company of his wife Julia. The shock of this news has been traumatic for all who knew him, and its suddenness substitutes an eternity of silence for a fond farewell. To know Gary was to love him. This cannot be said of many people with the ease and lightness with which it springs to mind in his case. Generous, caring, compassionate, open-minded and -hearted, a fine traveling companion, and a man with insatiable curiosity, devoted to his family and loyal to his friends, he was a gem of a man. As a musician, he allowed his instrument to range as freely as he was free, with lines that loped and swooped across the lower register with a lightness of being which could mask with their effortless facility the sheer physical strength which lay behind them. He was my musical soul brother through many journeys, and he taught me the value of trust as the strong bedrock of our sometimes fragile music. I am so used to hearing his contribution to my musical discussions that its absence will feel like an amputation, but such is our lives that we who are left must apply the memories and lessons learned from Gary as best we can, whenever we can. He represented what was best in us and our music, and the ideals for which the AAO stands in allowing music to build bridges between all peoples, to let music speak naturally, truthfully and without sham or pretense. I will miss him terribly. Our love and sympathies go to Julia, Jan, Gai, Olivia and Vera. Vale, my friend.
Paul Grabowsky

I had the pleasure of knowing Gary for many years, going back to the late ‘70s. I heard him play with all kinds of people ; some that spring to mind are Onaje, the Australian Art Orchestra, Ted White, Brian Brown, Suzi Dickinson, Ken Schroder, Vince Jones, Barry Duggan & Allan Browne, and of course the long-running trio with Paul Grabowsky & Al. He was a first-class bassist, whether within the band or as a soloist ; he always gave the band 100% of what he had to offer, and he approached his music with great integrity. As a person, Gary was always genuinely friendly : when he said, 'How have you been ?’, he wasn’t being polite, he actually wanted to know. He was a generous, honest, humble person : everyone who knew him will be shocked and saddened by the news of his passing.
Adrian Jackson

Several years a go I was called up from stage to sit-in with Gil Askey at Dizzy’s. I was 16 and it was my first time performing live jazz. When the time came for me to come up to sing I was very nervous and approached the band with trepidation. Gary was on the gig and as I turned to him to name the tune and tempo he gave me a smile and nod with a gravity of warmth and invitation that has never left me. Gary and I didn’t know each other well. However that first experience of performing live, and the way in which he gave so much encouragement and compassion, will stay with me always. Gary was a truly wonderful musician with a genorisity of spirit that flowed into whatever music he played and I know he’ll continue to inspire young players coming up for many years.
Sophie Brous

I have been in a state of complete disbelief since I’ve heard of Gary’s passing yesterday. Like most of you I have known him for more then 30 years and have worked with him on many diverse projects. Always enjoyed his playing, his gentle manners and Gary was always a great tour companion. I spent many hours with him on flights, in fine restaurants around the world enjoying good food and wine as he always did. The last time I saw him was at Wangaratta where we shared a room and again spent time at dinner and then later in the room where he told me of his aspirations to take Spanish lessons in 2007 as he had this desire to speak the language and find out more and more about his ancestry which he believed came from Spain somewhere in the tree line. It is all too sudden, can’t believe it, I will miss him greatly.
Alex Pertout

I don’t think I can say much more about Gary that my brother Paul has so eloquently written in his tribute on the AAO web page. I can only add that Gary has been a friend for many years. His talent and his giving nature will ensure that he lives on in my memories for ever. I would like to add that it is to my ever-lasting satisfaction that I, if memory serves me right, got Paul together with Gary and Allan so many years ago for what was to become one of the best jazz trios in Australia, not to mention a deep and ever lasting friendship. My love and deepest sympathy to Liz and family.
Mike Grabowsky

I was touring a number of years ago in a band with Gary Costello. As was a frequent occurrence at the time, the band was summoned during the break to the “scolding room” (the term given to the band room by Bruce Sandell). As the leader of the band launched into one of his many sermons hectoring the players on musicality, feel , overplaying, underplaying, taste, dress sense and what not to eat and drink before a gig, I looked around the scolding room . The volatile saxophone player (not Bruce) was fuming. Lips curled, wisps of smoke swirling around his ears. Bruce was standing very still, arms behind his back, staring at the floor. The young drummer had adopted his customary position curled up in the corner sobbing hysterically, the young piano player, illustrious career ahead of him, held his head in his hands looking both confused and depressed. I then looked at Gary. In complete contrast to everyone else, and despite the negative atmosphere that filled the room Gary had the most serene, faraway look in his eyes and the most beautiful gentle smile on his face. Here was a man who was above all this, who knew who he was and had nothing to prove. Here was a man who always exuded love and warmth. A man who brought out the best in everyone. A man who I know will be missed by many. Thank you Gary. May you rest in peace.
Ray Pereira

It is incredibly saddening to get this news as I counted Gary as a wonderful friend even though I didn’t see him very often. He was also a real musical inspiration to me, one of Australia’s true icons. It’s very hard to comprehend that he has passed away. Thanks everyone for all your thoughts and helping me to remember some of the ways Gary has enriched my life.
Alister Spence

