| Bleeding Heart Records (2001)
Debut CD from Johnny Cuomo.
From the Statesman Editor:
Cuomo's musical style has flourished into one that has fused modern folk rock with an innovative Irish twist. If a comparison is necessary, imagine David Gray singing a Bob Dylan tune. Being the consummate musician that he is, Cuomo is not the type of entertainer that will stand in front of a microphone strumming out aimless chords on an acoustic guitar. He constantly aims to dazzle by showing off his other musical exploits. For instance, Cuomo plays bass guitar, harmonica, tenor banjo, Irish flute, and mandolin. Pretty impressive, to say the least. With percussionist Jerry Arias keeping the beat, There and Back Again artfully showcases Cuomo's diverse influences and talents, providing listeners with a ground-breakingly unique musical experience.
The disc opens with the enchanting track "Half Time." The initial parade of drums eases the listener into a moody guitar that establishes an aquatic, sea-faring feel. The melody is addictive in its impressive blending of high and low tones, foreshadowing an artist who plays beyond his years. The title track, "There and Back Again," is the only one of its kind on the album, offering a more hardcore taste of traditional cheery Irish beats. It truly makes one wish Michael Flatley would jump out and do an Irish step dance to it. "Fear the Nightshift," on the other hand, takes a more folksy twist allowing Cuomo's inimitable vocals to shine alone. The acoustic guitar and snare drum combination has a glaring effect creating the insatiable urge to bob one's head along with the beat. Cuomo's short but sweet harmonica solo modestly adds another textured layer to the song. The discs featured track seems to be the fascinating "Modern Waste," which has more of a Brit rock sound reminiscent of Oasis or even the Beatles. The song marks a level of musical and lyrical maturity that signifies Cuomo's worthiness of being a household name. The pulsating choral arrangement exposes the catchiness of the tune and the reality of the lyrics.
If you are tired of hearing songs on the radio that all seem to sound the same, your cure may lie in Long Island's own multitalented singer/songwriter, Johnny Cuomo. Now, fresh off the release of his debut CD There and Back Again, Cuomo's popularity is rising faster than the stepping in Lord of the Dance.
Local Musician Releases Debut CD
By Ryan Sobel
Statesman Editor
Track Listing:
1-Half Time
2-Modern Waste
3-There & Back Again
4-Fear the Nightshift
5-E. 63rd Street Blues
6-Outcome Obvious
7-Lords of Long Island
Johnny Cuomo:guitar, vocals, bass, mandolin, harmonia
Jerry Artas:drums & percussion
Lisa Cuomo:bass (tracks 2, 4, 6, 7)
Mary-Kate Flanagan: harmony vocal (track 10)
Andy Fox: piano (track 2)
Jay Sorrentino: percussion (track 1, 6)
All songs written by Johnny Cuomo
Produced by: Cuomo, Sorrentino
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