Biography

Landslide Records is proud to present DON’T PASS ME BY, a tribute to the original songs of Sean Costello. Lovingly donated by an exceptional group of blues artists for the benefit of The Sean Costello Memorial Fund, established after his passing in 2008 at the young age of 29, the album brings Costello’s songwriting talents to the forefront. Among the notable recording artists are the North Mississippi All-Stars, Oliver Wood (The Wood Brothers), Amy Helm, Bob Margolin and Candye Kane. Produced by Jon Justice and Dave Gross, the album features all previously unreleased recordings in a remarkable array of 15 distinctive performances that enhance Sean’s well known abilities as an influential blues singer and powerful guitarist.

Don’t Pass Me By represents several years of work by Justice and Gross, who were able to connect performers who knew and played frequently with Sean with those who didn’t know Sean but who remain heavily influenced by his powerful artistic voice. This record celebrates that voice. The artists chose their favorite of Sean’s originals and submitted their recordings. Sean’s deeply original voice echoes and refracts through the community of gathered musicians, each of whom has labored to make their own mark on this great American musical tradition. Sean’s creative voice allows for deeply personal and unique renditions that depart from the original versions he recorded on his own.

Shining stars who opened the doors to their studios include Damien Lewis, Jeff Bakos, Fudge Studios in New Orleans, Philip Wolfe’s Shadow Lane Studios and many musicians’ own home studios. Each of these players supported the vision of the producers. Justice divined the idea and tirelessly worked the phones. The production of the record itself came to life with Dave Gross and his Fat Rabbit Studios. Both gratefully recognize an insider cast of players like drummers Ray Hangen and Mike Bram, harp man Dennis Gruenling, Matt Raymond on bass, Phillip Wolfe at Shadow Link Studios and spiritual advisor Tom Hyslop. Landslide Records has worked with Sean since his first album in 2000, and is pleased to release this powerful tribute to his work.

The production and artists’ performances were donated to benefit The Sean Costello Memorial Fund to Benefit Bipolar Research.