I don’t recall the first time I met Gary. I imagine it was probably about 20 years ago at a gig somewhere. Some people however leave such a lasting impression that you wonder if perhaps you have known them forever, or at least wished you had. As a young musician on the scene in my early 20’s, I was fortunate to be the recipient of Gary’s wisdom on many occasions. His strength of character was unwavering. Quick with a broad smile, a kind word and open ear, Gary epitomized compassion and understanding. I remember doing a workshop with Gary at Geelong Grammar School many years ago. There were about 500 students in the auditorium and I told Gary that I was a little nervous about speaking in front of this many people. He put his hand on my shoulder and said to me “ don’t worry mate, just be yourself and they’ll love you like we all do ”. Needless to say this comment filled me with confidence and the sincerity of Gary’s words stay with me to this day. I later discovered that he was nervous too, he was just more concerned with making me feel at ease. This is just one example of his empathy and sense of humanity that I’m sure anyone who knew him will gladly bear testimony to. He was selfless to a fault. It was these qualities that made the man so unique. Any time you heard that Gary was doing the gig, you knew that everything was going to be cool, musically and otherwise. I could write all day but my words couldn’t possibly convey what a warm, deep soul Gary had. I hope that Gary’s family can find some comfort in knowing that there’s a bit of him in all of us.
Scott Lambie

I still can’t believe it. Gary was the first bass player I played with after having arrived in Melbourne 17 years ago and I have been fortunate to keep on playing with him ever since. Not only was he one of the most inspiring and gifted musicians I have worked with, but he was also one of the gentlest, most caring and generous people you could ever hope to meet. I don’t think there are many friends with whom I have laughed and enjoyed being together so much. Some of the last gigs I played with Gary were at the Mentone Hotel with Gil Askey and Paul Williamson and I will never forget the moments of pure joy we had looking into each other’s eyes, both of us sweating profusely after having swung so hard. Gary was also Tillman’s bass teacher for some time and his gentle and fun loving approach to playing and teaching will always be an inspiration. Farewell Gary. It was a privilege to have traveled with you and you will keep on traveling with me in spirit always.
Niko Schauble

Gary was my first serious Jazz/improvising teacher, and I started studying with him on a weekly basis when I was about 16, on (fretless) electric bass, before I ever bought a double bass. His teaching methods at the time were influenced by one of his earlier teachers Murray Wall; originally a Melbourne bass player who has been living and working in NYC for many decades now. The teaching method involved singing Lester young solos along with the original recording at half speed!…something I became very good at and actually performed at a school concert. Of course Gary later informed me that it was only intended as an exercise and that actually performing such an exercise was a bizarre but nonetheless interesting thing to do.

So Gary and I became quite good friends, and my brother David and I would go see him play whenever my parents would drive us up to town and “supervise” their underage sons at the various licensed jazz clubs. One such gig was at the Tankerville Arms where Gary was backing Johnny Griffin with Paul and Al Browne (a gig I stole from him some years later….Ha ha!) Me being the upstart that I was insisted that Gary introduce me to the main man, and when Mr Griffin found out on inquiry what instrument I played (that being the electric bass) he exclaimed “No man, you got to play the BIG MAMA!!!”. So I swapped over to the “BIG MAMA” and continued studying with Gary, and also with Marion Brysha, a classical teacher originally with the Berlin Philharmonic and later with the MSO, who had been Gary’s main classical teacher, and partly responsible for Gary’s fantastic technique. After Studying classically with Marion for a time, I realised that Gary had taken these particular “classical” techniques, and had adapted and developed them to suit his own unique musical approach to the instrument, and I suppose this was the main thing I ultimately got from my years of study with Gary, that he didn’t sound like or play the instrument like anyone else I had heard live or on recording; his approach was his own and it was distinctive. There were definitely influences, but they were diverse enough and there was enough of pure Gary in there that in the end he really did speak with his own voice. I decided that this to me was the most important aspect to an individuals playing, and have been following Gary’s lead ever since.
Philip Rex

Hello, there are a lot of names on this mail list that I don’t know & a lot that I do, but, I figure everyone has a connection with Gary Costello, so I would like to add my tribute to Philip’s. As a hack singer of hack songs on the corporate function circuit my opportunities to work with Gary were all too rare. I have Paul Grabowsky & Steve Vizard to thank for introducing me to Gary on the ‘Vizard Show’. He & I struck an immediate kinship (I won’t call it friendship because we moved in such different circles). I had the opportunity to work with him many times (though never enough) at Dizzy’s & through our mutual mates Paul Williamson & Allan Zavod among others. He was indeed a master, I always felt humble being given the opportunity to work with him & his peers. I became a spectator when he solo’d. I was always overjoyed when I knew he was booked in the band & if he was there & I wasn’t expecting him, it was an overwhelming surprise. I loved his genteel nature & his poise, both of which were evident in his playing. I was shocked to the core to hear of his passing. I will miss him & lament the fact that I didn’t get a chance to play with him one more time. I thank him, before all of you, for allowing me to share a stage with him & for actually looking like he enjoyed it :–) I thank all of you, particularly PRex for allowing me to express this publicly.
Bobby Valentine

