PRESS:

"Cuomo plays bass guitar, harmonica, tenor banjo, Irish flute and mandolin. Pretty impressive, to say the least.” STONY BROOK STATESMAN

“Early U2 pre-world consciousness overload, in the fresh styling of the melodies and light vocals.” MUSIC FORUM

“Today, 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.” STONY BROOK STATESMAN

“Johnny’s exact expressive voice, strong lyrics and an amazing rootsy/folky sound, are in the best tradition of, let’s say, the early Steve Forbet.” Ray Pieters, Radio MILO, Belgium

Local Musician Releases Debut CD
By Ryan Sobel,
Statesman Editor

On Sunday, September 23, the quaint Espresso Café in the Stony Brook Borders Books and Music was magically transformed and jam-packed for a rock and roll celebration. The celebration was in honor of 27-year-old singer/songwriter Johnny Cuomo, a local musical phenom who was promoting the release of his debut effort, There and Back Again. What, you have never heard of him? Oh, believe me, you will. In fact, Cuomo already has a substantial backing of family and friends that are determined to get him his deserved recognition. The new CD serves not only as a professional step forward for his career, but also a testament to the all the hard work Cuomo feeds into his music. After realizing his true passion for music in his late teens, Cuomo he began to hone his skills as a lead singer and guitarist for the rock band Voice of the Turtle.

During his college years in Maynooth College in Ireland, however, Cuomo was highly influenced by a more traditional Irish sound. He formed the band Gallowglass, which focused mainly on his desire to explore traditional Irish music. Today, 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 he 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.

Liffey Champion
Saturday, February 9, 2002
Johnny Cuomo's Irish influences continue to grow

Johnny Cuomo, the former student at NUI Maynooth, is planning a trip back to Dublin in April to "probably" do a show at The Cobblestone.

Meanwhile, fans of the 27-year-old American's original acoustic folk/rock music can key in free sample of three tracks from his CD "There & Back Again" on the internet at mp3.com.

Cuomo,as one half of an American duo, once took part in the annual Glenroyal Talent Contest in Maynooth.

Cuomo, a singer/songwriter from Long Island, was in Dublin in December and recalls the visit on his website (www.johnnycuomo.com) as a "complete success".

"I had the pleasure of playing to a crowd of 350, extremely receptive listeners at the Vicar Street venue in Dublin", states the singer.

"During the week I did a double bill with an unbelievable musician from down under, (OZ) by the name of Tommy Emmanuel.

"We performed to a full house that night at an amazing venue known as The Cobblestones. Guest appearances by members of Whirlygig made for a wonderful night of music and drink!

"I spent my nights in Dublin playing everywhere I could find musicians!...A wonderful mix of Irish, European, and American styles were combined within original and traditional compositions...more gigs on the way for Ireland in the future."

Cuomo, once the lead singer and guitarist with a rock band entitled "Voice of the Turtle", was greatly influenced by the traditional Irish sound while studying at Maynooth.

Indeed he formed a band called "Gallowglass" and according to one reviewer, his musical style has "flourished into one that has fused modern folk rock with an innovative Irish twist.

He is a consummate musician who plays bass guitar, harmonica, tenor banjo, Irish flute, and mandolin.

NUI Maynooth's adopted son, American siger and songwrite, Johny Cuomo, paid a welcome return visit to the University on Tuesday last week(16th).

There, the 27-year-old New Yorker entertained a lerge nuber of third level students with his original acoustic folk/rock music.

Johnny and his band for the night, compromising of his sister, Lisa and Paddy Lawless of Dublin band, Whirlygig, played many of Johnny's own songs and added in a traditional Irish session as well.

Having played numerous gigs in the college bar while he studied for six months in NUI Maynooth back in 1998, many fresh faces and planty of old friends turned out for his special return gig.

Johnny, who is from Long Island, is now cracking into the Irish music scene, having already played many gigs in Dublin city including nights in The Cobblestone in Smithfield, Vicar Street and Whelan's own Wexford Street.

And with his regular weekly gigs in New York City in a small, intimate venue called The Living Room and an Irish Pub called O'Neil's, he has now established himseld as a full-time musician.

"I also travel to colleges around the States playing gigs but I do love coming back to Ireland," said Cuomo, who arrived the previous Wednesday(10th) and stayed until last Friday (19th).

"Since I got here last week, I've spent time in catching up with old college friends in Lough Corrib.

"I also love going to Glendalough in Wicklow where the scenery is absolutely stunning!

"So far, since 1998, I have been back here in Ireland eight times!"

His love for Irish music extends back over eight years ago when he discovered the music style while living in the US.

But to become more intimate with Irish music, he said he just had to come over to Ireland.

"I just had to come over to Ireland to get a proper taste of Irish music," he said.

"And then getting the chance to study the 'Irish Studies' programme in NUI Maynooth made it even better as I managed to stay here for six months."

Contest
Cuomo was also one half of a duo who took part in the Glenroyal Talent Contest several years ago and made it into the final before having to forfeit.

"What had happened was that I had booked a holiday to Italy before we e ven took part in the talent contest," he said.

"Then, when we found out that we had made it into the final I had to make a decision to forfeit as I really did want to do some travelling.

"But we didn't mind not taking part and, without sounding big-headed, we could've won the contest too!"

Cuomo released his first CD entitled 'There & Back Again' in New York last October and sales are going 'slowly but surely'.

"The CD is going well since it was released last October and now, with the website up and running, people can keep up to date with what is happening."

Cuomo's influences for his music not only come from the trad Irish scene but also from the 60's.

He said: "60's music really influences me and 90% of the stuff I play in gigs is my own lyrics and music.

"I do play the odd cover of trad Irish songs and people have described some of my music as 'Bob Dylan-David Grey-style' - a great compliment for any musician to be given."

Cuomo not only sings and writes his own music, he also plays the guitar, harmonica, Irish flute, banjo, and mandolin.

But, he admits, he cannot read music.

"I play all my musci by ear because I can't, I admit, read music!"

And will we be hearing and seeing more of New Yorker Cuomo in Ireland?

"Definitely!" The only way I can get accepted on the Irish music scene is to keep coming over here and trying to arrange gigs in Dublin city venues such as The Cobblestone, Vicar Street and Whelan's and wherever else I can get gigs."

And it will not be long before Cuomo is back on the music scene in Ireland as there will be many more gigs lined up for future nights.

A talented musician to watch out for!