Joseph Armand Castro (August 15, 1927 – December 13, 2009) was an American
bebopjazzpianist, based primarily on the West Coast of the United States.
Biography
Castro was born in
Miami, Arizona on August 15, 1927.[1] Castro began playing professionally at the age of 15 in the San Francisco Bay area.[1] After army service ended in 1947, he formed a small band.[1] In 1956 Castro moved to New York City, where his trio appeared in jazz clubs.[1] In 1958, he moved to Los Angeles, where he joined
Teddy Edwards' quartet.[1] Castro recorded two albums as a leader for
Atlantic Records: Mood Jazz in 1957 and Groove Funk Soul in 1960.[1]
He often participated in informal jam sessions at the Beverly Hills estate of his partner,
Doris Duke.[1] Many of the performances were captured on tape.[2] He died in 2009 at age 82.