As we all are I’m deeply shocked and saddened by Gary’s passing. I shared many profound musical and personal moments with Gary in various projects over the past few years, and at our regular Thursday teaching gig, and always appreciated his unique perspective and positive vibes, and immense respect and love for humanity and the music. My first memory of Gary, and insight into the magnitude of his musical gifts, came at a concert with Paul Grabowski at the Glasshouse at RMIT early in the 1980s. I still have in my mind a crystal clear vision of a solo Gary played that to this day remains the most virtuosic and potent bass solo I have ever heard. I worked with Gary intermittently over the years on various gigs, until we eventually came together by chance on the night of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the USA. Gary, Niko Schauble, Scott Griffiths and I played an explosive gig at Bennetts Lane that totally transformed my approach to improvised music, and helped facilitate my re-emergence as an actively creative musician after years spent earning in the theatre. Subsequently Gary enthusiastically recommended Ren Walters as a replacement for Scott in the band, and the three of us have been playing great music together in various contexts ever since. I have Gary to thank for the ongoing relationship I share with Ren, and with the many other amazing artists I now collaborate and perform with.
Tony Hicks

Without Gary Costello I would be a drunkard… and I certainly wouldn’t have pursued music in the way that I have. When I first joined Vince Jones band I was a little wayward to say the least but players like Alan Browne, Doug Devries and Gary showed me in an instant what beauty there is in music and how discipline can create freedom. I will never forget the first thing Gary said to me…I was very scared to be playing with these guys and I said to Gary “what shall I play here” and he said , “play whatever you are inspired to play in the moment”. I had never heard language like that before , especially directed at me…. and with real respect from such a great musician as Gary. From that day on I started to work in earnest as a musician. I have always had a special love for Gary because he is the embodiment of what he always professed in his Buddhist philosophy. …and that is positivity and love. He had such sweetness and everyone knows it. He would pat you hard on the shoulder when he saw you and he would look you right in the eye and ask you “how ARE you”…and he really bloody meant it!“ He really wanted to know…and that’s how he played bass as well…he just made everything work when he played! Gary’s strong spirit is with me now and with all the many many people he helped and gave so much to in this life. The last time I saw him he was so happy. He was on the town with Jordo, doing the rounds….and he gave me a bear hug that will last me… until we meet again… just like the image of his beautiful smiling face will never leave me. Thankyou Gary.
Barney McAll

Gary Costello, a man whose smile always welcomed me like I was his best friend. A warm embrace, a kiss on the cheek and that smile. Every conversation with him had passion. Passion for music, passion for friends but mostly his passion for family. Gary was a great musician who had the skill, as he did in day to day life, of always being there with you in the moment. I shared many fantastic moments with him as a musician and friend, but his influence on me goes much further in my life. The first time I toured with Gary was just after I had married Veronica. Kids were on the cards but I had that fear. Fear of giving something up, my selfish dreams, my yearning for success, the fear of the loss of my so precious time. I talked so much with Gary whilst in Europe about family. Every sense of his being lit up when he talked about Julia and his kids. To him there was no Gary the musician or Gary the mate without firstly being Gary the partner and father. After spending that time with him on this tour, he had shown me in his own special way, the potential for what I might really achieve in life and how that was so far more rewarding than anything else I could ever do. Within a year Veronica and I were joined by our first daughter, Mia. I find it so hard to express the depth of love and respect that I have for this man. Truly a special person. My love and respect go also to Julia and family,
Scott Tinkler

There are few people that one meets in a lifetime, that leave only love and warmth in one’s heart. Gary Costello was, and will remain one of those people. I consider myself very lucky to have known and loved him. He was like the older brother I always craved as a child and we would often joke about this. I started playing with Gary in 1987 with Paul Grabowsky’s Quintet. When asked to play with Paul I was both honoured and scared! I felt after seeing (and most importantly hearing ) this band that I was way out of my depth both as a person and a musician. Gary was the person that made me feel as though I belonged. His patience and kind heartedness was something I had not really experienced before. In a world that is sometimes clouded by ambition and ego’s one sometimes forgets the reason one starts to play music. Gary was a person who could remind you that being a musician was a truly beautiful pursuit. I played a lot with Gary and always felt a connection with him. This was more than just a musical connection, it truly was spiritual. He had the ability to make me see the bigger picture in life. He was my friend and and brother and I will never forget him.
Ian Chaplin

While I feel I had relatively little contact with Gary. I still wish to convey the important influence he had on my musical life. While in university I listened to his amazing playing practically non-stop thanks to the discovery of the Paul Grabowsky trio and the recording ‘Six by Three’. When I finally met Gary and subsequently played with him I was immediately knocked over by his warmth and enthusiasm. Gary was one of the most beautiful people I have ever come in contact with, and he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
Marc Hannaford

I first met Gary and Julia at Gail and Phil Henderson’s place and with newly-born Jan in their arms they simply radiated joy and contentment. Later on I got to know Gary better when I was working at Paul Grabowsky’s Grabsound during the heady days of the Groovematics' Vizard gigs and Gary was a quintessential part of that great musical experience. Since then, through my work with the Australian Art Orchestra, I’ve toured India, Europe and Mexico with Gary, plus a good deal of Australia, and I count myself lucky to have shared the company of such a fine man. Gary was never much for email so if I was working on a project I’d do most of the organising over the internet and then think, ‘better give Gary a call’; you can imagine how happy I am now to be able to reflect on those precious conversations that rarely concerned themselves to the business at hand when there was so much to discuss about the more interesting aspects of existence. Gary would fit in with AAO projects without hesitation and was one of the group’s strongest supporters. Never hurried but calm, always on the mark and looking sharp and always ready with a smile and a hug, his very presence a constant reminder that we should enjoy the moment for what it is. Gary, no matter what the AAO does you will always be right at the centre of it.
Ann Moir

