You can download this CD by ordering the downloadable format (it's cheaper than I-Tunes!).
Paradiddle Records (2007)
American Idle, features Johnny Cuomo on guitar, mandolin and vocals, and Dan Lowery on guitar and vocals. Johnny unveils some great new songs played in his unique style. When you listen to American Idle it sounds like Johnny and Dan are playing right there in your living room. From the opening track "Try, Try, Try" all the way through to "Songs from Paul" Johnny's vocals lure the listener in to share Johnny's stories and his view of the world around him. Dan Lowery's guitar adds just the right amount of complexity to the songs without moving the music away from its roots: A thoroughly enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
American Idle is a clever, and introspective, collection of music that both entertains and begs the listener to look a little deeper into what we might call 'the stuff around us.' You could not expect anything less with a disc title that plays parody on the wildly popular musical talent show 'American Idol.'
Cuomo can also be found on Paradiddle Record's May 2006 release of Bob Dylan Uncovered, with his captivating rendition of 'Boots of Spanish Leather' and the November 2006 release of Happy Holidays from Paradiddle Records, with his Irish flavored acoustic version of 'Silent Night' on guitar and penny whistle. He has also released a CD of Children's stories and music, Storysongs, also available from Paradiddle Records.
As you begin to explore the Cuomo collection you will hear influences not commonly heard in most performers. He initially began his public musical career as the front man and guitarist for Voice of the Turtle: a successful rock band that played such well known venues as CBGB. The band's CD As Is Live did quite well as an independently released disc. His venture into traditional Irish music proved very successful both here and abroad. Cuomo was a celebrated act in major venues in Ireland, most notably the city of Dublin itself! He was a featured act and billed with such notables as Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel and Dublin's own well known band 'Whirlygig'. In the recent past, Cuomo has taken a more focused, personal perspective to his music performing solo or, with select accompaniment, as with Don Lowery on American Idle.
Johnny Cuomo continues to be an enjoyable musician and venerable talent. His melodic and intricate songs stand on their own. His 'Dylanesque' voice follows the tradition of Roger McGuinn and Tom Petty, in capturing the essential emotion of the American musical spirit from its core beginnings to it present considerations. And when you find yourself not listening to, but becoming part of Cuomo's music you will understand why he continues to entertain, and perhaps enthrall, his many fans. Please enjoy what his many fans have enjoyed for so long.
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