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Sean
Costello
{1/25/05 | Tone-Cool Records / Artemis Records}
Sean
Costello’s self-titled CD features Costello
on lead vocals and guitar, backed by his band
with notable guests including Levon Helm, Willie
Weeks, Steve Jordan, the Conan O’Brien
Horn Section, and Ollabelle.
This
marks the 4th release for the 25-year-old Atlanta
bluesman Sean Costello. We get 13 tracks; some
songs originally by Al Green, Johnny Taylor,
Johnny "Guitar" Watson and Bob Dylan.
The CD also contains seven originals including
the single "No Half Steppin'" which
highlights Costello's soulful vocals and guitar
craftsmanship.
1.
No Half Steppin’ –
good bass lines, Hammond, smooth R&B’esque
vocals and less dominant guitar. Good song.
2. I’m A Ram –
raspy vocals with backing horns and bits of
guitar.
3. She Changed My Mind –
gospel sounding backing vocals, musically a
solid tune.
4. Hold On This Time –
an excellent track, I liked the Motown vocal
and bass feel to it. The Hammond solo was right
on.
5. Simple Twist Of Fate –
a slow bluesy take on Dylan’s song. It
was done well, very well. The guitar parts were
mighty fine.
6. I’ve Got To Ride –
this had a riverboat feel with harmonica, high
keys. So this proves the age old question, can
Atlanta bluesmen play St. Louie blues –
yes.
7. Take It Easy – a bluesy
mellow lounge song with vocals reaping of soul
and emotion.
8. Peace Of Mind – harder,
more distorted guitar playing than other songs
with organ playin’ throughout. Excellent
harp solo.
9. Father – a tad bit
of southern rock/blues flair to it.
10. All I Can Do – very
slow and mellow, not a blues tune, more of a
30’s or 40’s piano bar tune. Enjoyable
song, good vocals, different direction than
majority of CD.
11. Big Road Blues –
what a major contrast over prior song, this
song is grungier delta like traditional blues.
12. I Get A Feeling –
horns, organ blues with duet vocals at parts,
good guitar.
13. Don’t Pass Me By
– I liked this song the best, is there
such thing as blues-slow rock-pop?
This
cat is good. I would imagine his popularity
is growing regionally and at the footsteps of
nationally. Don’t write Sean Costello,
he is an up and comer in the blues scene. Now
to the CD, I enjoyed it. I’d recommend
it. Rating. 4.375.
Ciao’
for now, peace.
Cornbread
Cornbread@stlblues.net
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