Ninth Round Member Bios
Who Is 9th Round?
Based out of Ottawa near Manotick, Ontario, NinthRound is a popular rock and top-40 pop band comprised of musicians with diverse backgrounds, musical tastes, and experiences.
The brainchild of guitarist Jim Costa and bassist Jeff Moss, the band has been playing together for close to a decade around Eastern Ontario.
With the later additions Drummer Jody Johnson, Ninth Round’s latest powerful incarnation features dedicated members who, combined, offer a unique, edgy sound, cutting guitar riffs, catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and strong beats.
See several pictures of the band. Or to know what kind of songs we play, check out our ever-expanding set list. From April Wine to BTO… the Doobie Brothers to the 3 Doors Down… . Ninth Round is sure to please!
Jim Costa
Guitar, Vocals
Amazed by the sound of a marble going down the strings of an old guitar laying around the house, young Jim asked his mother to buy him a guitar so that he could learn how to play. As soon as the new Aria classical guitar arrived, it was followed up by a Silvertone electric.
“A good path for me,” thought his dear yet unsuspecting mother, who must have later regretted her decision.
Because shortly thereafter, Jim set aside the classical guitar and wired the electric one to his mother’s console stereo, playing his very first guitar riff (which was, you guessed it, “Smoke On The Water”).
As he started playing, the speakers were buzzing. And by the last note of that famous Deep Purple rock anthem’s first riff, Jim blew his mother’s stereo! (Or what he optimistically calls his “first taste of guitar distortion.”) Many high school rock bands, girls, guitars, and beers soon followed.
Fast-forward 30 years later, at a time when a job and a growing family required most of Jim’s attention, something happened… One day, while sitting at the piano during a dinner party, one of the guests picked up that old Aria classical guitar sitting atop of the piano, and started pulling some bass lines.
That was the day the “Jeff and Jim” partnership was formed.
Jim, along with Jeff, soon found himself jamming with friends and neighbors. He was in a band again, and TheNinth Round was born.
Jim Costa currently uses Gibson, Fender, and Ovation guitars, with Custom Audio Electronics amplification, and Analogman and Goudie effects pedals.
Jeff Moss
Bass
Like most of his band mates, Jeff’s musical addiction began at an early age, growing up with the classic artists and tunes we all still love today. If he’s in the car, working, or in the shower, music seems to always be playing.
Exposure to his father’s band that entertained the Ottawa Valley for 40 years gave Jeff a clear understanding of what live music is all about. Beginning with piano, sax, then guitar, it was a lack of bass instruments in all genres of high school bands that provided the avenue to pick up the bass guitar.
He never looked back.
After taking some time to establish a career, marry his wife Joanne, and have two wonderful kids (Mariah and Riley), the timing was perfect several years ago to establish a band with Jim Costa and return to live music. That’s when Ninth Round was born.
Jeff’s talent, a vintage Fender Jazz bass, and a Traynor YBA 200 amplifier provide a smooth and steady low end to the Ninth Round.
JJ Johnson
Drums
Classified