Just a day from turning 29 at the time of his passing in 2008, Costello's fatality was ruled an accidental drug overdose. He played in Susan Tedeschi's band in the 1990s and contributed to Jenni Muldaur's terrific Dearest Darlin' album (eventually released in 2009) while turning out some first class records of his own. His new, posthumous live set is only the second album of his I've heard.
Sean Costello at his Best--Live! (Landslide Records) was issued in December and although the sound quality is not for audiophiles, bluesophiles will love it. Sharp, tight guitar playing abounds as the Atlanta resident covers everything from Magic Sam to Little Richard with abandon--there are a ton of searing fills and leads. His singing might be an acquired taste, but it's quite soulful, and fellow musicians often noted how Costello could be a sympathetic ensemble player on one tune and then turn around and make your hair stand on end on the next. Or do both in the same performance. Sean Costello continues to define what passionate music is all about, even after the fact.
Let's make wise choices and live to our fullest potential.