The John "Scooch" Cugno Band

Earlier that day, I had corresponded with John Cugno of Scooch Cugno's Delta 88 Revival. He is familiar with my web site healingpowerofblues.com. We discussed a book I mentioned there: "Your Brain On Music". The bass player of this band along with John read things like that. They took control of our brains and hearts next. The first song they performed was a Kim Wilson song, and the dance floor was being used within three seconds. Then they sang "Big Boss Man". The third song was about someone who talked the talk, but did not walk the walk (an original). Harmonica player Jim Brauneis harped the harp on this one with 100% commitment. The vocals and guitar of John Cugno, the bass of Martin Sherry, and the drumming of Scott Nordel all walked the walk on this one, and all other songs of the night. The harmonica impressed me a lot on "Down Home Blues". This band performs "Walking Blues" as well as anyone I have ever heard. If Robert Johnson came back from the dead to observe this, I'm sure he'd stare in amazment saying "I didn't know my song could sound that great". They did a rendition of "Little Red Rooster" that would have pleased Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters as a last song of the night. I encourage everyone to catch them at places like the Highway 99 blues club (Seattle) where they perform often. If you are a club owner wondering what band to book next, I suggest you consider calling them now. Get these guys on speed dial. This band has three guys who sing well and they harmonize as well as anyone. They are masters at cranking up the volume and then slowly fading away to a whisper in a way that has a beautiful as well as powerful effect. I was impressed. I'd highly recommend a CD from John Scooch Cugno and Delta 88 Revival for whatever ails ya. By Robert Horn the Washington Blues Society - Washington Blues Society

We have received as a cd the last peice of work from singer/songwriter and guitarist John "Scooch" Cugno, with 15 excellent songs all inspired on the music known as "Americana" and Blues. Obviously blues influences are present in almost all tunes, which are Cugno's compositions,except the covers he plays such as Albert King's "As The Years Go Passin By" Robert Johnson's "Walkin Blues" and RL Burnside"s version of "Catfish Blues" Arrangements have been carefully crafted in Cugno's own tunes. Special instruments
like flute,conga or clarinet add a touch of elegant taste and sensibility to give a high musical creativity and expression. All musicians do a very professional performance,together with John's playing give as a final result an honest well built cd. "GREAT"

Translated from the Spanish review of "Nothin' Easy" Scooch's second cd. - Barcellona Spain

I'm sittin here at work (shhh....don't tell my boss!) listening to a cd by a musician that we heard a couple of weeks ago at the Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor,WA :"Blues Survivor" by John "Scooch" Cugno. GREAT blues music, nice guitar and harmonica, great drumming (also by Scooch) and cool horn section led by Phil Garonzik. Check him out at www.scooch.net or listen to Jubilee Train. We'll be adding his music to our playlist. He'll be back in town on November 11 so plan to go down to the Tides, have a tall refreshing beverage of your choice (In moderation please!!!) and step out onto the dance floor with this solo artist! A good time will be had by all!

Peace...... - Susan Johnson Sept 14th 2006

" The second review is "Blues Survivor" from singer,songwriter,guitarist,drummer and harp player (I Know!)John Scooch Cugno, the heart of Delta 88 Revival.The album is recorded with sax help from his duo and band partner, Phil Garonzik- who is also part owner of the Blues Bouquet nightclub here in Boise. Present are Fat John Nemeth, Ken Harris, Don Cunningham and Tom McMeekam. A very solid set of blues including Scooch's originals, "Talk The Talk" "Blues Bouquet" and "Idaho Potholes" The album is very well assembled and well recorded. It's a must for any fans of the local blues scene. - The Boise Weekly 2001

JOhn,
We have three versions of "Smokestack Lightnin" that we use to open the show. Howlin' Wolf, Lucky Peterson and you! Hence, you have become imortal.....and a member of the Smokestack Team as well...Thankyou!!!

Tommy Thompson
WUCF radio
Orlando FL - Smokestack Lightnin Radio show WUCF Orlando FL

JOhn (Scooch) Cugno

Cugno does it all with a little help from his friends on this self produced mix of originals and blues covers,providing all the vocals and some harp,some guitar and all drumming..Nice Job Scooch! - Blues Access winter 2001

John Scooch Cugno, a drummer who plays harp and guitar, leads "Blues Survivor" (self release) a very well arranged effort. "Mean Little Woman" is a bracing country stomp, and "Idaho Potholes" offers politcal commentary that will strike targets across the land. Cugno's "Depend On You" a pleasant little Dylanesque ballad,might be the best thing here. Phil Garonzik's saxophone is a strong presence. - December 2002