Sean Costello – Moanin’ For Molasses

Moanin' For Molasses
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Moanin' For Molasses

I really enjoyed Sean’s last album, Cuttin’ In, and this one is just as likeable. He’s young, but man, he knows the blues. Both his singing and his guitar playing reek of soul. His playing shows hints of influences, but he’s always his own guy. The sound is authentic, but never dated. It’s fresh and new and full of soul.

The title cut opens things with burning guitar and killer B-3. It’s an instrumental that might feel at home on an Allman Brothers live album. Then, not surprisingly, it morphs into “You’re Killing My Love,” a slow blues that features Costello’s big, fat tone on a solo that showcases his vibrato and bends. That cut, by the way, is an old Bloomfield tune, and Costello shines on stuff that comes from that era. Check out “No Lie,” which features killer tone, and really cooks. There’s some nice soul ballad work here, too, on cuts like “I Want You So Bad.” “One Kiss” is a Chicago-style blues that has some nasty guitar and harp by Paul Linden. “You Can’t Win with a Losing Hand” is a horn-driven R&B pumper that would keep a dance floor churning.

Throughout this very diverse CD, Costello plays his heart out. And vocally, he is full of soul – and he’s growing.

This is a real treat. You’ll have Sean around for awhile. If he stops at your town, check him out. I guarantee it’ll be worth your time.



This article originally appeared in VG‘s Oct. ’01 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.

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