On the night after Scotty told me the unbelievably tragic news of Gary’s passing I had a very vivid dream that won’t leave me. I was working at a gig and Phil Rex was the bass player. Phil and I (and a couple of other faces) were having this quite intense, quite technical conversation about the double bass as an instrument and how the sound is made and how I as a sound engineer could best replicate that sound. In the dream Phil turned to me and said “you know Gary showed me how to do all this”. At once I was overcome with this unbelievable sadness and sense of loss. (something that hadn’t yet sunk through at the conscience level) But, I was also struck by the significance of this man in the lives of so many people (both musicians and normal folk). Those feelings haven’t left me. I then read Phil’s comment’s about Gary the other day (and all the others that followed) and felt this very spooky connection to that beautiful, lovable, smiling, funny and friendly man. It seemed he had spoken to me in some very personal way. We shared some great times together on the road, and I feel so privileged to have been part of his musical world. To all of us that feel so sadden by his departure – my love goes to you. See ya Bro.
John O'Donnell

I would like to leave a personal comment and tribute to my long time friend – “ To an exceptional musician and a beautiful human being. Thank you for the pleasure of your company and allowing me to share a dream!”
Gary Nornan

I got to know Gary through touring with him in the AAO. Having never lived in the same city as Gary, I didn’t have the privilege of regular contact with him. That makes the depth of his impact on me even more remarkable. I was completely in awe of him as a musician and couldn’t believe I was actually getting the chance to play with him. I will always cherish the friendship we shared and the support he gave me. I remember talking to him nervously before we started rehearsals for Testimony, expressing my fears about whether my charts would work. He completely allayed my fears. After talking to him I knew he would find a musical path through whatever silly things I might have written, bringing the music to life and taking the whole band with him on that path. This is exactly what he always did in his warm, beautiful, creative way. Gary was incredibly kind to me through many difficult times. When Tony was diagnosed with MS and had to leave the band, I was heartbroken. Gary always found time to ask how I was going and how Tony was going. He would do this in a gentle and sincere way that made me feel better and changed my mood from sadness to laughter. Thanks Gary. It was an honour to know such a great musician and human being. My love and sympathy to Julia and family.
Sandy Evans

I never had the pleasure of meeting or playing with Gary Costello , but I have always been in awe of his playing and musicianship . Especially significant to me is his contribution to Paul Grabowsky’s sublime “ Six by Three” CD . This CD and the other’s which Gary played on were part of the reason why I decided to pursue a career as a jazz pianist. When my friends and I ( Nick Micbride , Adam Armstrong, Simon Barker etc) began to make music in Sydney , these recordings where a kind of template which we worked with . We were all attracted to the sensitive understated interplay of those CDs. I felt that we were often compared in the press to American musicians like the Bill Evans trio , or perhaps Keith Jarret’s , but I was more into Paul’s trio’s with Gary and Allan Browne or Niko ( although Keith’s “ Facing you” solo CD is still a total knock out for me like most pianists ..) Paul’s bands with Gary had an empathy between the players that I could REALLY relate to . I remember a reviewer in Sydney described one of our early gigs with words akin to “there was so little energy that I couldn’t see the point of the whole proceedings ” . I knew that he had missed the point and that we were part of a beautiful Australian tradition of attention to sound , harmony, absolute honesty , beauty and MATES . These days in New York I find myself in a more complex, aggressive , assertive and often cold environment. As far as I may stray musically and geographically , my absolute core as a musician is firmly rooted in the deeply spiritual music that I call home . It’s obvious from reading the tributes and anecdotes that Gary Costello was a good bloke . It’s also obvious from listening to the music what a kind and warm human being he was . Thanks for the music Gary !
Sean Wayland

Gary Costello was to all of us a deeply passionate man. A kind man. Whenever I around him I always felt welcomed and loved, and of course a good laugh was also on the cards. I first met Gary when I was a young guy and quite nervous at the opportunity of playing with older and far more developed players. I remember him saying to me once “You know Steve, it really doesn’t matter what happens ”. These comments helped me look at the bigger issues with love and support along the way. I was fortunate to play in many bands with him over the past 15 years the last being a trio with Michael Jordan. We had finished a new trio recording just a few weeks ago and I feel very honored to have documented this project with him and Michael.( A group of friends playing music together) I’ve learnt a lot from Gary. His sense of Grace, compassion, love and of course humor which he had in abundance are lessons to us all. We will deeply miss this great man/father/friend/musician that we loved so much. Thank you Gary
Stephen Magnusson

My name is Murray Wall and I met Gary over thirty years ago, I think we both figured out around then that for us, playing the bass was a way of life. I am sad that his life was cut short when he had still so much to offer. We lost one of the world’s really decent people and I will miss him greatly.
Murray Wall

