Album Notes

Paradiddle Records is pleased to continue its fruitful relationship with the talented Johnny Cuomo. Paradiddle Records has just recently released a new disc of original Cuomo music in the anticipated American Idle. 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 has also contributed nicely to Paradiddle Records May 2006 release of Dylan Uncovered, with his version 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 & penny whistle.

Johnny Cuomo has a rich past in the music business. Most recently he performed at the IMAC Theater, in Huntington, NY, as a featured act in the Bob Dylan Uncovered CD Concert. From there he performed in Patchogue, NY, on the same bill as Paradiddle Artist Drew Olsen, in the "Live in the Lobby" series in the Patchogue Theater. Cuomo was so well receive that this performance set a new attendance record for this venue! Yet another Cuomo accomplishment!

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 instrumentals 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.

We, at Paradiddle Records, are pleased to offer Johnny Cuomo's music as a solo artist and in assembly with talent of similar character. Please contact us so we might share with you what we, and his many fans, have enjoyed for so long.