Costello can adjust his approach for whatever the song calls for. He gets gritty singing on "Anytime You Want," with a pretty Bloomfield-like guitar riff and an organ providing just a dash of soul.
"Same Old Game" is a funky rocker early-seventies style replete with a Charlie Watts rhythm. "Can't Let Go" is the melodic highlight of the CD, sounding like Hinton at his best. On it, Costello provides not one, but two short but sizzling solos.
"Hard Luck Woman" is blues-rock take on a prison work song with some stinging Billy Gibbons riffing. "How In The Devil" applies Howlin' Wolf vocal phrasing to no-nonsense hard-hitting electric blues.
"Told Me A Lie" shows off the fruits of working with Levon Helm in the gospel blues scene, utilizing a tuba for a blues dirge in true The Band fashion and employing a country gospel backing chorus on the refrain. Speaking of Helm, like the ol' singing drummer did for his Dirt Farmer CD last year, Costello likewise covers the traditional light waltz "Little Birds." In this rendition, Sean's shimmering guitar and weeping slide colors the song in a way that makes the song sound altogether different.
Costello's affinity for gospel continues on the album's only other traditional cover, a deeply soulful take on "Going Home."
There have been a lot of newcomers to the blues scene over the last ten or fifteen years, but few have given more reason to be excited about the future of the blues than Sean Costello. He's a completely developed package revitalizing the genre using more than a dozen years of experience most blues players don't get in a lifetime. And he's not even thirty yet. If he is this good on We Can Get Together it's scary to think how good he'll be by the time he finally hits that milestone birthday.
Photo by John Morris
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Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
after listen to some samples, i think that this record would be right up mr. hathaway's alley.
dontcha think?
2 - Pico
Without a doubt.
3 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites and Boston.com.
4 - Pico
Thanks, Connie!
5 - Kim -Donalds sister in LA
I am so so sad to hear about the loss of such a fine and talented musician. Sean was a part of our family and may never have known what that meant to us. We will always love you Sean, and will miss you deeply!!!
6 - Pico
Oh my God...
RIP Sean Costello
Thanks for the heads up, Kim. What a huge loss in the blues world. This kid was going to make some big waves.
7 - A Blues Guy
I have heard speculation on Mr Costello's passing.
Were me I'd put it out so other people with addictions can learn and see what the only outcome is. You will never be great on the sh$%. Only think you are. Attention Disorder didn't kill him.
We all hate to loose loved ones. I have seen high schools hold a school meeting at the football field and bring in the mangled car where a bunch of drunk teenagers killed themselves. If it save but one life then its worth it all. At least they didn't die in vain. In any event. Mr Costello could have been one of the best but the sh#% got him. I could be wrong. If so I totally apologize. Please delete this if you find it out of place.