I haven’t been able to bring myself to write anything about Gary over the last few days. How do you put in to words what someone as special as Gary meant? He was the first jazz bass player I ever heard, at a concert in 1986 with Grabo, Chaplin, Al and Shelley. That concert was pretty much the moment I decided to dedicate my life to music. I’d never heard anything like it and it still sticks in my mind, the empathy that these incredible musicians had with each other. At that stage I never dreamt that I would be lucky enough to play with him and even come to call him my friend and brother. I have been fortunate to tour with Gary many times, and he was such an inspiring, uplifting, humorous, insightful, wise, funny, warm, caring, sincere person. The road was always a better place when Gary was there. We spent many late nights in hotel lobbies and sat next to each other on flights together talking about music and life. Most people get a bit humourless when they are really tired. Gary seemed to get funnier and sharper. Justine and I are having our first child in March. When I told Gary the news he was so genuinely excited for us, and when I asked him what fatherhood meant to him his face lit up, and I could feel his joy. Gary was never anything, if not genuine. We all know that. I wish so much I could be there with you all. It feels so surreal been on the other side of the world at a time like this. Damn. It just hit me. This is why I couldn’t write earlier. Trying to put in to words what Gary meant to me has made it real. I guess I’ve been in denial till now. I’ll miss you so much. This makes no sense to me. One of the last times I saw Gary was on a gig with Gill Askey. Gill was really sick and had to go home after the first set. Gary, Mike, Chris and I talked about the possibility that it might be the last time we saw Gill. We were all concerned about Gill’s health, but Gary managed to lighten the mood. He could say the wrongest thing in the world sometimes, but you knew that he was still one of the most compassionate individuals on the planet. It’s so strange that that was one of the last times I would see Gary. I shared Christmas day in NY with Aaron Choulai, Steve Mags and Barney McAll. The converstaion kept coming back round to Gary and what he meant to us all, on both a personal level, and as musicians growing up in Melbourne. The way he would grab your shoulder and shake it firmly, when he looked in to your eyes and said “how ARE you?. Little things he taught us all, just by being himself. The glint he got in his eyes after a few. His SOUND. Oh my God! And his sense of melody, space and knowing just what not to play. His humour. His passion for music and passion for his family. The way he could make you feel like the only person in the room when he talked to you. You knew Gary REALLY cared, and really wanted to know when he asked you what you were doing. And when he said he loved you, it would make you want to grab him in a big bear hug, and kiss him on that beautiful shiny head. We were both Gemini’s, something Gary never forgot, and often mentioned. He always made an effort to really connect and he remembered things about me that I’d even forgotten! He was never superficial. Its strange to think back on it, that in a way he always treated each conversation with me like it could be the last and he played music like that too. He seemed to live every moment as if it were the most important day of his life. Something we all talk about and aspire to, but there are so few who actually live their life like that. I feel so honoured that this wonderful man who inspired me to follow music when I was a kid, would come to call me his brother. You will always stay in my heart Gary. My eternal love and gratitude.
Julien Wilson

The story goes like this… In 1978 I was a rockhead bass guitar player who really needed lessons, and so I went to this dinky place – a sort of private music school in Middle Park, but the gods were smiling on me that day, because the resident bass teacher there was Gary. He was a wonderful introduction to the possibilities of depth and artistry available in music….his enthusiasm and sincerity was inspiring – as was his musicianship and technique on the double bass. The first real jazz gig I ever went to was to see Gary play with Suzy Dickinson and the Bop Benders……. it really made an impact into my consciousness. And over the time I was studying with Gary, he slowly and surely got me looking harder and harder at the double bass ‘til one day the electric went away and I turned up to Gary’s lesson with a recently acquired $400 double bass wrapped up in my mothers bedspread. I can still see the look on Gary’s face….. horror at the 'sus’ purchase, but enthusiasm and excitement at my wanting to jump into the fray……..he was always the most patient teacher……. Well, time moved on, and both our orbits started to drift further and further apart……we would always bump into each other – with much the same frequency of Halley’s comet – but we would always reconnect, promises to get together to play and chat, drink coffee were always uttered, phone numbers always checked and written down……I have lost count the number of times, while driving, I would hear his work being broadcast in any number of noted jazz groups – it would lift my heart……and Gary was always intensely interested in what one of his old students may be up to…. Three or four months ago, I was lucky to be performing at the ‘Make it up club’ and Gary was playing after me…..in the 15 minutes between my band coming off stage and Gary’s getting on, Gary and I talked and talked, it was wonderful ……and the nearly 30 years were as if a day had passed – he still had the same enthusiasm, the same sincerity, the same passion as I remembered from all those years ago. He was and always will be a gentle soul. I owe Gary a great debt – the last 29 years have been truly wondrous to me…..I have been very fortunate to work in this creative world of music. It has enabled me to •nd my ‘voice’, allowed me to tour and perform across this country and overseas, as well as the more prosaic acts of clothing, feeding and putting a roof over the heads of my family. Where I stand now, it seems just a natural place to be, but all those years ago, when I was standing at the crossroads, not sure of which way to go, I was fortunate enough to have the teaching and mentorship of a truly wonderful musician guide me. Gary, was for me, a meeting with a remarkable man.
Nick Tsiavos

