Sean Costello Sean's Blues CD

Sean Costello is a brand name to blues aficionados. He died tragically in 2008, on the eve of his 29th birthday, just when it began to look as though his star was finally breaking into the masses. Costello's knowledge of blues and jazz--especially jump and swing jazz--was encyclopedic. This compilation collects tracks from all of three of his albums recorded between 1996 and 2002, but the majority of this 20-track set is unreleased, with smoking live cuts recorded in Chicago and Marquette, Michigan. There is some unreleased studio gems recorded in his hometown of Atlanta as well. Costello's best-known band featured harmonica man Paul Linden (who also doubled on piano), organist and pianist Matt Wauchope, bassist Melvin Zachary, and drummer Terrence Prather. These players appear on the majority of these cuts, though there are some guest spots, including a few tracks with Matt Sickles playing upright bass and guitarist and vocalist Susan Tedeschi. Pulling out specific cuts here is pointless because, as a collection, it's outstanding from top to bottom. Compiled (mostly) chronologically by Michael Rothschild and Jeff Bakos, this portrait of Costello accomplishes what it is supposed to: not only showcasing a tremendous artist who was in full command of his gifts, but reminding us of what we lost when he passed away.

Recording information: Atlanta, GA (1998-2002); Chicago, IL (1998-2002); Marquette, MI (1998-2002).

Photographers: Dick Waterman; Jerry Tobias; Flournoy Holmes; Michael Rothschild.

Arranger: Sean Costello.

Personnel: Sean Costello (vocals, guitar); Susan Tedeschi (vocals); Paul Linden (harmonica, piano); Matt Wauchope (piano, organ); Matt Wauchope (organ); Dave Roth (upright bass); Terrence Prather, Tim Gunther, Terrence Prather (drums).

Liner Note Author: Michael Rothschild.