SEAN COSTELLO Source: Kentuckiana Date: 05/2008 Writer: Bob Brown

It is with a sad note that along with this review, I must announce that Sean Costello, at the young age of 28, one day shy of his 29th birthday, left us on April 15, 2008. He was a growing star who poured his very being into the blues. He had released 4 CD’s, been nominated for a W.C.Handy award and played for Susan Tedeschi’s gold album, “Just Won’t Burn”. He had the opportunity of playing with such greats as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Pinetop Perkins and Bo Diddley. Having cut his first album, “Call The Cops”, at 17 years of age, his inspiration was Otis Rush and Levon Helm (which played with him on many of his releases).

Costello’s release “We Can Get Together” includes 11 songs, all originals. His guitar centered tracks are rock based, but one can hear the influence of Otis Rush. The music runs the gamut of slow, fast, funky, bluesy, soul, gospel, R&B. His voice is similar to John Mayer on a couple of tunes. The gravelly voice is just the right elixir for the songs to make them shine. The hard driving “Hard Luck Woman” has a catchy beat and plenty of guitar that will remind you of Elvin Bishop’s “Stealing Watermelons”.

Overall, Costello’s music is mostly soul based blues/rock. Although he has his influences, his music is original both in style and composition. He had become a prolific songwriter and was destined to be a household name in blues circles. It is a shame this is his last release, because he was maturing and growing a base of fans.