You were an inspiration as a musician and a person to so many of us. When I was young, I used to go and see you play every Friday night with the Groovematics at the Limerick Arms. You had an aura when you played. A real presence and soulfulness which was an inspiration to so many musicians in Melbourne and throughout Australia. You were one of the ‘heavy guys’, but you never put on airs, you were just cool. I’ve had the pleasure of playing with you for years, and aside from being an incredible bass player, you were great to hang out with, heaps of fun to chat with and always genuinely interested in people. You never differentiated between perceived ‘levels’ of musicians. You always treated people as they should be treated: as people. Gary, thanks for being who you were. We’re going to miss you.
Anton Delecca

It must have been 1979/1980,Ray Martin came down from Sydney. He told me about this amazing bassist at the Grainstore. We went in. He was amazing! I played a song or two,the energy was breathtaking and the man a truly beautiful cat. .Humble, passionate, totally committed, a wonderful listener, forgiving, understanding, gentle, loyal, honest, sensi tive, disciplined, and a truly great creative musician. I was blessed to have Gaz. next to me for 20 years with Paul Grabowsky, Onaje, Ken Shroeder, Vince Jones, Paul Rettke, Barry Duggan, Bob Sedergreen and lately with Aaron Choulai. We also played with Milt Jackson, Johnny Griffin, Mal Waldron and lots of weddings and reception gigs. I did one of the latter with Gary last Saturday. He solo'ed on every song at a deafening Christmas bash as if he was auditioning for Miles In the 60s or his beloved Bird in the 50s. He was never afraid of the unknown, the uncharted depths and the highs of free improvisation. On meeting Mal Waldron we were told “there are no charts or standards… when I nod my head we are in”… all grist to Gary’s mill. We shared a journey of discovery together in all these groups, especially in the trio. We were attempting play away from normal swing time yet preserve the momentum, pulse and harmony. We often remarked that our concentration and absorbtion was so intense that the gigs were over before they began. Gary shared his whole musical world with passion and generosity and, along with Paul, supported me quietly as my illness took over. I mentioned families. Gary appeared to be a totally committed, loyal, responsible and loving husband and father. I cannot think of a musician better loved or respected around Australia. I would be truly honoured to be his brother. To Julia, Olivia, Jan, Jai, and family I commit my profound sympathy and prayers I still can’t get used to the past tense, a future without Gaz. is unthinkable yet.
We both loved e.e.cummings… “ and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart i carry your heart i carry it in my heart.”
Allan Browne

There’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said… which I guess serves as a testament to the consistency of Gary’s virtues. Like all, I was always thrilled when Gary was available to do a gig or to turn up and find him at one I was doing. He was always such a pleasure and education to listen to and work with, and such a support musically and otherwise. Hanging out with Gary was always a pleasure too, and he always had the ability to make one feel special and like a close friend, even if you didn’t ‘hang out’ on a regular basis. Gary was always interested in what anybody had to say, and his interest and attention was genuine. After some travel jaunt that might mean not having seen Gary for a year or more, I was constantly surprised the extent to which he could remember details from previous conversations. I always felt and believe you could confide in him with faith also knowing you would never be judged. Gary always seemed to have considered advice or know when to just provide a listening ear. Above all, Gary was always good for a laugh and so giving with his warm smile… the smile that, in melancholy, I have found difficult to shake from my mind’s eye all week… I will sorely miss his presence. To beautiful Julia and all Gary’s family and loved ones I send my heartfelt sympathies.
Emma Franz

I was in a record store in 1990 in Brisbane with just enough money in my pocket to buy one CD. The friend I was with came over to me with a CD in his hand and said “you should buy this one”. He was holding “6 X 3” by Paul Grabowsky, Gary and Allan Browne. I bought the CD, listened to it and discovered a whole new universe that day. I think ever since then, when I hear or play with a trio, it’s Gary’s sound that I want to hear. About a year later I had moved to Melbourne, was studying at VCA and going to see Gary play with Paul whenever and wherever I could. In October 1991, I had been in Melbourne for about 8 months and received a call to do a gig at the Blackburn Hotel with the singer Peter Roberts. It was my first gig in Melbourne outside of college and I loved it, playing Mark Murphy arrangements etc. One day I turned up to the gig and saw Gary setting up. I was filled with an interesting mix of uncontrolled excitement and abject terror! “I’m about to play with Gary Costello, the guy on ‘6 X 3’ from Paul’s trio!!!!” I was so nervous and so happy at the same time. I introduced myself and was relieved to discover he was a sweetheart and then we started playing. I will never forget my first encounter with Gary. He was so nice to me and from then on whenever I heard Gary was on the gig, I would make sure I was there early just to have a chance to hang with him. Playing with him was a magic carpet ride of playful conversations, burning intensity and relentless grooving swing that I will miss very much. However, what I will miss more is his smile, his laugh and the joy I felt every time I would see him and say hi. My deepest sympathies to Julia, Jan, Jai and Olivia.
Sam Keevers

Gary was one of the loveliest guys and most wonderous double bass players I ever performed with over the years and I still can’t quite believe that I will never have the pleasure and privilege of sharing a stage with him again. On this CD cover he is happily playing away along with Lachlan Davidson, John Perri and myself – performing with energy, joy, colour and passion. That was the kind of night it was. Now this live CD will mean more to me than ever. Gary, I will miss you dearly my friend.
Tracey Roberts

