Sean Costello, the prodigious American blues musician, left an indelible mark on the blues scene with his fiery guitar prowess and soulful vocals. Born on April 16, 1979, his remarkable journey was tragically cut short by a drug overdose just a day before his 29th birthday in 2008.
Costello's impact on the blues genre and his versatile career are celebrated in this retrospective, offering a glimpse into the life of a talent taken too soon.
Costello's musical journey began at an early age, mastering traditional blues guitar while still in high school. Born in Philadelphia and later moving to Atlanta at the age of nine, his passion for the blues was ignited when he purchased Howlin’ Wolf's 'Rockin' Chair Album.' At the tender age of 14, Costello won a talent contest in Memphis, signaling the start of his remarkable career. By 16, he had recorded his debut album, "Call the Cops" (1996), displaying a flawless command of 1950s blues guitar.
Notably, Costello's guitar work on Susan Tedeschi's gold-selling album, "Just Won't Burn" (1998), brought him national exposure, leading to a tour as Tedeschi's backing guitarist. His second album, "Cuttin’ In" (2000), earned a W. C. Handy Award nomination for Best New Artist Debut. The subsequent releases, "Moanin’ For Molasses," and the self-titled "Sean Costello" showcased his soulful voice and ability to seamlessly blend blues, R&B, and soul.
A prolific live performer, Costello played over 300 shows annually, sharing the stage with legends like B. B. King, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, and Hubert Sumlin. His performances were marked by a guitar style that combined technical brilliance with emotional depth. Richard Rosenblatt, former President of Tone-Cool Records, praised Costello's ability to "work the tone and phrasing," creating an atmosphere that was both daring and perfect.
As his career progressed, Costello's influences expanded beyond traditional blues. His encounter with Americana musician Levon Helm prompted a shift towards eclecticism. Helm's diverse repertoire inspired Costello to explore beyond the confines of blues, as evident in his fourth album, "Sean Costello" (2005). Departing from his earlier blues-centric work, this album embraced an eclectic setlist with arrangements leaning more towards Memphis soul than Chicago blues.
In 2007, Costello's guitar work on Nappy Brown's "Long Time Coming" earned critical acclaim. The following year saw the release of what would be his final album, "We Can Get Together." Heralded as some of his best work, the album earned Costello two Blues Music Award nominations. Described as "incendiary," "searing," and "blistering red hot," his guitar playing on this record showcased an artist hitting his peak.
Sean Costello's tragic accidental death on April 15, 2008, was attributed to combined drug intoxication. The posthumous release, "Sean's Blues: A Memorial Retrospective" (2009), served as a testament to his enduring legacy. His family, acknowledging his struggle with bipolar disorder, established the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research.
The discography spanning his solo releases and guest appearances underscores the breadth of Costello's musical contributions. From his early mastery of blues guitar to the exploration of diverse genres, Sean Costello's impact on the blues and beyond is a testament to his enduring talent and the untold potential lost with his premature departure. Inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2014, his memory lives on through the timeless resonance of his music.
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