Born and raised in Detroit, Colista began playing saxophone at age 11. Roughly two years later, he earned his first weekly gig leading his own band performing at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Since then, Colista has worked with Jazz Drummer Lenny White, Jazz Guitarist Larry Coryell, Panamanian Pianist Danilo Perez, Bassist Ralphe Armstrong, Jazz Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, and many more.