I am saddened and surprised to hear about Gary’s death. I have admired his playing for many years. I only had the pleasure of playing with Gary once, having lived away from Australia for most of the last fifteen years, but I still remember really well that one gig in Melbourne. I was struck with how friendly he was, but also how it was immediately obvious by his playing that he put the group and the music first. He had great technique and a beautiful warm sound. It was so fun to listen to him and play with him. He helped make the music effortless and natural, as it should be. It felt good! thanks Gary for you and your music!
Chris Cody

I first heard of Gary Costello shortly after I started playing double bass in 1998. My then teacher, Dean Addison often mentioned the name. For the next couple of years it was a name I’d continue to hear, with claims that he was “the man”. In 2001 I finally saw him in the flesh and heard his amazing, interactive playing, when the Paul Grabowsky trio conducted a workshop at VCA, where I was studying. I learnt from Gary in 2002 and 2003, making the beautiful drive from my home in Upwey out to his place in Mount Evelyn. He was fairly horrified by my technique, which up to that point was fairly ordinary. As I’ve got fairly good ears, I’d managed to get away with it to a large extent, but that was definitely a big turning point for my bass playing. Gary set me up with an approach to musical development which has profoundly affected my musicianship on the instruments I play. His balance between realism (ie a hardcore work ethic) and a more spiritual side to playing was just what I needed. And he was a caring, compassionate guy. When I lost a best friend to suicide, Gary said, “Anytime you want to talk, don’t hesitate to call.” And humble, claiming, “The one thing that I keep realising as I get older, is that I don’t know.” Such humility, coming from a musician (of all people!), can make it easy to overlook just how great they really are. But Gary was a musician who made every note count.
Mick Arvanitakis

In Gary I saw someone who always made the effort to live life with the highest sense of value. The respect he gave each task and the regard he naturally gave to others made him the sort of human being everyone looks up to. That is a status not easily achieved, yet there was never anything obvious about Gary’s personal credo: he lived as he genuinely believed and that made him a beautiful person. The loss of such an individual leaves a huge hole in lives of all that were lucky enough to know him. The only thing which remains is for us to be constantly inspired by his memory to aspire to his values of love and respect.
Paul Cutlan

I met Gary when I began working with Paul Grabowsky as Composer’s Assistant. Immediately Gary tried to convince me to take up the Double Bass – I’m an electric chick. it didn’t matter that I hadn’t performed in years… once a bassist, always a bassist. In film recording sessions or AAO rehearsals where electricity and tensions often abound, Gary was always the one I could count on – as a musician AND a gentleman. Punctual, prepared, peaceful and polite. Over the years, we had a number of long conversations about health and healing and matters of spirituality where we would share lessons that we’d learned along the way. He also spoke at those times with pride about Julia and his family and it is to them that I send my sincere condolences.
Estelle Pizer

Intimate Play
You kiss the neck
of your double bass
It is a divine union
of body and soul
Of inner and outward joy
radiating to touch
the soul
of the listener
Luisa Marianni

The Australian jazz community was shocked by the sudden passing of vibrant Melbourne bassist Gary Costello, who died of a heart attack at age 54 on December 20. His enormous loss to the scene was compounded by the fact that he had performed at a memorial concert for fellow acoustic bassist Barry Buckley only three weeks earlier. Costello was a true virtuoso player and improviser, and was one of Australia’s most highly regarded contemporary bassists. His diverse career included two A.R.I.A. wins, various international tours, several years on T.V. as a member of The Groovematics house band on Steve Vizard’s national Tonight Live show, and an impressive list of credits with both leading international and Australian artists. He began studying and playing electric bass in 1967, but he changed to acoustic bass in 1970 after he began formal classical training with Marjuan Brajsa when. His interest in the American bassist Stanley Clarke steered him towards the prevalent jazz-rock fusion music of the period, and he performed on electric bass with a number of rock bands, including Daisy Clover and Kush. However he had established himself as a formidable bebop player in the early 70’s with Suzie Dickinson, Ken Schroeder, and Bruce Clarke. Around 1976 he began a key life-long musical association with pianist Paul Grabowsky, and a few years later with drummer Allan Browne, with whom he worked in innumerable ensembles over the next 25 years. Together they recorded with Brian Brown and on several Vince Jones albums, touring nationally with the vocalist. Their main creative outlet was via Browne’s quartet, Onaje (with Bob Sedergreen), which held a long-running residency at the Limerick Arms, and with whom he recorded two LPs. In January 1983 he and Browne premiered a trio with Grabowsky, who was on a brief visit from his base in Europe. On Grabowsky’s resettlement here in 1985 the Browne-Costello-Grabowsky unit won an A.R.I.A. for their debut CD , 6x3, and later won another A.R.I.A. for their follow-up album. In 1988 Costello and Grabowsky were both members of the specially formed Bicentennial project, the Australian Jazz Orchestra, which also included Don Burrows and James Morrison, and which performed in the U.S. In the ‘80s he performed with numerous leading U.S. musicians, including Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Johnny Griffin Milt Jackson, Richie Cole, Al Cohn, Mal Waldron, Sheila Jordan, Bobby Shew and Emily Remler, amongst others, as well as Sydney-based artists such as Burrows , John Sangster and Kerrie Biddell.. He was a member of Paul Grabowsky’s quintet, recording The Moon and You. After their stint on T.V., he was a founding member of the Australian Art Orchestra, which was formed by Paul Grabowsky in 1993, and went on to record several albums, and tour to Europe, India, the U.K. and Asia. In the '90s he recorded with guitarist Paul Rettke and saxophonist Barry Duggan, and cemented a strong partnership with drummer Michael Jordan in numerous groups, such as with vocalist Ruby Carter. He also branched out into more free and experimental music with artists such as David Tolley, Ren Walters and the Oy Ensemble, while simultaneously being able to play in theatre production orchestras. Recent years saw work with artists such as young pianist Aaron Choulai, vocalist Ruby Page and trumpeter Gil Askey. Paul Grabowsky wrote on the AAO website that, “As a musician, he allowed his instrument to range as freely as he was free, with lines that loped and swooped across the lower register with a lightness of being which could mask with their effortless facility the sheer physical strength which lay behind them”. Costello had taught both at tertiary and secondary level since the 1980s, including stints at the V.CA. and Scotch College. His most brilliant protégé was Philip Rex, who was also a member of the A.A.O. Apart form music, he was a committed environmentalist and a martial arts practicioner. He was highly regarded by his peers as humble, passionate, totally committed, gentle, loyal, sensitive, disciplined, and a truly great creative musician. This was reflected in the diverse turnout of musicians at his service. He is survived by his second wife, Julia, and their children Jai, Jan and Olivia.
Martin Jackson

