Kosta Kutay is a Los Angeles based tenor saxophonist, composer, and educator. He holds a B.A. in Jazz Studies from California State University, Northridge and an M.M. in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California, where he studied with Bob Mintzer, Bob Sheppard, Bob Reynolds, Vince Mendoza, Josh Nelson, and many more.

 

A 2025 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead artist, Kutay released his debut record EVA (2023)  a collection of original works inspired by his experience being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and his ongoing commitment to raising awareness for MS through music.

 

Kosta is a member of YOCOYA, a five-piece Latin jazz fusion group featured on KCRW’s Just Jazz, KJazz 88.1, and CJSW 90.9, and recognized as a finalist in both the 2023 International Songwriting Competition and the 2024 Unsigned Only Competition. He also tours internationally with the indie pop band Saint Motel, performing on both saxophone and piano.

 

Follow him on Instagram @koslice