SEAN COSTELLO Source: NBN Blues News Date: 07/2008 Writer: Alan Kurzer

From Philly via Atlanta, talented musician Sean Costello caught the blues bug at fifteen, garnering him International Blues Competition appearances and touring/recording with Susan Tedeschi before eventually going solo. Twelve years later Costello has released five accomplished blues tinged recordings and toured relentlessly, both here and abroad.

“Anytime You Want” ambitiously roams fertile Delta-Soul territory. As drummer Paul Campanella Jr. and bassist Aaron Trubic accentuate the driving background rhythms, Costello grittily shouts, “We Can Get Together”, while coaxing single and double note voicing from his Gibson Les Paul. Listen carefully to Costello’s soul-blues gems “Can’t Let Go” and “All This Time.” Note how his raspy falsetto and jazzy blues guitar create a faithful Memphis R&B groove, whether it’s a shakin’ minor blues or a soulful torch number. Punctuated by sousaphone, accordion and the Northside Men’s choir, “Told Me a Lie” follows a mournful New Orleans vibe and Costello’s well-crafted guitar tweaks and animated singing.

Sadly, Sean Costello passed away April 15th, a day before his 29th birthday. Local blues fans will fondly remember his inspiring appearance at the cold and damp 2001 blues at The Beach. I’ll particularly treasure his 2005 performance at Suffolk’s Jazz & BluesFest where he previewed songs that are included on We Can Get Together. According to Debbie Smith (Costello’s Mother), donations may be sent in her son’s memory to: The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research at BB&T, 3620 Tramore Pointe Parkway, Austell, GA 30106.