My dear friend and inspiration, Gary Costello passed away from a sudden heart attack in late December. As a fellow member of the Australian Art Orchestra since its inception in 1993, I have had the pleasure of sharing many hotel rooms all over the world with Gary in that time. We often passed those evenings in reflective conversation. His beautiful smiling face, warm heart and pure joy in playing music are memories that I will always treasure.

Gary was the bass player in my very first trio (way back in 1994 [the one that unfortunately never did a public performance]). Since that time, he has always been very supportive and encouraging of my efforts in music. At times over the early years when I confided my misgivings about continuing in music to him, his sure belief in me made it possible for me to continue to believe in myself. Over recent years I felt especially privileged to be able to return the favor as his personal computer help line. Smoothing his entry into the world of computers, laptops and protools recording.

I have especially remember the love Gary had for his family and the commitment he showed towards always being there for them. I called him in mid-December to ask him to come along on the Art Orchestra tour of India with us. He politely declined saying that he had an annual booking to spend several weeks with his family at Phillip Island across that time and it was too short notice to consider adjusting the booking. I know that it had often pained him in previous years when touring commitments had meant that he missed out on some of this special time with his family. I also know how much he had enjoyed the collaborations with my Indian teacher over the years and how much he had enjoyed our tour of India in 1996. He had often spoken to me about the value of the musical insights that he had gained from these experiences. In spite of this, the opportunity to share undistracted time with the people that he most dearly loved was something that he valued above all other things. This clarity of perspective and consummate balance in life is something that I hope to be able to imitate.

Gary and I have shared many wonderful musical moments together with various groups. We had a collective trio with Ren Walters some years ago. We would arrange rehearsals at each other’s houses where we would prepare meals for each other and spend the afternoon playing music, talking, eating good food and listening to our previous rehearsals. These times are very precious memories for me. We also had a quartet with Ted Vining and Ralph Whiteoak that dedicated itself to playing bebop repertoire, something that we shared a passion for. For our first gig, only two people turned up to see us. They were however great listeners. I was

Last year, I performed regularly with Gary in a quintet with Tony Hicks, Ted Vining and Ren Walters. Every gig that we played together as a quintet was a special event for all of us. We would play different tunes simultaneously, leaving the right spaces in each so that the music hung together like a multidimensional kaleidoscope. He particularly delighted in improvising through the changes of Dewey Square (Parker) as we wound in and out and around him. Gary always loved the thrill of the unknown.

Gary also filled the bass chair in Oynsemble Melbourne (my large scale free jazz improvising group) on several occasions over the years . In just the previous month, he had joined with Oynsemble in my large ensemble arrangement of ‘A Love Supreme’ for a tribute concert to the recently deceased bassist Barry Buckley (another of Australia’s leading most senior bass players and also a wonderfully beautiful man). He also participated in several other performances that evening including a bass ensemble that I was unable to see. I especially look forward to seeing the recording of this concert on what turned out to be the last time I ever performed with Gary.

The last time I actually saw Gary was at David Tolley’s 70th birthday in early December. He walked up to me and said, “Adrian, I am always happy to see you. Your presence reminds me of the Buddha”. We then shared a hug. The warmth of that last brief encounter is something that I will always cherish. Any Buddahood that he may have seen in me was surely only a reflection of the joy I felt in seeing my older spiritual brother. His loss is still very raw to me. Many tears have been shed in writing these words. The only consolation I feel is that I have been privileged to bear witness to a life lived so well and to share warmth, love and life with such a special man. Goodbye brother Gary, may we meet many times in future lives.
Adrian Sherriff

compiled by the australian art orchestra designed by virginia murdoch for family & friends of gary costello digital copies available on request mail@aao.com.au